U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., criticized the federal utility for making only the minimum required reductions in air pollution from its coal-fired plants. He said the damage (both health and business)  from having most Tennesseans living in polluted communities probably exceeds the cost of cleaning up or replacing TVA's plants.

"Clean air seems to be an afterthought at TVA," . "TVA is only willing to do as much as it is required to do by law."   Sen. Alexander told the Chattanooga Times Free Press editorial board.  But TVA is not just any utility; it is a special federal entity and I would like to see it take the leadership in doing more itself and causing others to do more."