Utility recommends natural gas plant despite objections

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The nation’s largest public utility is recommending replacing an aging coal burning power plant with natural gas, ignoring calls for the Tennessee Valley Authority to speed its transition to renewable energy.

TVA, on Friday, announced the completion of its environmental impact statement for replacing the Cumberland Fossil Plant near Cumberland City, Tenn. TVA says in a news release that solar and battery storage would be more costly and time-consuming than gas. The recommendation still needs the approval of TVA President and CEO Jeff Lyash. He has previously spoken in favor of gas. The announcement drew immediate backlash from groups that include the Center for Biological Diversity, which calls the plan “reckless.”