Environmental Policy
TVA's overarching Environmental Policy is to improve quality of life and the environment in the Tennessee Valley by providing reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy; engaging in proactive stewardship of the TN River system and public lands; and supporting sustainable economic growth.
We comply with applicable environmental laws, regulations, and commitments. We maintain an Environmental Management System (EMS) that fosters continuous improvement in our proactive stewardship and reducing our environmental footprint.
TVA continues to integrate sustainable practices into business operations by establishing goals, measuring progress and reporting performance in these five key areas:
Climate Change Mitigation
TVA actively reduces its carbon emissions through cleaner production options and energy efficiency initiatives. We are:
- Minimizing our carbon footprint and cutting greenhouse gases by reducing our dependence on coal-fired plants and actively pursuing cleaner sources of energy, such as hydropower, nuclear and natural gas
- Investing in technology that supports low- or zero-carbon emitting energy and smart grid infrastructure
- Encouraging customers to use energy efficiency, premium green-energy and regional climate change mitigation opportunities
- Actively investing in renewable energy solutions
Read TVA's Statement on Climate Change, its Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan, and its page on Carbon Dioxide
Air Quality Improvement
TVA improves regional air quality through emission controls on existing generation and through adopting cleaner energy options. We are:
- Employing air-emission reduction equipment at our coal-fired plants
- Retiring coal plants
- Considering air quality as a critical component in future capacity-planning decisions
Read more about air quality at TVA.
Water Resource Monitoring
TVA manages an integrated river system for multiple uses and provides clean water for Valley needs. We are:
- Lessening impact on aquatic systems while balancing thermal cooling needs
- Reducing consumption of water at TVA's metered facilities
- Managing water quality and quantity impacts through permitting activities on and around TVA reservoirs; the collection, maintenance and distribution of water quality information; and strategies to manage increased water demand
Read more about water quality at TVA.
Waste Minimization
TVA conducts its operational and business functions striving to reduce waste and increase recycling. We are:
- Reducing the waste footprint of all TVA facilities by decreasing waste generation and improving recycling
- Adapting our generation facilities to produce less waste
- Recycling coal-combustion waste
Read about Coal Combustion Residuals and about the Toxics Release Inventory.
Sustainable Land Use and Natural Resource Management
TVA manages public lands for multiple benefits, striving to maintain good environmental health while balancing the needs for sustainable development and recreation. We are:
- Managing TVA lands according to Reservoir Land Management Plans
- Improving reservoir shoreline conditions through collaborative partnership initiatives and balance the multiple uses of the reservoirs in accordance with TVA's Land Policy and Shoreline Management Policy
- Providing well-managed, eco-friendly dispersed recreation while balancing the protection of cultural and heritage resources
- Promoting ecological diversity and wildlife habitats on TVA lands