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.

Travis Loller reports for The Associated Press.

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.

apnews.com

Tennessee Valley Authority proceeds with gas plant despite environmental compliance concerns

Canada announces new methane emission standards for oil and gas sector

Here's the global playbook being used to crack down on climate protest

Greenpeace’s fight with pipeline giant exposes a legal loophole

Ultra-processed diets drive obesity and climate change — but solutions are within reach

India's Parliament approves bill to open civil nuclear power sector to private firms

The year the US doubled down on critical minerals

The brawl over the Colorado River is about more than water

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.