TCA § 11-1-101 — Organization of department — Authority of commissioner — Historical commission

The department of environment and conservation shall be under the charge and general supervision of the commissioner of environment and conservation, who shall have the same official status as other commissioners. The commissioner is authorized to establish divisions, bureaus or other organizational units necessary to carry out the duties imposed upon the commissioner and the department. The commissioner is authorized to appoint such deputy and assistant commissioners as may be necessary to discharge the powers and duties of the department. In the event of absence or incapacity of the commissioner or in the event of a vacancy in the office of the commissioner, an appropriate person designated by the governor may be authorized in accordance with § 4-4-115, to exercise any and all of the powers of the commissioner until such time as the duly appointed commissioner can fulfill such commissioner's responsibilities. The commissioner is authorized to delegate any of the powers, duties, responsibilities or authority vested in the commissioner by the laws of the state of Tennessee. The commissioner may adopt, promulgate and enforce such rules and regulations necessary to carry out such commissioner's duties and responsibilities. The commissioner is also authorized to adopt, promulgate and enforce rules and regulations establishing fees and charges for departmental services including, but not limited to, licenses, permits, or authorizations rendered pursuant to or required by any statute administered by the department. The department shall have transferred and attached to it the Tennessee historical commission, for purposes of administration.