The nation’s largest public utility is going back to coal — with almost no input from the public

Grist

by Katie Myers

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the nation's largest public utility, has reversed its long-standing commitment to clean energy by prioritizing coal again. During a recent board meeting, TVA dropped renewable energy as a priority, extended the operational life of two coal plants, and approved plans to expand power usage for Elon Musk's xAI company. This decision marks a significant shift away from earlier goals to phase out fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions. TVA had previously planned to retire its Kingston and Cumberland coal plants by 2027 and 2028, respectively, replacing them with gas generation and battery storage. However, these plans have been scrapped, leaving the coal facilities operational alongside new gas plants while excluding renewable energy entirely. The board's move comes after President Trump appointed four new members, breaking a political deadlock created by the removal of three Biden appointees. The decision aligns with the current administration's pro-coal stance but raises concerns about its long-term impact on climate goals and affordability for ratepayers. TVA CEO Don Moul cited growing electricity demand, driven by data centers and artificial intelligence, as justification for expanding coal use. However, critics argue this contradicts TVA's mission to balance affordable power with environmental stewardship. The return to coal could slow the utility's transition to cleaner energy at a time when global efforts to combat climate change are critical. While TVA claims the move ensures reliable and affordable electricity, it risks increasing pollution and carbon emissions, undermining progress toward decarbonization. The lack of significant public input on this decision also raises questions about transparency and accountability in federal utilities. For readers focused on climate issues, this development highlights the ongoing tension between political influence and environmental responsibility in public energy policy. It underscores the challenges faced by federally owned utilities in navigating shifting political priorities while addressing the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions.

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Originally published on Grist on 2/19/2026