I know… snooze city.  But there is some really useful information in these hearings. 

Did you know that TDEC’s total budget is $334.5 million dollars? Or that 23% comes from the general fund, 21% comes from the feds as pass through to programs that TDEC administers and the remaining 56% comes from fees for permits and parks concessions.  Me neither!

It looks like 6 swimming pools will be on the chopping block. But they will be replaced with splash pools. Not quite sure what a splash pool is.

Around $75 million go to local governments for drinking water and sewage water programs.

The first tier of reductions are those positions that deal with new sewage treatment plant permits.  Since development has taken a dive in recent years, those folks have little to do.

The second tier of cuts will be for abandoned mine reclamation, stream restoration and historic commission funding.  That’s too bad.  There are a number of abandoned mines and streams that need to be restored.

Parks are doing well. For every dollar invested the state makes $17.

Seems Commissioner Martineau understands that environmental programs need to be protected because there are federal monies and requirements attached to them.

Ok, maybe this is a snooze fest.

2011 is shaping up to be a year of firsts: first woman to lead the state House of Representatives as Speaker, first time the House, Senate and Governor are from the same political party.  What does this mean for environmental work in Tennessee. Good question!  I don’t know.  Sorry.

As we look at the committee structures, many pro-environment legislators are still working on the environmental committees.  That’s a good thing!  The TDOT and TDEC Commissioner appointments look satisfactory from here.  Rumor has it that long time TDEC employees may be looking towards retirement.  So we may see a number of new faces and changes taking place at the state level.

Commissioner Schroer of TDOT

Commissioner Martineau of TDEC

Budget constraints are worrisome.  Tennessee faces some difficult financial challenges ahead and often its the environmental departments that get the axe.  Caution should be exercised here as too deep cuts may jeopardize federal funding.

The Session has not started and so its too early to say what will or will not happen.  TCWN will be watching committees and reporting to you on Twitter, so follow us there.

RvH

A Blountville family stopped drinking their spring water 30 years ago when it started coming out of the faucet red.  A landfill opened about 500 feet from their land shortly before the water turned.  Testing has confirmed the water does not meet safe drinking water standards, but why it’s contaminated can’t be determined.  On top of that, another landfill is proposed by another spring just 500 feet from the property.  Check out the full story here.

Last week EPA officially denied a controversial mountaintop removal mine permit in West Virginia based upon “several major environmental and water quality concerns.”  This denial came in the form of EPA’s rarely used veto power.  This is an incredible victory for local and regional efforts to protect our water quality and natural resources from the destructive practices of mountaintop removal mining.  Check out the full story here.

Well, the legislature has selected its committees.  Some of our longtime supporters are still on them so that’s a good thing.

Senate Environment, Conservation and Tourism

House Environment and Conservation