1. United States
2. Tenn.
3. Letter

Tennessee's wetlands play a vital role in flood management, water filtration, and supporting biodiversity. We need to protect them. Wetlands, even seemingly isolated ones, are interconnected through groundwater and stormwater flows, interacting with and sustaining surrounding ecosystems. Removing protections would benefit developers at the expense of our state's natural resources and environmental resilience. Research shows that wetlands can reduce flood peak levels by 10-25% compared to non-wetland areas, underscoring their importance in mitigating flood risks. They also act as natural water filters, with new studies demonstrating their ability to remove harmful forever chemicals like PFAS from water sources. Additionally, wetlands provide critical habitat for numerous plant and animal species, contributing to Tennessee's rich biodiversity. Given the invaluable services wetlands provide, including flood control, water purification, and habitat preservation, it is imperative that current legal protections remain in place. Prioritizing short-term development over the long-term benefits of wetland conservation would be a grave mistake. We urge you to reject any legislation that would undermine wetland protections and instead work towards strengthening measures to safeguard these vital ecosystems for the well-being of our state and its residents.