TVA Abandons 900-Megawatt Generation Facility In Cheatham County, Tennessee

Image Credit: Stop TVA

The Tennessee Conservative [By David Seal] –

Landowners and citizens of Cheatham County, Tennessee are breathing better after TVA announced that it no longer prefers to use a 286-acre farm on Lockertsville Road for a natural gas generating facility.

“Based on feedback in response to our scoping process and at Board listening sessions, as well as input from the TVA Board of Directors, the Lockertsville Road site in Cheatham County, TN, is no longer the preferred alternative for a proposed 900 MW generation facility. With input from community leaders, we are evaluating a site at a nearby industrial park as well as other Middle Tennessee sites that will support economic development and address the increasing power demand across the system. We remain committed to delivering reliable, low-cost electricity to power the region’s continued growth.” – said TVA, Via X Posting 5:02 PM July 15, 2025 

Full TVA Media Release, July 15, 2025:  TVA Exploring Alternative Sites for Generation Proposed in Cheatham County

For several months, videos of TVA operatives and pipeline subcontractors with law enforcement in tow have had residents on edge while their private property has been examined for the potential installation of infrastructure for a generation facility.

Many of the residents, including farmers in the area, have expressed concerns, calling TVA’s tactics heavy handed and abusive. One stating that “a little respect would have gone a long way.”

A large group of citizens formed an action group to counteract TVA’s Lockertsville Road facility and to persuade TVA and elected officials to consider other industrial sites in the area, namely shuttered coal-fired plants that already have transmission lines and large capacity gas pipelines. Those plants were abandoned under the Obama-Biden war on fossil fuel.  STOP-TVA-Brochure

Numerous local governments urged TVA, by resolution, to consider other sites in the area. A link to those resolutions and other documents is provided here.  Files – Hub For Teams

Many Cheatham County residents have taken to social media to thank country music star John Rich for getting involved and bringing nationwide attention to the issue. They credit him for standing up against what they characterize as TVA tyranny and un-American practices. As one person stated, “They [TVA] would have run flat over us if Mr. Rich had not gotten involved.”

One of the organizers of Stop TVA states as follows.

“So many in Cheatham County, Tennessee are relieved that TVA has decided not to build a gas plant on Lockertsville Rd. in Ashland City. We have worked tirelessly against this project for years as TVA provided a deaf ear to our concerns and pleas to take the project where it belongs — to an industrial setting somewhere on the 293,000 acres TVA already owns. TVA had no business starting such a project from scratch — at the cost of billions of dollars — within pristine farmland surrounded by rural homes and five schools. Because of John Rich’s involvement, TVA was finally forced to listen and back up.” – said Nanette Malher 

Finally, neighboring county residents took note of the consequences of the proposed facility, expressed by a former GOP Chairman.

“Today marks another win for the Humphreys County Republican Party and its efforts to provide a better life for the citizens of its county.  Instead of a long, red taped process of eminent domain, homes being taken needlessly by the government, land being misused and millions of wasted taxpayer dollars, TVA has decided to keep the power generation plant in New Johnsonville. This is a true testament of what can happen when a small group of patriotic members decide that it was time to make a stand against the fight for common sense, and the prosperity of our county.  Through their efforts, and the help of John Rich, they were able to change minds and mold opinions with the current administration for a commonsense approach.” – said Wayne Miller, Former Humphreys County GOP Chair

The Tennessee Conservative News will follow this story and report any developments as TVA makes official decisions on the generating facility.

About the Author: David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, 917 Society Volunteer, and past Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a citizen lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level. David is also a 2024 winner of The Tennessee Conservative Flame Award & has received an accolade from the Institute For Justice for successfully lobbing the TN legislature to protect property rights. David can be reached at david@tennesseeconservativenews.com.