Pushing Back on Exemptions to Aquatic Protections

Jan 15, 2020

Fall foliage on the river

Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s conservation policy team regularly tracks proposals and rule changes by local, state, and national groups. These would otherwise go unchallenged and could have negative impacts on our wildlife and great outdoors.

Last fall, the Federation provided official comments about proposed revisions to the state’s water rules. One would have allowed public road builders to no longer comply with the same environmental review standards as other contractors—risking damage to hundreds of miles of streams and rivers.

The Federation’s comments proved influential and, on August 21, 2019, the Tennessee General Assembly’s Joint Operations Rule Review Committee rejected the proposed aquatic resources alteration permit (ARAP) changes.



Featured photo by Deb Campbell

More From Tennessee Wildlife Federation

2025 General Assembly Preview

2025 General Assembly Preview

Conservation will be a big topic again in the 2025 session of the Tennessee General Assembly. Join our Action Alert email list now to be notified when your voice is needed to speak up for conservation.

read more

Get the latest conservation news and actions to take!