Key Takeaways
Tennessee's new “Sound
Science in Regulations Act” sets a precedent for
evidence-based chemical regulation, particularly regarding PFAS,
and may lead to a more complex regulatory landscape as states
continue to adopt varying standards.
State regulatory activity regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl
substances (“PFAS”) continues to be a focus across the
country. A Tennessee law that will become effective on July 1 has
the potential to impact the way PFAS and other chemicals are
regulated. Senate
Bill 880, also referred to as the “Sound Science in
Regulations Act,” prohibits a Tennessee agency from proposing
or finalizing regulations for chemical compounds related to
drinking water, hazardous substances, air quality, and other
environmental areas unless the scientific and technical information
relied upon is the “best available science.” S.B. 880,
113th Gen. Assemb., Reg. Sess. (Tenn. 2023) (enacted as Pub. Ch.
No. 228). While the law covers all
