Making the right choices for the region’s clean energy future requires seeking out the facts, which is why I feel compelled to respond to a March 6, 2022, editorial on the Chattanooga Times opinion page. The public should have complete information, so they can form their own conclusions on TVA’s efforts.
We recently announced a partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to jointly explore new carbon-free technologies. The Times Free Press accurately reported on this important collaboration to create a clean energy future, as well as a recent announcement about TVA’s New Nuclear Program.
Unfortunately, this information conflicts with the Times’ opinion writer’s preferred direction. We respect a wide range of opinions and welcome honest discussions, but not when others simply use scare tactics to sway public opinion.
So, here is the simple, overriding truth: The safety of our communities and the people we are privileged to serve is our highest priority – both today and in the future. You cannot overstate the importance of safety. At TVA, it is part of our culture and at the core of our daily operations.
Nowhere is this more evident than in our nuclear energy operations. It is one of the most highly regulated and controlled industries in the U.S. Beyond federal oversight, we meet strict state permitting requirements and the monitoring data is reported publicly – as it should be – for all to see.