The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has released for public comment the State of Tennessee’s Proposed Beneficiary Mitigation Plan (proposed BMP) for purposes of implementing the State’s initial allocation under the Volkswagen Diesel Settlement (VW Settlement) Environmental Mitigation Trust (EMT). The proposed BMP is intended to provide the public with insight into the State’s plan for use of the mitigation funds. Specifically, the proposed BMP outlines the Eligible Mitigation Actions (EMAs) or project categories that the State proposes to fund from the State’s initial EMT allocation of $45,759,914.40.
To access the proposed BMP, click here: State of Tennessee’s Proposed Beneficiary Mitigation Plan. Additionally, TDEC has recorded a presentation that addresses the various sections of the State’s proposed BMP. A copy of the presentation slide deck may be accessed here.
The State’s proposed BMP has been developed in accordance with the terms of the Environmental Mitigation Trust for State Beneficiaries (“State Trust Agreement“). This proposed BMP is not a solicitation for projects. As such, this proposed BMP includes limited detail on the application or project selection processes. Such information will be provided on the TDEC Webpage after the BMP has been finalized.
The public is encouraged to review the proposed BMP and submit comments via the public comment form below or via email to TDEC.OEP@tn.gov. The public comment period will remain open for thirty (30) days following the date of the release of the proposed BMP. TDEC will accept comments through 5:00 p.m. CST on August 17, 2018. All comments and input received will be reviewed and considered by TDEC personnel. The BMP will then be finalized, submitted to the Trustee, and released to the public.