Senate Joint Resolution 153, sponsored by Yager, recognizes March 2023 as Tennessee Litter Awareness Month. This resolution highlights the efforts of the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and its Litter Grant Program, which has been operational since 1983. The program has successfully removed an average of 11,700 tons of litter annually, totaling approximately 450,000 tons over its thirty-nine-year history. Additionally, the resolution acknowledges the role of Keep Tennessee Beautiful, which is funded by the TDOT Litter Grant Program, in promoting litter prevention education and community beautification efforts.
The resolution emphasizes the importance of ongoing litter prevention and cleanup initiatives for public health, safety, and environmental conservation. It notes that TDOT spends over $23 million each year on litter management and has significantly reduced roadside litter since 2006. March is designated as a month to focus on various aspects of litter management, including pickup, education, enforcement, and the cleanup of waterways, culminating in the celebration of the fortieth anniversaries of both the TDOT Litter Grant Program and Keep Tennessee Beautiful.