Environmental Groups Challenge TVA's Dirty Energy Plans in Tennessee: Legal Battle Erupts

Lawsuit filed against TVA by Sierra Club, Appalachian Voices, and Center for Biological Diversity.

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Lawsuit alleges TVA violated NEPA by committing to gas plants prematurely, neglecting cleaner alternatives, and disregarding climate and economic impact.

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The Cumberland Gas Plant would emit 2.8 million tons of climate-warming pollution annually, worsening the climate crisis and its impacts.

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TVA's use of fossil fuels could expose 10 million customers to volatile fuel prices and higher power bills.

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Plaintiffs argue TVA failed to consider greenhouse gas mitigation measures and costs for achieving a carbon pollution-free energy grid by 2035.

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TVA signed a contract with pipeline company before completing required review, downplayed harm and costs of planned gas plant.

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TVA plans to retire the first coal-burning unit at Cumberland plant by 2026 and make the gas plant operational before then.

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Lawsuit claims TVA overestimated solar and battery storage needs, ignored costs like carbon capture and hydrogen blending.

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