EPW Hearing Statement: The Nomination of William B. Kilbride to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety held a hearing on the nomination of William B. Kilbride to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Below is the hearing statement of EPW Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), as submitted into the record:

“For some time, I have encouraged Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to be an industry leader, not a laggard, especially when it comes to clean energy and energy efficiency.

“In recent years, TVA has made decisions that are in line the actions that many utilities are taking across the country to boost their bottom lines and reduce their carbon footprint by phasing out uneconomic, heavier-polluting coal-fired power plants and transitioning to cleaner forms of energy. These decisions – which have been based on economics, science and adherence to TVA’s mission – demonstrate that utilities can do well by doing what is good, and, in particular, good for our environment.

“Unfortunately, however, there have been reports that TVA may not have been a good actor when it comes to worker safety and whistleblower protections. That is unacceptable. Being an industry leader means embracing and enforcing a culture of safety across the workforce. It also means being a good neighbor and protecting the community from potential hazards.

“Today, I am interested in hearing Mr. Kilbride’s views on these issues and better understanding what he will do, if confirmed, to ensure TVA is the gold standard of utilities. Thanks very much.”

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