Tennessee Code Title 65. Public Utilities and Carriers § 65-28-201

(a) This part shall be known and may be cited as the “Landfill Methane Development Act.”

(b) It is recognized by the general assembly that the provision of dependable and economical sources of energy is vital to the health, welfare and economic well-being of the citizens and residents of the state and that one of the primary sources of energy in this state is natural gas. The general assembly further recognizes world supplies of natural gas are limited and that the market for natural gas has undergone major changes in recent years due to increasing demand. It is recognized by the general assembly that the primary constituent of natural gas is methane, and that methane is generated by the natural decomposition of materials deposited in solid waste landfills. Landfill methane is produced in landfills together with other gaseous materials, but the methane may be extracted, treated, and sold as a substitute for natural gas. It is also recognized by the general assembly that, if not utilized for a natural gas substitute or other energy or commercial use, the landfill methane may constitute a pollutant if released into the atmosphere; and, in certain instances under state and federal environmental laws, the landfill methane must be collected and destroyed and the commercial value of the landfill methane would then be wasted. In order to ensure that all persons have the flexibility and power to compete for and obtain methane from landfill gas and treat landfill gas for substitution for natural gas on terms that will result in continuing availability of both natural gas and landfill methane at reasonable rates to the citizens and residents of the state, and to encourage the reduction or elimination of atmospheric pollution that may occur if the landfill methane were allowed to be introduced into the atmosphere, it is the intent of the general assembly by this part to:

(c) This part shall be liberally construed in conformity with such intent, it being hereby determined and declared that the means provided by this part are needed to provide for the continued availability to state citizens and residents of natural gas or substitutes for natural gas at reasonable rates.