Latest news with #TennesseeValleyAuthority
Boston Globe
5 days ago
- Science
- Boston Globe
NAACP files intent to sue Elon Musk's xAI company over supercomputer air pollution
But the Southern Environmental Law Center, among others, says the supercomputer is stressing the power grid, and that the gas-powered turbines emit smog and carbon dioxide, pollutants that cause lung irritation such as nitrogen oxides, and the carcinogen formaldehyde, experts say. Advertisement The chamber of commerce in Memphis made a surprise announcement in June 2024 that xAI planned to build a supercomputer in the city. The data center quickly set up shop in an industrial park south Memphis, near factories and a gas-powered plant operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Advertisement The SELC has claimed the use of the turbines violates the Clean Air Act and notes that residents who live near the xAI facility already face cancer risks at four times the national average. The group also has sent a petition to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'Big Ideas' Mobile Learning Lab to help guide careers for area high school sophomores
TUPELO – A mobile learning lab will help guide the careers of more than 3,300 10th graders this fall in an initiative sponsored by the Toyota Wellspring Education Fund at the CREATE Foundation, Toyota Mississippi and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Big Ideas, a Minnesota-based nonprofit, came to Northeast Mississippi to develop partnerships and work with local school districts before the 2025-2026 school year implementation. On Wednesday, local school district leaders, industry partners and community members had the opportunity to see the Big Ideas Mobile Learning Lab complete with nine modules. 'We need to be finding new ways to reach more students and expose them to high-quality, in-demand career opportunities locally,' said Mike Staten, CEO of BNA Bank and a Toyota Wellspring Education Fund committee member. 'There has historically been a stigma around skilled trades, but the reality is many of these opportunities provide high paying opportunities with career advancement that can lead to lifelong careers.' Staten was among the people who charged the Toyota Wellspring Education Fund team with finding authentic, hands-on learning experiences for high school students. They found that in Big Ideas, whose mission is "to inform, inspire and connect curious learners" ages 13 to adult with career paths and professionals in skilled trades. "TVA has always supported workforce development, along with CDF and all of our local partners. This aligns with our mission," said Amy Tate, senior state director, government and community relations for Tennessee Valley Authority. "As we move to attract business and industry to the area, we need a great workforce, and we want to help these students learn about these skill trades, get trained up, do anything we can do to put them in the pipeline and make it easier for us to have a robust workforce." In October, Big Ideas will visit all the high schools in Pontotoc, Union and Lee counties, then visit the high schools in Chickasaw, Clay, Itawamba and Tippah counties in November. Big Ideas complements the Imagine the Possibilities career expo, and students will be exposed to a variety of skilled trades and career opportunities related to those careers. David Rumbarger, president and CEO of the Community Development Foundation, said ITP was an enhancement of what ICC, Ole Miss, Mississippi State were doing with career preparation. "We still need to get into the high schools because, just like me when I was in high school, I didn't think what to do until I was almost out of high school and even into college," he said. "Exposure to career paths, exposure to career opportunities to go through an environment specifically focused on career preparation and training will give this region ahead of many other regions in the country that are just taking the product of education and coming out and trying to educate them on career opportunities. That's too late ... this gives them a vision of what they can do in this region as a career." Several high school students from the Boys and Girls Club of North Mississippi on Wednesday got a preview of the lab and the modules, similar to how sophomores will get to interact with these modules later this year. The other module options include the following: • Augmented Miller Welding (AR) • CAT Excavation (AR) • Industrial Coating - Paint (VR/AR) • Transfr VR (META headsets) (VR) • Crane (VR) • Safety (Harnesses) *Hands-on • Cargo Securement (Rachet Straps) • Tire Maintenance 'Providing an immersive learning experience for our students is a key priority for Toyota Mississippi as we collaborate with our partners to create innovative workforce readiness opportunities,' said Tiffannie Hedin, corporate communications manager for Toyota Mississippi, who also is a TWEF committee member and CREATE board member. 'We are so proud to support the Big Ideas project to expand access across our region enabling more students to engage and be inspired to choose a career path that's right for them regardless of the sector or path. Preparing our youth for careers post high school is vital to the success of our community and economic development, and this project is perfectly aligned to that goal.'
