Senator Heidi Campbell

How Tennessee Can Lead Through Economic Opportunity

State Senator Heidi Campbell

a note From a tennessee Legislator

The Business of Sustainability: How Tennessee Can Lead Through Economic Opportunity

Tennessee is a state of immense natural beauty, from the Great Smoky Mountains to the winding Tennessee River. Yet, when it comes to environmental stewardship, our state lags. We rank 48th in the nation in recycling, our wetlands and waterways face increasing threats, and air quality continues to be a pressing concern. The political climate in Tennessee has made traditional environmental legislation challenging. However, there is a path forward—one that leverages economic opportunity to drive sustainability.

As a Tennessee state senator, I understand that the key to advancing environmental progress in our state lies in linking it directly to job creation and business growth. This pragmatic approach is not only politically viable but also positions Tennessee to be a leader in the green economy. That is why I have introduced the Tennessee Waste to Jobs Act, a game-changing piece of legislation that transforms our state’s waste problem into an economic opportunity.

The Waste Crisis and the Business Opportunity:

Tennessee generates millions of tons of waste every year, yet only a small fraction is recycled. This is not just an environmental issue—it is a missed economic opportunity. A robust recycling and waste-to-energy infrastructure could create thousands of jobs across the state while reducing landfill dependence and environmental degradation. States that have invested in recycling and sustainable waste management have seen significant economic returns. Tennessee can do the same, but it requires strategic policy and public-private partnerships.

The Tennessee Waste to Jobs Act aims to turn this crisis into an engine for economic growth. By incentivizing businesses to invest in recycling, composting, and innovative waste-to-energy technologies, we can create a market-driven approach to sustainability. This legislation encourages corporate investment, reduces environmental harm, and brings well-paying jobs to communities that need them most.

Protecting Wetlands and Waterways Through Economic Incentives:

Tennessee’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands are critical to our agricultural economy, tourism industry, and overall public health. Unfortunately, they are increasingly threatened by industrial pollution, runoff, and unchecked development. Rather than relying solely on regulations—which are often met with political resistance—Tennessee can protect these vital resources through incentive-based policies that encourage businesses to implement sustainable practices.

For example, tax credits for businesses that invest in water conservation and pollution reduction technologies can make environmental protection a financially sound decision. Similarly, expanding conservation easements and public-private partnerships can ensure the long-term preservation of critical ecosystems while benefiting local economies.

Reforesting Tennessee, An Economic and Environmental Win:

Trees are one of our most valuable natural assets, yet deforestation continues to erode Tennessee’s forests. Reforestation efforts can be framed as both an environmental necessity and a business opportunity. Sustainable forestry programs, carbon offset initiatives, and urban tree-planting projects all create jobs, enhance property values, and improve air quality. A state-led initiative to support timber companies in shifting to sustainable logging practices would not only protect our forests but also strengthen the industry for future generations.

A Path Forward:

Environmental policy in Tennessee must be crafted through a business-oriented lens to gain bipartisan support. By focusing on job creation, economic development, and public-private partnerships, we can implement policies that protect our environment while strengthening our economy. The Tennessee Waste to Jobs Act is just one example of how we can move forward—there are countless other opportunities to drive sustainability through economic incentives.
Tennessee has an opportunity to lead, not lag, in the sustainability movement. By aligning environmental goals with economic growth, we can ensure that our state remains a thriving, healthy place for generations to come.

State Senator Heidi Campbell

Heidi Campbell is an American music publisher and politician from Tennessee. A member of the Democratic Party, Campbell has represented the 20th district of the Tennessee Senate, covering the inner suburbs of Nashville, since 2021.