Labor leaders, environmental groups oppose TVA privatization

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2025

CONTACT
Christine Ho, christine.ho@sierraclub.org
Dan Radmacher, dan@appvoices.org

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Today, labor leaders from unions and labor groups, along with Appalachian Voices, Sierra Club, and other environmental organizations, voiced unified opposition to reported efforts to privatize the Tennessee Valley Authority, our nation’s largest public utility.

At a TVA board listening session, more than 40 speakers emphasized the detrimental effects of privatizing TVA and advocated for keeping TVA public. This decision would raise monthly energy costs for its 10 million customers, take away stable, good-paying jobs and weaken residents’ ability to hold their utility accountable. 

The labor groups included the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers and the Engineering Association, IFPTE Local 1937, the Office of Professional Employees International Union, the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the Tennessee Building and Construction Trades Council, and several other local trade unions 

Statement of Gay Henson, Secretary-Treasurer for the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers: “Selling TVA to a profit-making entity would have disastrous consequences for the region, TVA customers, TVA’s beautiful and well-cared for natural resources, the region’s economic growth and every single person who lives and works in the Valley. We need a board who is committed to the public power model and to building out new, innovative energy sources.”

Statement of Christopher Okeefe, President of the Tennessee Building and Construction Trades Council: “TVA has been building dams, building nuclear, modernizing transmission and keeping rates among the lowest in the country for nearly a century, all without taking a dime from the American taxpayer. TVA was created to do exactly what America is asking for today — rebuild the grid, keep power affordable and make this country energy independent.”

Statement of Leah McCord, Tennessee Projects Coordinator for Appalachian Voices: “While it is certainly a major problem that the TVA board is without quorum, this is a crisis that has been manufactured by partisan actors who have been working to replace the TVA board as quickly as possible. New TVA board members should be qualified energy experts and be strongly committed to the public power model they are being hired to serve, with backgrounds that demonstrate this commitment. TVA must be kept public.”

Statement of Bonnie Swinford, Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign Strategist: “The Tennessee Valley Authority belongs to the people it serves — not to billionaire’s interests. If TVA is sold to corporate bidders, private companies will use our electricity bills to cover their expenses and generate profit for their shareholders. TVA is owned by the people, and today we, the people, are saying NO to privatization.”