Tennessee Valley Authority

Two Alabama fishermen were seriously injured in 2020 after their boat crashed into an unmarked duck blind on Guntersville Lake. The 11th Circuit ruled they can pursue a negligence lawsuit against the Tennessee Valley Authority but not the federal government, citing the discretionary function exception in the Suits in Admiralty Act.

Tennessee is a finalist for a U.S. Department of Energy program to expand nuclear energy infrastructure, including facilities for the full nuclear fuel lifecycle. The state has a history of nuclear activity through the Tennessee Valley Authority and Oak Ridge, but concerns exist about radioactive waste transparency and long-term commitments to increased nuclear production.

Elon Musk's xAI data center in Memphis produces climate pollution rivaling Tennessee's largest coal plant, emitting 7-8 million tons of CO2 annually through gas turbines. It surpasses other regional facilities in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, becoming Tennessee's top NOx polluter.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee endorsed Pres. Donald Trump's 'Ratepayer Protection Pledge' to prevent Americans from funding the data center boom. The pledge offers optional guidelines for AI companies and 'U.S. hyperscalers' but does not enforce regulations. Tennessee Valley Authority also signed the pledge, while Nashville Zoo rejected a data center proposal and Metro Council passed new regulations.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has signed Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge to prevent data center energy costs from burdening consumers. The pledge, part of a federal initiative, requires companies to cover their energy needs and infrastructure costs as the U.S. expands AI-driven data centers. TVA plans to propose rate changes for large power users in August.

The Tennessee Valley Authority's Cumberland Natural Gas Plant, its largest natural gas project, is set to power nearly 850,000 homes and will be fully operational by the end of the year, according to officials.

Nashville’s city council is finalizing legislation to regulate data centers, but a key environmental safeguard allowing unlimited on-site fossil fuel use during undefined 'emergencies' was removed. Councilperson Rollin Horton criticized the amendment, which permits data centers to use gas turbines or diesel generators, while Councilperson Clay Capp proposed a counter-amendment to restrict fossil fuel use and incentivize renewable energy.

Data center developer DC BLOX is facing scrutiny over shifting plans for a Nashville facility near the zoo, with concerns about electricity costs, environmental impacts, and transparency. The company initially agreed to 15 MW for the first building but disclosed a potential 100 MW expansion over eight years, prompting criticism from officials and calls for new regulations.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is shifting its energy plan to prioritize coal, gas, and nuclear power over renewables, influenced by Trump administration policies. Recent changes include delayed closures of coal plants and stalled renewable incentives, sparking public and environmental group opposition.

A new report from ThinkTennessee highlights a sevenfold increase in data center electricity consumption in the Tennessee Valley region between 2020 and 2025, leading to rising residential electricity costs and grid reliability concerns. Tennessee now accounts for 16.7% of active data center construction in emerging markets, with households bearing the largest cost increases. Public opposition to data center development in Nashville has led to stricter local regulations.

A snake damaged a substation in North Nashville, causing a power outage for over 7,000 Nashville Electric Service customers during a heat wave. Power was restored within 30 minutes, but residents faced discomfort due to high temperatures. The Tennessee Valley Authority reported electricity demand remains below record levels.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) plans to continue operating its Cumberland Fossil Plant despite previous retirement schedules, prompting a lawsuit from the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) over Clean Air Act violations. The combined operation of the coal and new gas plants is projected to release significant pollutants linked to health risks.

The Trump administration's coal investments have extended the lifespan of the Cumberland Fossil Plant in Tennessee, which has a history of pollution violations. The Tennessee Valley Authority reversed its plan to close the plant after the administration replaced four board members and secured a $46 million federal pledge.

Thousands of residents in Lawrence County, Tennessee, have signed a petition demanding an 18-month moratorium on data centers to allow for public review and infrastructure impact assessments. The petition follows a proposed 60,000-square-foot data center near Flatwoods Road and highlights concerns about resource demands and effects on the local Amish community. Lawrence County Executive David Morgan confirmed the county was not involved in prior negotiations with the data center developers.