Tennessee House Bill HB2190

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/26
• Refer: 2/5/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4 and Title 68, relative to climate.

Impact

The bill stipulates the appointment of a Chief Resilience Officer who will oversee the operations of the Office of Resilience, ensuring that all state departments align their strategies with climate resilience objectives. Among the notable elements is the requirement for the development of a statewide resilience plan that prioritizes sustainable practices, and includes extensive public engagement and collaboration among various governmental agencies. The plan will feature assessments of infrastructure vulnerability, focusing not only on immediate action but also on long-term strategies to mitigate risks related to flooding, extreme heat, and other environmental hazards.

Summary

House Bill 2190, titled the 'Climate Resilient Tennessee Act', aims to address the growing concerns regarding climate change and disaster preparedness in Tennessee. The bill establishes the Office of Resilience, directly connected to the governor's office, tasked with formulating a statewide resilience plan. This initiative seeks to create a robust framework for future projects, plans, and programs that integrate long-term climate resilience and risk mitigation methods across the state’s governmental structures. The office’s responsibilities include coordinating resilience efforts, providing technical guidance to local jurisdictions, and tracking progress on statewide climate goals, thereby fostering a cooperative approach to climate adaptation.

Contention

While the bill is largely seen as a progressive step towards environmental stewardship and disaster preparedness, there has been some debate about the level of regulatory authority it grants the state versus local governments. Industry stakeholders and some local officials have expressed concerns that the state's centralized approach might limit local jurisdictions' ability to respond to unique environmental challenges specific to their areas. Critics argue that a blanket plan may not effectively address the diverse needs across different communities in Tennessee, highlighting the importance of local input in crafting effective resilience strategies.