99% Invisible Valley So Low
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Jan 28, 2025 Jared Sullivan, author of "Valley So Low," dives deep into the catastrophic 2008 coal ash spill in Kingston, Tennessee. He unpacks the aftermath of the disaster, revealing the toxic legacy left on the community. Sullivan discusses the transformation of the Tennessee Valley Authority from a New Deal initiative into a profit-driven entity. The conversation includes the long legal battles faced by affected residents and critiques TVA's delayed shift toward cleaner energy. It’s a compelling look at environmental justice and the struggle for accountability in the wake of corporate negligence.
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Kingston Coal Ash Spill
- In 2008, a billion gallons of toxic sludge spilled in Kingston, Tennessee, near Jared Sullivan's hometown.
- The spill, caused by the collapse of a coal ash containment area, covered 300 acres and shocked the nation.
TVA's Origins and Mission
- The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) was created during the New Deal to address poverty in the Tennessee Valley.
- The TVA aimed to improve lives by making electricity a public good, recognizing its importance for progress.
Norris Dam and Town
- The TVA built Norris Dam and a model town, Norris, to showcase cooperative living.
- Norris featured walkable streets, green spaces, and community facilities, reflecting TVA's broader social goals.