NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The nation's largest public utility is looking at shutting down three of its five remaining coal-fired power plants.
The Tennessee Valley Authority is considering replacing the lost megawatts from coal with natural gas, which is also a carbon-producing fuel. That's despite President Joe Biden's goal of a carbon-pollution-free energy sector by 2035.
TVA officials stress the fact that gas provides reliability and flexibility.
But critics point out that any new gas plant will likely be around for decades.
They also worry TVA is not taking a hard enough look at alternatives.
Scientists have warned that failing to decarbonize will only lead to more intense and more frequent droughts, floods and wildfires.
