HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. — A new era began for the Tennessee Valley Authority on Wednesday as a board with members chosen by President Donald Trump in his second term rapidly reversed goals set under the former Biden administration.
The TVA board of directors removed renewable energy from the utility’s strategy and extended its use of coal plants. TVA is the nation’s largest government-owned utility, generating power used by more than 10 million people and businesses across seven Southern states.
The board voted to operate TVA’s two largest coal-fired plants, the Cumberland Fossil Plant and the Kingston Fossil Plant, beyond their previously planned retirements in 2027 and 2028. The vote reversed a course TVA set under former President Joe Biden to retire its four remaining coal plants by 2035. The plants emit high levels of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
TVA will continue operating its coal plants for the foreseeable future. The four plants together can produce enough electricity for around 3.5 million homes and employ nearly 900 people.
All seven board members supported the changes, including three who were nominated by Biden. Board members cast their votes without discussion or questions at the public meeting.