SOCM members and friends have been doing a wonderful job keeping the pressure on our legislators to protect the rights of the people of Tennessee. An addition to a wonderfully successful Lobby Day, members have called, emailed, and written their senators and representatives about SOCM's legislative priorities. There is still nearly a month left in this session so keep up the good work!
The Scenic Vistas Protection Act
After the last legislative session, SOCM joined with community and advocacy groups throughout the state to form a strong coalition to work to pass the Scenic Vistas Protection Act. The Scenic Vistas Protection Act would ban mountaintop removal coal mining on ridgelines above 2,000 feet in Tennessee.
Update- SOCM and partners have been working hard advocating for the Scenic Vistas Protection Act. On February 29th, SVPA passed the Senate Energy and Environment Committee with an amendment that basically "guts" it. On March 12th, the amended bill went to the Senate floor. After an impassioned speech by its sponsor, Senator Eric Stewart, the Senate voted 19-14 to move the vote to April 2nd.
In the meantime, SVPA is making its way through the House of Representatives. The House subcommittee on Conservation and Environment will vote on Tuesday, March 20th.
Action- Call or write to your senator and representative to remind him or her that we want SVPA passed AS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN. We also need Governor Haslam on board. He is quoted as being "neutral." Go to our website (sample letter is provided) to send him an email or call him at 615-741-2001.
Responsible Coal Operators Act of 2012
The Responsible Coal Operators Act of 2012 authorizes the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) to consider past practices when deciding whether to issue, renew or deny a permit for a coal mine.
Update- The Senate Energy and Environment Committee postponed hearing the Responsible Coal Operators Act from March 14th to March 21st. The House subcommittee on Conservation and Environment is scheduled to hear it on March 20th.
Action- Call and email the Senate Energy and Environment Committee members and the House Conservation and Environment subcommittee members encouraging passage of the bill out of committee THIS year!
The Sewanee Prohibition Bill
The Office of Surface Mining (OSM) has issued multiple exploratory drilling permits in the Sewanee coal seam area and members fear this could lead to the Lands Unsuitable for Mining (LUM) designation being overturned.
Update- This has not been added to the calendar yet.
Action- There is no specific action to be taken at this time. Keep an eye on our legislative page for updates.
The English-Only Driving Exam Bills
The English-only Driver License Exam Bills would narrow the language options on the state's written portion of the driver license exam from four (English, Japanese, Korean, Spanish) to just English.
Update- House Bill 2721 has been placed on the calendar for the Transportation subcommittee on March 20th. There is no action in the Senate.
Action- Tell your representative that Tennessee needs measures that will attract investors, not drive jobs away and violate the civil rights of Tennesseans. Keep an eye on our legislative page for updates.