House Bill 2070, known as the "Tennessee Energy Freedom Act," aims to amend Tennessee Code Annotated by introducing a new chapter that defines key terms and establishes rights related to the exploration and use of fossil fuels, specifically coal, oil, and natural gas. The bill outlines definitions for terms such as "annual emissions baseline," "covered activities," "covered emissions," and "liability." It asserts the right of individuals and companies to engage in covered activities without facing liability for emissions unless they violate federal environmental laws. The bill also emphasizes that liability for covered emissions must be based solely on products within the jurisdiction.
Additionally, the bill provides a process for determining the amount of covered emissions for individuals or companies, allowing them to seek declaratory relief to establish a definitive record of their emissions. It mandates that the Department of Environment and Conservation be named as a defendant in such actions and requires the court to expedite the process. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and includes a severability clause to ensure that if any provision is found invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable.