Settlements by State• Tennessee — $26.4 million• Alabama — $11.2 million• North Carolina — $11.2 million• Kentucky — $11.2 millionSource: TVACoal RetirementsTVA has committed to retiring by 2017:• Two coal-fired units at John Sevier Fossil Plant in East Tennessee• Six coal-fired units at Widows Creek Fossil Plant in north Alabama• All 10 coal-fired units at Johnsonville Fossil Plant in Middle Tennessee.Source: TVA
This year, Tennessee has an extra $5.25 million to spend on clean energy and environmental projects that clear the air.
And over the coming five years, the state will have $26.4 million, all thanks to a landmark lawsuit settlement over coal-fired air pollution among four states, three environmental groups and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
The question is: How will Tennessee spend the money, which must be earmarked for things that save energy and keep down air pollution? Possibilities include solar, wind, geothermal and co-generation projects.
“We are currently working to identify energy efficiency projects within state government that will be good for both the environment and the bottom line,” said Tisha Calabrese-Benton, spokeswoman for the Tennessee Department of Conservation and Environment, the state agency charged with deciding how to use the money.