TVA is considering alternatives to replace the coal-fired Kingston Fossil Plant after 67 years of electricity generation. Advocates are calling on the utility to use solar and other renewables instead of fracked gas to fill the gap.
TVA is shutting down the coal-powered Kingston Fossil Plant because it is no longer cost-effective or reliable. Right now, TVA is favoring expensive methane gas as a replacement, which would require building a new, 122-mile pipeline across eight Tennessee counties! TVA’s plans to build new fossil fuel infrastructure outpace those of any other energy provider, including private companies.
Replacing one fossil fuel for another is a step in the wrong direction, especially for Kingston-area residents who have endured decades of pollution in their water and air from coal burning since the 2008 Kingston Coal Ash Spill.
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Background
The gas infrastructure proposed by TVA would be expensive and gas prices are volatile. TVA already raised rates in 2022 due to surging natural gas prices. Sign up now to stay updated about this decision making process and for ways to take action.
While the current Kingston plant directly employs 200 workers, the vast majority of gas plant and pipeline jobs are temporary. If you live in Trousdale, Smith, Jackson, Putnam, Overton, Fentress, Morgan, or Roane counties, you may have been contacted by Enbridge about their proposed pipeline. Pipelines can cause permanent property loss and damage for landowners who are forced to sell easements to a private company. Fracked gas pipelines and plants can harm public health by releasing pollutants that contaminate air and water, and can lead to illness and explosions.
Kingston Fossil Plant Closure FAQ
What alternatives to the Kingston Fossil Plant is TVA considering?
TVA is currently considering two replacement options:
- On-site gas plant and a new, 122-mile gas pipeline
- Solar and storage (15+ sites focused in East Tennessee)
What are my rights as a property owner?
- For new easements: You do not have to speak with, answer questions, or give Enbridge/East Tennessee Natural Gas Representatives access to survey your property until they show you a court order
- You should not sign anything without consulting legal counsel; if you already have an easement on your property, seek legal counsel
Want to get involved?
Contact Gabi Lichtentein at gabi[at]appvoices.org
