Tennessee Valley Bureau Hearing Highlights Community Concerns
At a meeting on August 21, 2025, in Knoxville, residents voiced their desire for the Tennessee Valley Bureau to maintain its public utility status. The hearing came just a day before the TVA board meeting, following President Donald Trump’s threat to dismiss the board if it didn’t replace President Don Mour. The board responded firmly against his ultimatum with a letter.
Despite Trump’s threats, he has yet to disband the board, opting instead to nominate a new member. His past interest in privatizing TVA’s power lines has stirred significant pushback from unions, environmentalists, and local officials who are advocating for the public TVA.
Mike Arms, executive director of the Tennessee Valley Government Association, noted that over 150 local utility companies rely on TVA for power distribution. Community members opposing privatization mentioned its impact on essential services, like schools and municipal lighting, emphasizing the TVA’s provision of affordable and reliable energy. They also highlighted the TVA’s broad support for economic development, disaster recovery, and various community programs.
“We need to take action, like what Bernie Fife would say: Put it in the buds,” Arms remarked, urging attendees to engage with lawmakers.
Union leaders praised TVA not just as a power provider but also as a significant employer. Eddie Mitchell, a union steelworker from Alabama, shared that his job gave him a livable wage, allowing him to support his seven-year-old daughter.
While some environmental groups criticized TVA for its fossil fuel reliance, they still acknowledged that its current structure is preferable to a privatized version. Pam Jones, a member of the Clean Up TVA Union, expressed her enthusiasm, calling the gathering a “TVA Lovefest.”
Bonnie Swinford of the Sierra Club stressed that the public power model is designed for the benefit of the people and that they won’t accept a privatization effort that serves billionaires’ interests.
During the TVA board meeting on August 22, there were no signs that Mour would be dismissed. The board’s quorum was impacted by Trump’s recent removal of three members, including a notable aide to former Vice President Al Gore. Chairman Bill Rennick assured that TVA remains strong and capable of addressing the needs of the community.
“We are poised to lead as we have for over 90 years,” he stated, emphasizing innovation and service.
President Don Mour echoed Trump’s call to “Unleash America’s energy,” highlighting TVA’s role in meeting the energy needs of various communities through extensive partnerships.
Union representation at the hearing included various professional engineering and construction trade associations. Trump’s recently appointed nominees await approval from the U.S. Senate.