E&E News
10-06-2025
- Business
- E&E News
House approves TVA transparency, gas cylinder bills
House lawmakers passed two bills with wide bipartisan support Monday, with one designed to increase transparency at the Tennessee Valley Authority and the other strengthening safety standards for imported gas cylinders. H.R. 1373, the 'Tennessee Valley Authority Transparency Act,' would require the federally owned utility to hold public hearings at least four times a year. The bill passed by voice vote. '[TVA] holds most of its meetings behind closed doors, I believe Americans are sick and tired of these backroom dealings,' said Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), a lead sponsor of the legislation. 'This bill requires all board meetings be held in public and for TVA to provide at least seven days notice so people know when and where the meetings occur.' Advertisement The legislation continues House lawmakers' push to make the public utility more transparent in its dealings and finances. Earlier this year, the House passed a bill to increase financial reporting requirements for the authority.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Yahoo
Celebrating National Outdoor Month: TVA's Legacy Powers Outdoor Adventure Across the Tennessee River Valley
KNOXVILLE, Tenn., June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- June is National Outdoor Month, and across the Tennessee River Valley, communities are celebrating the incredible access to nature and outdoor recreation that has been made possible thanks in large part to the enduring legacy of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Originally established in 1933 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, TVA was created to provide electricity, flood control, and economic revitalization. Today, it continues to serve the people of the region not only through power generation, but by helping shape a landscape rich in outdoor adventure, recreational trails, and public access to waterways and land. From blueways to biking trails, TVA's stewardship of more than 293,000 acres of public land and 11,000 miles of shoreline enables experiences like: Blueways & Water Trails The newly designated Mossy Creek Water Trail in Jefferson City, perfect for peaceful paddling and nature watching The thrilling Ocoee River whitewater releases, made possible by TVA's managed dam operations, drawing rafters and kayakers from across the country Trail Systems The expanding Norris Area Trail System (NATS), featuring multi-use hiking and biking trails near Norris Dam Joe Wheeler Dam trails in northern Alabama, offering riverfront biking and scenic hikes Public Land Access TVA works with communities to support boat ramps, campgrounds, picnic areas, and nature observation spaces that improve quality of life and promote outdoor tourism. "TVA's original purpose was to uplift the people of the Tennessee Valley—and that mission still lives on through the outdoor opportunities it has helped create," said Julie Graham, spokesperson for the Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council. "From new trails to managed rivers, the Tennessee River Valley is now a thriving destination for adventure seekers, families, and conservation-minded travelers. Our volunteers and community trail partners—our true 'trail angels'—are essential to making it all happen." This June, in celebration of National Outdoor Month, the Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council invites everyone to get outside and explore the region's incredible network of trails, blueways, parks, and public lands. From scenic hikes to paddle adventures, it's a chance to experience the lasting legacy of the Tennessee Valley Authority—a legacy built on access, stewardship, and outdoor opportunity. Best of all, most trailheads, parking areas, kayak put-ins, and recreation sites are free to enjoy. The Tennessee Valley Authority is a federally owned corporation created in 1933 to improve life in the Tennessee Valley through navigation, flood control, electricity generation, and economic development. Today, TVA also plays a vital role in environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation, managing vast public lands and waters that benefit communities across the region. About the Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council The Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council is a regional coalition dedicated to protecting, promoting, and enhancing access to the Tennessee River watershed's natural, cultural, and recreational resources. The Council works with local communities, land agencies, and partners like TVA to ensure the long-term sustainability of outdoor spaces across the region. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE TRV Stewardship Council Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
E&E News
09-06-2025
- Politics
- E&E News
House to vote on TVA transparency, gas cylinder bills
The House is slated to vote this week on one bill to require the Tennessee Valley Authority to open its meetings to the public and another to strengthen safety standards for certain imported gas cylinders. Both bills advanced out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee with bipartisan votes in recent months. This week's votes are set to happen under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds majority. H.R. 1373, the 'Tennessee Valley Authority Transparency Act,' would require the board of the federally owned Appalachian electric utility to meet at least four times a year, in gatherings that are open to the public and preceded by formal public notices. Advertisement The legislation, spearheaded by Reps. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) and Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), is part of an increase in legislative scrutiny of TVA. Earlier this year, the House passed legislation to increase financial reporting requirements for the authority.
