BSB/1/14
Sponsored by Andrew Murphy, Robin Fickus of Franklin High School
This legislation was filed in the Environment and Conservation category
Presented as part of the YIG Volunteer 2024 conference
| 1 | Whereas, the Great Smoky Mountains, a national treasure located in Tennessee, face significant |
| 2 | environmental challenges due to pollution; and |
| 3 | Whereas, it is the responsibility of the state of Tennessee to protect and preserve the natural |
| 4 | beauty and ecological integrity of the Great Smoky Mountains for current and future generations. |
| 5 | |
| 6 | Section 1: Short Title |
| 7 | This act shall be known as the "Great Smoky Mountains Pollution Reduction Act." |
| 8 | Section 2: Definitions |
| 9 | "Great Smoky Mountains" refers to the national park located in the states of Tennessee and North |
| 10 | Carolina. |
| 11 | "Pollution" refers to any substance or agent introduced into the environment that causes harm or |
| 12 | discomfort to humans or other living organisms. |
| 13 | "Emission" refers to the release of pollutants into the atmosphere. |
| 14 | |
| 15 | Section 3: Pollution Reduction Measures |
| 16 | The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) shall conduct a |
| 17 | comprehensive study on the sources and impacts of pollution in the Great Smoky Mountains. |
| 18 | Based on the findings of the study, TDEC shall develop and implement a Pollution Reduction Plan |
| 19 | aimed at reducing pollution levels in the Great Smoky Mountains. |
| 20 | The Pollution Reduction Plan shall include, but not be limited to, measures to reduce emissions |
| 21 | from industrial facilities, vehicular traffic, agricultural activities, and other sources contributing to |
| 22 | pollution in the region. |
| 23 | TDEC shall collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including local communities, environmental |
| 24 | organizations, and federal agencies, in developing and implementing the Pollution Reduction Plan. |
| 25 | TDEC shall regularly monitor air and water quality in the Great Smoky Mountains to assess the |
| 26 | effectiveness of pollution reduction measures and make necessary adjustments to the Pollution |
| 27 | Reduction Plan. |
| 28 | |
| 29 | Section 4: Public Awareness and Education |
| 30 | TDEC shall develop educational programs and materials to raise public awareness about the |
| 31 | importance of reducing pollution in the Great Smoky Mountains and the role individuals can play in |
| 32 | mitigating environmental impacts. |
| 33 | Educational programs shall be targeted towards schools, community organizations, and visitors to |
| 34 | the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. |
| 35 | |
| 36 | Section 5: Reporting |
| 37 | TDEC shall submit an annual report to the Tennessee General Assembly detailing progress made in |
| 38 | |
| 39 | The report shall include data on air and water quality, emissions levels, and any other relevant |
| 40 | information pertaining to pollution in the Great Smoky Mountains. |
| 41 | |
| 42 | Section 6: Funding |
| 43 | The Tennessee General Assembly shall allocate sufficient funds to TDEC to support the |
| 44 | implementation of the Pollution Reduction Plan and associated activities outlined in this act. |
| 45 | TDEC may also seek federal grants and other sources of funding to supplement state |
| 46 | appropriations for pollution reduction efforts. |
| 47 | |
| 48 | Section 7: Severability |
| 49 | If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the |
| 50 | invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the act that can be given effect without |
| 51 | the invalid provision or application. |
| 52 | |
| 53 | Section 8: Effective Date |
| 54 | This act shall take effect upon passage. |
| 55 | |
| 56 | Conclusion |
| 57 | This bill aims to address the pressing issue of pollution in the Great Smoky Mountains by |
| 58 | implementing comprehensive pollution reduction measures and promoting public awareness and |
| 59 | education. By taking proactive steps to mitigate pollution, Tennessee can fulfill its obligation to |
| 60 | protect and preserve this cherished natural resource for generations to come. |
| 61 |