tva
Newsletter
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TVA faces pressure for greener and more transparent operations
The Tennessee Valley Authority faces community backlash and legislative scrutiny over plans for a new gas power plant and its slow adoption of renewable energy.
In short:
- Cheatham County residents oppose TVA's proposed gas plant, feeling it is inappropriate for the area.
- Bipartisan legislation aims to increase TVA’s transparency and accountability in planning and executive pay.
- Environmentalists criticize TVA for lagging behind other utilities in renewable energy adoption.
Key quote:
“Back when it was created in the 1930s, TVA was on the cutting edge of transforming a region of the country and investing in a lot of infrastructure to create that transformation. We‘re just not seeing that happen now.”
— Amanda Garcia, attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center
Why this matters:
The controversy has ignited a broader debate about the future of energy in the region, with critics arguing that the TVA is missing a crucial opportunity to invest in cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. As the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, the call for renewable energy solutions has never been louder. Despite this, the TVA maintains that the new gas plant is essential for meeting the area's energy needs and ensuring reliable power supply.
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Newsletter
Tennessee Valley Authority proceeds with gas plant despite environmental compliance concerns
Despite warnings from the Environmental Protection Agency, Tennessee Valley Authority is pushing forward with plans for a new gas-powered plant in Tennessee.
In short:
- The Environmental Protection Agency has criticized the Tennessee Valley Authority for its narrow scope in environmental assessments, suggesting a biased selection of gas over renewable options.
- Upcoming protests and criticism from government officials highlight ongoing concerns about the project's environmental and regulatory shortcomings.
- Tennessee Valley Authority remains committed to transitioning from coal, but faces legal challenges and criticism for not prioritizing renewable energy options more aggressively.
Key quote:
“They could build twice the amount of solar that they say they need and twice the amount of battery storage they say they need.”
— Dennis Wamsted, energy analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis
Why this matters:
The TVA, a major utility provider, argues that the new facility is essential to meet the growing power demands of the region and to ensure reliability in its energy grid. The EPA's caution likely stems from broader federal objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The agency has emphasized the importance of shifting away from natural gas to avert the worst impacts of global warming. This includes promoting renewable energy technologies and improving energy efficiency rather than doubling down on fossil fuels.
Be sure to read Derrick Z. Jackson’s 2021 piece: “Code Red” for climate means reducing US oil and gas production.
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Kentucky Photo File/Flickr
As Southeast states warm, TVA criticized on preparations for dealing with climate hazards
Extreme weather patterns will require several improvements to the climate resiliency of Tennessee Valley Authority electrical infrastructure
Tennessee residents are tired of coal ash pollution. TDEC could help
Without some sort of control, coal ash sites will continue to pollute groundwater and pose risks to nearby waterways, especially when considering the probability of climate-fueled floods.
abcnews.go.com
Power failures amplify calls for utility to rethink gas
A federal utility’s decision to resort to rolling blackouts after coal and natural gas units went offline during dangerously cold conditions has intensified questions about the Tennessee Valley Authority’s recent decision to double down on fossil fuels
Appalachian Voices/Flickr
Tennessee Valley Authority is dumping coal ash on Black south Memphis
The Tennessee Valley Authority's move to dump coal ash in south Memphis shows how industries work to fight their way into communities of color already teeming with pollution.
Roger Smith/Flickr
U.S. Supreme Court's recent environmental ruling renews spotlight on TVA
The Tennessee Valley Authority is closing its two remaining coal-fired plants but dispute remains over replacing that energy with natural gas.
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