NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, on Monday passed legislation to ensure state rules and regulations protect the health and safety of Tennesseans without infringing on their freedoms. The Sound Science in Regulations Act ensures that state regulatory actions relating to drinking water, water pollution control, contaminated site remediation, air quality and […]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, on Monday passed legislation to ensure state rules and regulations protect the health and safety of Tennesseans without infringing on their freedoms.
The Sound Science in Regulations Act ensures that state regulatory actions relating to drinking water, water pollution control, contaminated site remediation, air quality and solid or hazardous waste are based on the best available science.
“Tennesseans should be confident that all rules and regulations passed by state agencies will protect their health and well-being,” Todd said. “The Sound Science in Regulations Act is really a common-sense approach that gives Tennessee families the peace of mind they deserve while allowing our state to continue promoting the highest possible quality of life. This legislation will help safeguard the Volunteer State’s abundant natural resources, and I’m grateful to my Republican colleagues for passionately supporting the preservation of clean air and drinking water.”
House Bill 896 prohibits agencies from adopting rules establishing numeric limitations on contaminants, pollutants, hazardous substances, and solid or hazardous waste relating to certain environmental controls unless it is based on the best available science. Additionally, data must establish a direct link to bodily harm to be used to establish limits and would only apply to proposed rules more stringent than existing federal regulations, according to the legislation.
The bill defines best available science as reliable and unbiased, using supporting, peer-reviewed studies, among other criteria.
House Bill 896 applies to agency rules, not including the Tennessee Department of Health or Tennessee Department of Agriculture, adopted on or after July 1, 2025. It does not apply to federally required rules or certain emergency rules.
Scientists and legitimate academic journals in recent years have warned about a rise in “predatory journals,” a deceptive practice in which journals publish work for fees without peer review or editorial services, according to the Toxicology Pathology academic journal. Those could then be cited as support for onerous regulations on a state level.
The Sound Science in Regulations Act now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Todd has also proposed legislation to lower the allowable levels of fluoride in Tennessee drinking water in the 114th General Assembly. United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday revealed plans to have the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stop recommending fluoride in drinking water, according to the Associated Press.
State Rep. Chris Todd represents House District 73, which includes most of Madison County. He is chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.