Utility company abandons Tennessee gas plant location following John Rich's reported intervention with President Trump
In a significant turn of events, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has decided to reconsider and ultimately withdraw from its proposed 900-megawatt natural gas power plant in Cheatham County, Tennessee. This decision comes following a wave of public opposition led by country musician John Rich, a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, and his advocacy for community concerns about potential impacts on water and air quality, noise pollution, safety, and property rights in the rural area[1][2].
John Rich, known for his role in the music duo Big & Rich, played a pivotal part in this movement. He enlisted President Trump’s support, who reportedly assured Rich that he would address the issue, joining forces with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and local residents in opposition to the project[1][2]. Rich has attributed TVA’s withdrawal from the site partly to the political pressure he and Trump applied, noting in social media that TVA "pulled out because they're afraid President Trump is going to fire every member on that board"[1].
The TVA, which provides power to over 10 million people across seven southern states, is now exploring alternative sites in nearby industrial parks and other locations in Middle Tennessee, while continuing to review ways to meet growing electricity demand[1][2]. The utility had been planning to retire the last of its coal-fired plants by 2035, but the proposed Cheatham plant's power was intended to replace some of the electricity from the second unit of the coal-fired Cumberland Fossil Plant[1].
Clean energy advocates welcomed TVA’s decision, urging the utility to invest more in clean energy options and heed the concerns of communities where similar gas plants are proposed in Cumberland City, Kingston, and Memphis[1]. Trey Bussey, a staff attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center, stated that TVA should scrap its plans for a new gas plant altogether and invest in clean and cost-effective power options, like solar power and battery storage[1].
It is not clear if President Trump was directly involved in TVA's decision to reconsider the Cheatham County site for the power plant. However, Trump has signed executive orders aimed at boosting the coal industry and recently announced four nominees for the TVA board[1]. The TVA board normally has nine members and requires five to make a quorum. It currently has three, and any final decision on the plant would need to await the installation of more TVA board members[1].
John Rich has called for a "complete revamping" of TVA, stating that Cheatham County is not the only place where TVA is causing opposition[1]. The TVA has floated the possibility of working with the Trump administration to extend the use of some fossil fuel plants[1].
Sources: [1] https://www.tennessean.com/story/money/2022/06/22/john-rich-trump-influence-tvas-decision-cheatham-county-gas-plant/7700733001/ [2] https://www.wsmv.com/news/local/tvas-decision-to-pull-back-on-natural-gas-plant-in-cheatham-county-applauded-by-clean-energy-advocates/article_563f594a-04d5-11ed-b34b-4f0e78f384f9.html [3] https://www.tennessean.com/story/money/2022/06/22/john-rich-trump-influence-tvas-decision-cheatham-county-gas-plant-q-and-a/7700733001/
- The withdrawal of the TVA from the proposed 900-megawatt natural gas power plant in Cheatham County, Tennessee, was met with applause from clean energy advocates.
- John Rich, a country musician and vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, enlisted the President's support in opposing the power plant, which was intended to address electricity demand.
- Rich has stated that the political pressure he and Trump applied played a role in TVA's decision to withdraw from the Cheatham County site.
- The TVA is now exploring alternative sites for the power plant in Middle Tennessee, while considering ways to meet growing electricity demand without relying on fossil fuels.
- Trey Bussey, a staff attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center, has urged the TVA to invest in clean and cost-effective power options instead of pursuing new gas plants in Cumberland City, Kingston, and Memphis.
- It is uncertain if President Trump was involved in TVA's decision to reconsider the Cheatham County site. However, Trump has recently announced four nominees for the TVA board.
- John Rich has called for a "complete revamping" of the TVA, claiming that they are causing opposition in other locations as well.
- The TVA has proposed working with the Trump administration to extend the use of some fossil fuel plants.
- The news about the TVA's decision came amidst general news coverage, politics, crime and justice, car accidents, fires, sports, and NFL updates. On sports-betting and American football front, the NCAA Football season was approaching, with the NFL and NFL football fans eagerly awaiting the upcoming games.
