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TVA Seeks Public Input on Environmental Review of Mining Expansion

Sep 5, 2023

MACEDONIA, Ill.­­ – The Tennessee Valley Authority is asking the public to provide input on the scope of a review of potential environmental impacts related to proposed mining operations in Illinois.

TVA is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement evaluating the proposed expansion of mining operations by Sugar Camp Energy, LLC to extract TVA-owned coal reserves in Franklin, Hamilton, and Jefferson Counties in Illinois. The proposed 22,414-acre expansion area contains 21,868 acres of coal reserves owned by TVA that are under a coal lease agreement with Sugar Camp.

TVA will consider whether to approve Sugar Camp’s application to mine TVA-owned coal reserves within the project area. TVA will also evaluate the divestiture of TVA’s mineral rights and associated land rights in the area.

TVA is seeking comment and participation from all interested parties for identification of potential alternatives, information and analysis relevant to the proposed action in this EIS. Information about the project is available at tva.com/nepa, which includes a link to an online public comment page. To ensure consideration, comments on the scope, alternatives being considered, and environmental issues must be received or postmarked, emailed, or submitted online no later than October 2, 2023.

Federal, state and local agencies and Native American Tribes are also invited to provide comments. Please note that any comments received, including names and addresses, will become part of the project administrative record and will be available for public inspection.

Comments must be received by October 2 and can be emailed to Elizabeth Smith, NEPA Specialist, at [email protected], or submitted online at tva.com/nepa.

About TVA

The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA was established 90 years ago to serve this region and the nation by developing innovative solutions to solve complex challenges. TVA’s unique mission focuses on energy, environmental stewardship, and economic development. With one of the largest, most diverse, and cleanest energy systems – including nuclear, hydro, solar, gas, and advanced technologies – TVA is a leader in our nation’s drive toward a clean energy future.

TVA is a corporate agency of the United States, receiving no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. In addition to operating and investing its revenues in its electric system, TVA provides flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system, and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation.

Contact

TVA Media Line

Our media staff is available 24 hours a day. If you cannot reach the contact above, please call our media line at 865-632-6000.

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