On January 8, 2025, our Tennessee Chapter distributed the Sierra Club Calendar to the offices of all State Representatives and Senators. The calendar was accompanied by a letter emphasizing two of the chapter's top legislative priorities for the session: Wetlands Protection and the Waste to Jobs Act. This the post includes the text of the letter below along with links to resources for each initiative.
Wetlands: What You Don’t Know And Why It Matters
This article by Senator Bill Frist presents a compelling case for the protection of all types of wetlands.
This Recycling Resources article highlights the important Tennessee focussed revisions to TWRRA legislation for this session.
Dear Legislators,
John Muir, the founder of the Sierra Club, once marveled at the breathtaking landscapes of Tennessee during his Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf. As Tennesseans, this admiration comes as no surprise. From the Mississippi River to the majestic mountains, our state boasts natural beauty that rivals any other.
As you flip through the images in our 2025 Sierra Club calendar, which celebrate the pristine beauty across our nation, we invite you to reflect on how we can maintain Tennessee’s air, water, and wild places in their awe-inspiring state. Preserving these resources is crucial, not only for the enjoyment of our neighbors and visitors but also for sustaining economic opportunities and enhancing our quality of life.
This session, Sierra Club Tennessee proudly supports the TN Waste to Jobs Act. This initiative addresses our landfill crisis by creating over 7,500 jobs and recovering valuable materials needed by businesses operating right here in Tennessee. It’s a practical solution that merges environmental responsibility with economic growth, delivering an estimated $300 million for recycling infrastructure across the state.
Additionally, we are committed to safeguarding our wetlands, which face potential threats from the rollback of critical protections. These wetlands serve as vital buffers and reservoirs, supporting wildlife, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts. By promoting smart growth, we can ensure that development complements, rather than compromises, these natural treasures.
We look forward to working with you to ensure that Tennessee remains a place where natural beauty and economic prosperity go hand in hand.