TVA’s Environmental Policy and Principles

Since its founding in 1933 TVA has been dedicated to the proper use, conservation and development of the natural resources of the TVA region. This longstanding dedication is expressed not only in our overall mission but in the way we carry out the finest details of our day-to-day operations. The following environmental policy and supporting principles define TVA’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Environmental Policy

As a regional development agency and the nation’s largest public power provider, TVA is committed to protecting the environmental resources of the TVA region. We continually improve the environmental performance of our operations. We balance sustainable development of the region's natural resources with supplying low cost, reliable power. We sustain the region’s resources for future generations through leadership in clean energy innovation and environmental management.

Environmental Principles

TVA adopts the following business principles in support of our environmental policy:

Management Commitment

• Integrate responsible environmental practices into business operations by establishing goals, measuring progress and reporting performance through a comprehensive environmental management system.
• Factor environmental considerations into business decisions.
• Train TVA employees in their environmental responsibilities, expect them to use effective environmental processes and hold them accountable for their performance.

Environmental Compliance

• Comply with environmental laws and regulations.
• Assess the effects of TVA operations on the environment.
• Operate with a goal of continuous improvement.

Environmental Protection and Stewardship

• Manage the competing demands on the river system and the resources of the TVA region by optimizing their value to diverse stakeholder interests.
• Practice responsible environmental stewardship of the region’s natural resources.
• Encourage our customers, suppliers, and partners to do the same.

Pollution Prevention and Control

• Minimize the effects of our operations on the environment through a combination of:
  • Demand-side management
  • Source reduction
  • Recycling and reuse
  • Pollution control.

Partnerships/Public Involvement

• Build partnerships through effective two-way communications with our stakeholders and customers.
• Solicit and respond to public input that enables regional influence over regional resources.

Innovation and Technology Development

• Use our integrated power system as a living laboratory to showcase energy innovations and solutions.
• Develop technologies and expertise to serve the public good by finding new and better solutions for environmental protection.