TVA Proactively Sought Exemptions from Pollution Safeguards

Knoxville, TN - Four plants in the Tennessee Valley Authority’s fleet—Shawnee, Gallatin, Cumberland, and Kingston—have received presidential exemptions from the Trump Administration, delaying critical safeguards against these coal plants emitting hazardous metals in particulates and other air toxics into the Tennessee Valley’s air and water. 

Last month, the Trump Administration invited coal companies to request presidential exemptions from key safeguards that are in place to protect Americans from toxic pollution that causes asthma, heart attacks, and premature death. TVA submitted a request despite its plans to retire two out of the four plants that are now exempt. 

The law that the administration is invoking states that exemptions should only be given when there is no technology available to meet the standards, or when it is in the best interest of national security. Neither of these appear to apply to TVA. 

In response, Sierra Club Organizing Strategist Bonnie Swinford issued the following response: 

“It is preposterous that TVA would go out of its way and submit a request to pollute more in our community. There is an abundance of affordable, readily-available technology that TVA can utilize–most of which is already installed at TVA’s plants–to curb toxic emissions and protect families in the Valley. But, rather than using them to reduce emissions that harm the public, TVA instead chose to cut corners and endanger our community.

“Even though these four coal plants have received exemptions, TVA can still choose to prioritize the health of the millions of people it serves and follow the emission standards. We urge TVA to do the right thing, and we will hold them accountable if they continue to threaten our health.”