Press Mention JJ Stambaugh, Thomas Fraser September 15, 2021
SACE Quoted
Lawsuit alleges TVA paid dues to industry trade groups that undermine environmental protections
In this mention
A coalition of environmental groups including the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy filed a federal lawsuit against the Tennessee Valley Authority, alleging that TVA uses ratepayer money to fund industry trade groups that lobby against environmental protections such as the Clean Air Act. SACE's director of utility reform, Maggie Shober, argued that TVA has a special responsibility to support environmental protections given its founding mission. The lawsuit challenges TVA's payments to groups like the Edison Electric Institute and the Utility Water Act Group, claiming they violate ratepayers' First Amendment rights.
TVA is unique in the power industry in that environmental stewardship and economic development are codified in the agency's founding mission. It is imperative that the largest public power utility operate with accountability and transparency, stop funding anti-environment and anti-green jobs work, and invest in clean energy that will support the health of the Valley and the people who depend on it.
Maggie Shober
Original clipping
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