Press Mention The Tennessean September 1, 1994
SACE Quoted
Public wants TVA to be 'more public'
In this mention
TVA held its first public discussion session in Nashville to gather input on the agency's long-term strategic direction. Stephen Smith, executive director of the Tennessee Valley Energy Reform Coalition (TVEC's contemporary watchdog counterpart), noted strong public desire for dialogue with TVA. Public suggestions focused on reducing nuclear power dependence, addressing TVA's debt, and developing alternative energy sources like solar power.
One thing it shows is people really want to talk to TVA
Stephen A. Smith
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Full transcript
THE TENNESSEAN
LOCAL NEWS
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1994
Public wants
TVA to be
'more public'
By ANNE PAINE
Staff Writer
TVA's first attempt to have a sit-down discussion with the public as it develops a long-term plan for the agency brought out some pent-up emotions yesterday and many suggestions to cut back the nuclear building program.
The hour set aside for public comment was quickly burned up as many of the 50 people present tried to briefly get in their opinions.
It was the fifth meeting the Tennessee Valley Authority has held — and the first in Nashville — to get public opinion about what direction the seven-state energy producer should take for the future.
A group discussion had not been attempted at the previous meetings, but members of the public asked for it, and TVA was trying to comply.
"One thing it shows is people really want to talk to TVA," Stephen Smith, executive director of the Tennessee Valley Energy Reform Coalition, a Knoxville-based TVA watchdog group, said after the session.
Interactive computer displays set up in one room of the Tennessee State University Agricultural Research Building, where the session was held, gave information about TVA environmental and other programs. Next door, the discussion, which turned out to be closer to a listing of suggestions, moved in fits and starts.
"Is there a plan for the reduction
"Open TVA's doors
to real and full
accountability."
JOHN NOEL III
Board member
Tennessee Environment Council
of TVA's $25 billion debt?" asked Steve Baskauf, of Pleasant View, Tenn.
"I'm not the person that can answer that," said Jill Eimendorf, one of the TVA officials leading the session. "We're not in a position to answer questions ... We're just here to record what you say."
Suggestions included:
- Have someone present who can answer questions at public meetings.
- Reduce dependence on energy sources, such as nuclear power, that can have adverse environmental effects.
- Take seriously the TVA Act that says TVA will produce electricity at the lowest feasible costs, and follow that philosophy by getting rid of the nuclear power program.
- Bring back energy conservation programs.
- Develop alternative, more environmentally sound energy sources such as solar power.
- Include the Watts Bar nuclear