HUNTSVILLE — State and federal lawmakers should oppose any efforts to privatize the Tennessee Valley Authority, a broad coalition of 43 Alabama organizations wrote in a joing letter released today.
The groups said would raise energy costs, eliminate good jobs, weaken environmental protections and strip the public of its voice in decisions about the region’s energy future.
“TVA has been one of the most transformative public investments in our state’s history,” the letter reads. “Privatization would put that at risk, leading to higher energy bills, fewer protections for consumers, loss of good union jobs and more pressure to cut corners on safety and environmental stewardship.”
More than 40 organizations signed the letter, including labor unions, civic organizations, faith groups and nonprofits across Alabama.
“At Alabama Arise, we believe in public systems that are transparent, accountable and responsive to everyday people,” said Adam Keller, Alabama Arise’s Worker Power Campaign director. “Public power through TVA has kept energy reliable, affordable and accountable to Alabamians for generations, reducing poverty and expanding opportunity across the region.
“The public deserves a voice in decisions about our energy and environment, and we stand united in opposing any threats to this vital lifeline for our communities.”
Created in 1933 as part of the New Deal, the Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power provider, serving nearly 10 million people across seven states. TVA’s mission extends beyond electricity: it also supports economic development, environmental stewardship and disaster response.
“TVA was originally created because the private sector failed rural America,” said Daniel Tait, executive director of Energy Alabama. “Turning TVA over to private, for-profit interests would mean higher electricity rates, destruction and loss of access to outdoor recreation areas, and other devastating consequences for families and businesses across the Tennessee Valley.”
The group said TVA privatization proposals have surfaced repeatedly in Washington. Alabama stakeholders warn the costs would fall hardest on working families and vulnerable communities.
The broad array of groups opposing privatization “reflects the diverse voices of workers, community members, faith groups and environmental advocates across the state,” the joint letter reads. “While we come from different sectors and perspectives, we are united in calling for action to protect our communities.”
The coalition is calling on Alabama’s congressional delegation and state elected leaders to issue clear, public statements opposing TVA privatization. The groups say they will continue organizing to ensure TVA remains publicly owned and accountable to the people of Alabama.
“TVA’s union workforce is the backbone of our energy system, providing safe, skilled jobs that support families and communities,” said Ray Dawson, business manager of Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 366. “Privatization would wreck those jobs and the local economies they sustain.”
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