State, local leaders call for TVA to stop gas pipeline buildout
A black, 50-foot mock gas pipeline snaked across the lawn in front of the Centennial Park Bandshell on Saturday as a crowd called for the Tennessee Valley Authority to stop buildout of natural gas pipelines across the state in favor of clean energy alternatives.
"Pass on gas! Pass on gas! Pass on gas!" the crowd chanted between musical performances by local artists.
Organized by the Sierra Club, Saturday's rally gathered about 100 people from across the state to oppose natural gas pipeline expansion expected to be announced in TVA's 2025 Integrated Resource Plan, which will be released Monday.
TVA, the nation's largest federal utility, has announced eight methane gas plants and three new pipelines proposed, planned or built in the last three years. TVA has said that natural gas expansion is necessary "to provide the ongoing flexibility needed to reliably integrate more renewables."
State and local leaders speaking to the crowd Saturday said TVA should prioritize renewable clean energy production over expansion of natural gas infrastructure.
"For years, TVA had the potential to be a beacon of clean, affordable energy," said State Rep. Aftyn Behn, D-Nashville. "But instead, under current leadership, it's deepening our reliance on dirty, expensive fossil fuels... It's time for the TVA board to stop this gas build out and listen to the communities they're supposed to serve."
Between speakers spurring the crowd to action, the rally featured musical performances and food trucks. People of all ages spread out in lawn chairs and blankets in the shade as music echoed across the park.
LaTricea Adams, a member of President Joe Biden's White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council, called expansion of gas pipelines a "betrayal to black communities like mine in my hometown of Memphis."
"They have a choice, right? They can lead us into the future with a clean, affordable, renewable energy path, or continue down a dangerous path of fossil fuel dependency," Adams said. "We say no more! The gas buildout must stop."
Speakers said that costs of the gas expansion are being passed on to families, as TVA has approved two rate hikes in the last 24 months amounting to a combined 9.75% cost increase. Announcing the latest hike of 5.25%, which takes effect Oct. 1 , the utility said the hike would "fund ongoing construction and energy development" to meet a nearly 3% increase in power demand since 2019.
"We have done everything possible to absorb costs as we invest in the reliability of our existing plants, construct new generation to keep up with growth and maximize solar to produce more carbon-free energy," TVA President and CEO Jeff Lyash said in a statement at the time, touting TVA's portfolio as "one of the most diverse in the nation."
TVA's system includes nuclear, coal, natural gas and renewable sources, including 29 hydroelectric dams. The utility plans to add 10,000 megawatts of solar generation by 2035.
"TVA has a unique responsibility to prioritize public input and honest decision making, especially for those most harmed by fossil fuel dependency," Adams said. "We deserve clean power and a just and equitable energy future. TVA leaders must prioritize clean, reliable solar energy that not only presents jobs, but protects our communities."
Memphis Council Member Pearl Walker called for checks to be put in place to add accountability to TVA's unilateral decision making around rate hikes and new gas projects.
"Rate increases without public scrutiny has to stop," Walker said. "Gas buildouts without public scrutiny have to stop."
Vivian Jones covers state government and politics for The Tennessean. Reach her at or on X
