Note: This is an ongoing topic of discussion. Information is current as of the date of publication.
TVA is currently considering changes to its energy infrastructure. These changes would convert the Kingston Fossil Plant which is a coal-powered plant to methane gas and build a 125-mile-long pipeline that runs through Jackson County.
The pipeline would be built and owned by a company called Enbridge (a multinational gas company headquartered in Canada).
TVA is also considering Solar Power as an alternative.
Public comment is currently open on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s website.
What impact would this have on Jackson County?
Possible impacts on Jackson County include the following:
- Increased risk of methane gas explosions
- Clearcutting of trees disturbing wildlife
- Air pollutants and methane gas emissions
- Spikes in energy prices due to being beholden to methane markets
- Environmental impact in scenic areas such as the Flynn Creek Impact Crater
- Loss of land and land rights of property owners in Jackson County
How close would the proposed pipeline come to where you live?
Rough estimates of the location of the pipeline will be
- 5 miles South of Gainesboro
- 5 miles North of Cookeville
- 8 miles North of Carthage
- 12 miles South of Livingston
- 13 miles North of Lebanon
The pipeline would cross roughly 550 wetlands and streams.
What can you do about this?
- Leave a comment on the FERC website, here.
- Discuss this issue with your friends and neighbors.
- Write a letter to FERC (which has to approve the pipeline). Be sure to include the docket number PF22-7-000.
Address to:
Kimberly Bose
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First St NE, Room 1A
Washington DC 20426 - Contact your local mayor, county commissioners, and other officials. County Commission Official contact information can be found, here.
- Attend a Jackson County Democrats meeting as this will be a continuing topic of discussion.
There is still time for public comment on this issue and we encourage you to discuss this with your friends and neighbors. We all care about Jackson County and want to see it thrive.