Local Pipeline Protections Stymied by Bill Passed in Tennessee

A Tennessee bill that would cut the ability of cities and towns to stop oil and gas pipelines is headed to the desk of Gov. Bill Lee (R), who is expected to sign it.

The bill, S.B. 2077/H.B. 2246, would make local governments surrender considerable authority to the state over pipelines. Environmental advocates and some local officials said they fear the legislation could permit fossil fuel companies to build in disregard of certain regional rules.

The state House voted 68-25 Monday evening, following an earlier Senate vote of 22-7.

The Tennessee pipeline preemption bill followed the cancellation of the ...