[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]

[Date]

[Recipient’s Name]
[Recipient’s Title]
[Office/Organization Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to express my strong opposition to two pieces of proposed legislation currently under consideration in the Tennessee General Assembly: HB0541/SB0670, also known as the Wetlands Bill, and HB0895/SB0725, the Scenic Rivers/Landfill Bill.

These bills threaten the delicate ecosystems of Tennessee’s wetlands and scenic rivers, which are vital to our state’s environmental health, economy, and quality of life. It is crucial that we protect these invaluable natural resources for current and future generations, for these reasons:

Opposition to the Wetlands Bill (HB0541/SB0670):

• The Wetlands Bill (HB0541/SB0670) would undermine protections for Tennessee’s wetlands, which play an essential role in flood control, water filtration, and wildlife habitat.
• Wetlands provide a critical buffer against extreme weather events by absorbing excess rainwater and mitigating the impact of flooding.
• Wetlands support diverse species of wildlife, many of which are at risk of extinction if their habitat is compromised.
• Reducing protections for wetlands could also negatively affect local communities by diminishing the natural resources we rely on for agriculture, tourism, and outdoor recreation. By allowing development in these sensitive areas, we risk long-term environmental harm and economic loss.

We must preserve our wetlands, not only for the benefit of the ecosystem but also for the well-being of the people who depend on them.

Opposition to the Scenic Rivers/Landfill Bill (HB0895/SB0725):

• The Scenic Rivers/Landfill Bill (HB0895/SB0725) threatens to permit the construction of landfills near or within designated scenic river corridors, a move that could permanently damage
  Tennessee’s natural beauty and wildlife.
• Scenic rivers are some of our most treasured natural landscapes, drawing visitors from across the country and contributing significantly to the state’s tourism economy.
• Allowing landfills near these areas risks contaminating the waters and soil, endangering both human health and the environment.
• The introduction of toxic materials and waste in these sensitive regions would be disastrous for local communities, wildlife, and the state’s long-term environmental goals.

We cannot afford to place our pristine rivers and streams at risk for short-term economic gain.

Call to Action:
I urge you to vote against both of these bills and to advocate for stronger environmental protections in Tennessee. Our state has made great strides in preserving its natural beauty and safeguarding its resources; these bills represent a dangerous step backward. I ask that you consider the lasting
consequences that these bills could have on the environment, wildlife, and people of Tennessee.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]