Tenn. Code Ann. § 43-6-501: Legislative intent

The general assembly recognizes the negative impact of uncontrolled populations of simulium jenningsi and simulium fibrinflatum ("black flies") on the economy and quality of life of a region. The general assembly also recognizes that the tourism and agricultural industries can be particularly affected by an overpopulation of black flies and that an overpopulation may be likely to spread throughout the eastern part of the state as black fly populations increase with the improvement of water quality. The general assembly believes that it is important to explore potential solutions to black fly infestation before the black fly problem becomes unmanageable and industries important to the state suffer the consequences of state inaction.