ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS SUE TVA OVER KINGSTON COAL PLANT, THREATENING NATURAL GAS PROJECT
Environmental organizations have filed a federal lawsuit against the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), seeking to halt the construction of a new natural gas plant in Kingston.
The lawsuit, brought by the Sierra Club and Appalachian Voices, challenges the TVA’s February reversal on a previously established 2027 closure deadline for the infamous Kingston coal plant. Because the TVA originally secured state approval for the gas plant by arguing that shutting down the coal plant would offset emissions, the simultaneous operation of both facilities now invalidates the original, lenient “minor modification” air permit, according to the plaintiffs.
The groups are asking the court to pause construction until the TVA obtains a stricter air quality permit under the federal Clean Air Act and addresses local environmental impacts.
Key Background
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Permit Dispute: State approval for the gas plant relied on the premise that emissions would drop once the coal plant closed. Plaintiffs argue keeping both open triggers a mandatory, more rigorous Prevention of Significant Deterioration review.
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Prior Violations: The TVA previously faced scrutiny in August when the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation issued an order finding the corporation had violated preconstruction rules, though that order did not halt construction.
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Next Steps: No ruling has been issued yet by the federal court regarding the request to pause construction.
