Cheatham County commission adopts resolution opposing TVA methane gas site and pipeline
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Summary
The Cheatham County Commission voted unanimously to oppose the Tennessee Valley Authority's proposed methane gas generation site and a planned 12-mile accompanying pipeline, citing environmental, public-health, eminent-domain and process concerns and urging TVA to study less-polluting alternatives.
The Cheatham County Legislative Body on July 17 adopted a resolution opposing the Tennessee Valley Authority's proposed methane gas generation facility and related pipeline construction in the county.
The resolution, approved by roll call (11 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent), cites TVA's 2020 purchase of about 286 acres on Lockertsville Road in Ashland City and refers to a TVA open house held June 21. The commission said the proposal could diminish air quality, increase greenhouse-gas emissions, and pose water-quality, noise and vibration risks, and it expressed concern about the potential use of eminent domain along a roughly 12-mile pipeline route that could cross private property and farm land.
The resolution asks TVA to expand the geographic scope of study under the National Environmental Policy Act and to analyze less-polluting alternatives — including solar plus battery backup — before moving forward. It also urges TVA to provide more detailed comparative data on alternative energy outcomes for the site.
The commission framed the vote as a statement about local priorities: protecting community health, conserving natural and recreational resources, and seeking alternatives that reduce long-term environmental harm. The resolution calls for copies to be sent to TVA leadership, the Tennessee governor and federal congressional delegates.
Why it matters: The TVA is a regional utility whose siting and environmental reviews can affect large areas and multiple landowners; the county action signals unified local opposition and requests for expanded environmental analysis.
What's next: The county transmitted the resolution to TVA leadership and elected officials; the resolution requests additional study by TVA and public-facing information about alternatives and comparative impacts.