Lee Signs Duck River Protection Bill, Bans Landfills Near Tennessee Waterway

Governor Bill Lee signed an executive order establishing the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership, tasked with developing water management recommendations and identifying drought management strategies for the threatened waterway[1]. The order directs the Partnership to balance water resource management, environmental conservation, and economic growth as the Duck River faces pressures from overdevelopment and climate-driven drought cycles[1]. The Tennessee legislature passed complementary legislation in April 2026 that strengthens protections by prohibiting landfills within two miles of scenic rivers, with major portions of the Duck River now covered under these new restrictions[2]. Murray County Mayor Sheila Butler, whose community has long advocated for the river's protection, emphasized the stakes: "This means clean water for generations in the future," reflecting years of community effort to safeguard the waterway[2]. Representative Pat Marsh championed the landfill prohibition bill, describing his personal connection to the Duck River and the necessity of protecting groundwater resources[2]. The legislation represents a culmination of sustained grassroots pressure that prompted lawmakers to take action on preserving one of the state's rarest waterways. The dual approach—combining executive watershed planning with legislative prohibitions on industrial development—signals comprehensive state commitment to Duck River conservation.