Amends TCA Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 13; Title 54; Title 65 and Title 68.

Tennessee HB0946 requires local governing bodies to mandate a site assessment for sound impact on residential areas and schools before approving rezoning requests or permits for new high energy use facilities, defined as those requiring 100 megawatts or more of electrical power. The bill allows localities to also assess potential effects on water, agricultural resources, parks, historic sites, and forestland. It clarifies that the bill does not apply to existing facilities seeking minor expansions and does not alter existing regulatory authorities or local zoning powers.