Southwest Memphis voices outrage in meeting over TVA's turbine plan at Allen Plant

Southwest Memphis voices outrage in meeting over TVA's turbine plan at Allen Plant

Southwest Memphis residents express outrage over TVA's new turbine project at Allen Plant, fearing increased pollution.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tensions are mounting in southwest Memphis as the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) moves forward with a controversial new gas project at the Allen Plant.

Residents and environmental advocates packed a public meeting Thursday night to voice their concerns, warning that the proposal could bring more pollution to a community already burdened by environmental and health issues.

More than 100 residents crowded into the meeting, many with serious objections to TVA's plan to install six new methane gas-fired turbines at the Allen Plant. Community members said they're tired of being treated like a "dumping ground."

"We've been neglected, we've been marginalized, and it's just time out for all that," said Queen Yancy, a meeting attendee.

The proposal comes amid longstanding frustration over industrial pollution in the area. Southwest Memphis is home to multiple refineries and the legacy of coal and gas operations at the Allen site. The community already faces high rates of asthma and respiratory illness.

"Six methane gas turbines is six too many, especially when there are more economical options," said KeShaun Pearson, the President of Memphis Community Against Pollution.

State Representative Justin J. Pearson and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy are among those leading the opposition. They argue the turbines pose a health risk and point to past concerns with xAI, another company that previously underreported its methane turbine use in the area.

"We've been bamboozled before with xAI, saying they were gonna have 15 turbines, and come to find out they were using 35," one resident said.

TVA insists this project is different. A spokesperson explained that the six proposed turbines will replace 16 older units and that the new technology is more efficient, quieter, and cleaner.

"They allow us to do a lot of things the older units that couldn't do that," a TVA representative said.

"It's not sunny all the time. These turbines can be started up quickly when needed, without running full-time," another representative said when asked about using solar power as an alternative energy source.

Despite TVA's assurances, many residents said they were blindsided by the announcement and fear for their health.

"We didn't know they were coming here; we heard it through the grapevine," said Sarah Gladney with the Boxtown Association. "We fear for our health and wellness in this community."

TVA said it is still gathering public input. The agency is accepting comments online and by mail until April 28 as it finalizes the project plans. While TVA maintains the project will meet all EPA environmental standards, residents said they've heard those promises before, and they're not willing to take any more chances.