Larisa Manescu, larisa.manescu@sierraclub.org
Cookeville, TN - Today, the Sierra Club unveiled two billboards in Cookeville calling on the Tennessee Valley Authority to finalize a long-term energy plan that prioritizes clean air and lower energy costs. See photos here.
TVA is in the process of finalizing a long-term energy plan, the Integrated Resource Plan, to determine how it will generate energy for its 10 million customers over the next two decades. The Sierra Club is advocating for a plan that prioritizes investments in renewable energy, and phases out deadly, expensive gas in the Tennessee Valley. To date, 2,203 residents in the Tennessee Valley have submitted comments to TVA in support of a cleaner IRP.
Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign Organizing Strategist Bonnie Swinford issued the following response:
“Our message to Tennesseans is this: Your voice makes a difference. You have the power to let TVA know that you want lower utility bills, clean air and water, and less toxic, deadly gas in our community. By putting up these billboards, we are empowering our community to advocate for our needs and our futures.
“As the largest federal utility, TVA has led the way in including renewable energy into its fleet, and we hope to see that the utility will continue its progress and invest in renewable, clean energy instead of expensive fossil fuels.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.