The Cataylst Newsletter
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Energy Edition
By: Vaughn Cassidy
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is a name that customers have known throughout the country as one of the oldest, most reliable, affordable and now innovative power distribution cooperatives of the modern era. 
Electricity generation and distribution to over 10 million residents in 153 local power companies in parts of 8 states is a monumental task. Performing this task while maintaining an environmentally sustainable business model is an even greater challenge.  
At present, the average resident of the TVA Valley would probably be surprised to learn that between 2005 and 2020 power generation moved from 60% coal sourced to only 15%. Now as of the summer of 2023 around 40% is actually generated from nuclear power. The rest of the affordable and reliable power we enjoy in the TVA Valley is delivered to us by 17 natural gas and steam turbine facilities, 29 hydro-electric sites, 14 wind and solar sites and 1 diesel powered facility.  
The TVA also acquires power from various power producers through what is generally known as power purchasing agreements (PPAs). As of late 2020, several PPAs are renewable generation facilities including 8 wind, 3 utility scale solar sites and one landfill gas site. Renewable power generation in Tennessee is an important initiative that the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation supports through certifying sites that utilize clean energy technology for a tax credit. A Certified Green Energy Production Facility can apply for certification as producing or storing clean energy. Taxpayers using technology used to generate energy from geothermal, hydrogen, solar or wind may take credit, apply for a refund of taxes paid or apply for authority to make tax-exempt purchases of machinery and equipment used to produce that electricity. 
Anyone wanting more information about the program, please refer to our Certified Green Energy Production webpage.
The Tennessee Valley Authority, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and innovative customers both public and private, have made Tennessee a national leader in cleaner and more efficient production and distribution of energy in the Southeast. 
Community Corner
The TN Department of Health will be hosting several focus groups in July and August to help create recommendations for specific priority areas to be featured in the upcoming State Health Plan. The four areas of focus include a healthy start, a healthy life, a healthy environment, and healthy system of care. Local community organizations and non-profits are encouraged to sign up and participate in these focus groups. To register for one of these events, please visit the TN Department of Health’s Eventbrite page. 
Business Corner
Upcoming Webinar
TVA EnergyRight - Your Partner for Energy Efficiency Improvements
Wednesday, July 12, 2023 || 1pm CST
TVA EnergyRight for Business and Industry partners with local power companies across TVA's seven-state region to bring energy efficiency, demand response, efficient electrification and renewable energy programs to approximately 10 million people and 800,000 businesses.
During the webinar, TVA EnergyRight staff will provide an overview of their programs and speak about incentive offerings with industrial examples. The presentation will cover the Strategic Energy Management Program (Save It Forward), the Federal Energy Services Program (FESP), and different compressed air trainings that are offered.
Register Here!
 State Government Corner
Last month, Montgomery Bell State Park opened its newest trail which incorporates exercise equipment so that guests can work out while enjoying the outdoors. The unique thing about the trail is that it is made from recycled Tennessee scrap tires. The half mile loop is paved with a porous pavement that incorporated the rubber from approximately 4,500 scrap tires to make the trail. Scrap tires are ground down to the size of small pebbles and mixed with a hard aggregate and an adhesive to make the fully ADA compliant trail. The porous nature of the pavement also allows stormwater to infiltrate instead of creating excess stormwater runoff. Montgomery Bell was awarded a Tire Environmental Act Program (TEAP) grant to help fund this project. To learn more about TEAP and other projects that have been funded through this program, please visit their website.
     Small Business Environmental Assistance Corner
    It’s officially summer, and many of us are spending more time outdoors. While sunshine and vitamin D are beneficial to our mental health, increased exposure to air pollutants while outside can harm our physical health. To keep the public informed, a variety of federal agencies collaborate to provide up-to-date air quality information via the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI is a color-coded tool that quickly informs the viewer about local air quality of ozone and particulate matter. Ozone and particulate matter are two types of air pollutants that can negatively impact human health, especially for sensitive populations. Click here to view the current air quality in Tennessee. Additionally, TDEC’s Division of Air Pollution Control website provides links to other tools and resources to learn more about air quality. This information can help you decide if it’s safe to be outdoors for extended periods of time, or if it may be a good day to stay indoors.
    Recipe of the Month
    Zucchini recipes
    Too much zucchini? Check out these 5 recipes to use it before it goes to waste!
    News Articles
    Go Green With Us: Keeping it Clean and Green in Tennessee's Waterways
    Beat the Heat by Building a Better Yard
    Events
    Tennessee State Parks Events
    Household Hazardous Waste Collection
    Environmental Education in Tennessee Events
    Socket, Nashville's Sustainability Outlet
    Funding Opportunities
    TDEC Grants and Programs 
    Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
    TDOT Rural Planning Initiative
    Grants.gov
    Clean School Bus Program Grants
        Applications Due: August 22, 2023
    Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program
        Applications Due: July 10, 2023
    Conferences/Workshops/Training Opportunities
    green|leader - The Nation's First Localized Sustainability Certificate
        Ongoing Opportunity
    Tennessee Recycling Coalition Annual Conference (Gatlinburg, TN)
         August 23-25, 2023
    TVA Lunch and Learn(Virtual)
        July 13, 2023 | 11am EST
    Stay tuned as we receive updates about upcoming conferences. 
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