‘Rally for the Valley’ on Wednesday will demand TVA end its reliance on fossil fuels

The Tennessee Valley Authority is rapidly expanding its fossil fuel footprint. 

Since 2020, TVA has planned eight gas plants across its region, equivalent to 20% of the utility’s operating capacity, and more than 160 miles of pipelines in Tennessee. TVA’s top six executives have collectively banked millions from the process. 

But, experts and activists say a cleaner future is possible.

Community groups and climate activists will gather in Nashville this Wednesday to demand that TVA end its fossil fuel buildout, with specific calls for action from the TVA Board — the federal utility’s main regulator — to prioritize renewables, efficiency and public health. Last year, TVA powered its system with 4% wind and solar and 45% fossil fuels. 

More: TVA is a monopoly. A board is supposed to curb that power. Is it?

The “Rally for the Valley” event will start at 4:30 p.m. at Musician’s Corner in Centennial Park. There will be a musical performance by Jonathan Singleton and speeches by climate author Bill McKibben and Tennessee State Rep. Aftyn Behn, D-Nashville. The event is being organized by more than a dozen climate, youth and environmental justice groups. 

Immediately before the rally, the TVA Board will host a public listening session at Lipscomb University’s Shinn Center from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The TVA Board will also host its quarterly board meeting at the university at 9 a.m. on Thursday.