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:

TVA environmental policy - Air, climate change, natural resources, water, waste pie chart

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

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

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