TVA Greenlights 22,000-Acre Underground Coal Mine Expansion in Illinois
Published Date: 3/27/2025
Notice
Summary
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is giving the green light to Sugar Camp Energy to expand underground coal mining by about 22,400 acres in Illinois. This move follows existing lease agreements and sets the stage for TVA to possibly sell off these mineral rights later in 2025. Local communities, miners, and the environment will feel the impact as mining grows, with decisions and actions rolling out through the year.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
TVA Approves 22,414-Acre Mine Expansion
The TVA approved Sugar Camp Energy’s plan to expand underground longwall coal mining by approximately 22,414 acres in Illinois as described in the Final Environmental Impact Statement. The expansion implements terms of existing coal leases covering about 64,689 acres of TVA-owned mineral rights and was adopted following the Final EIS (Notice of Availability published January 17, 2025). Local communities, miners, and the environment are explicitly noted as groups that will feel the impact as mining grows.
TVA May Divest 64,689 Acres Of Mineral Rights
TVA says it will pursue divestment of the TVA Mineral Rights Area (approximately 64,689 acres) and will consider a separate Record of Decision on divestiture likely later in 2025. This signals a possible future transfer of control over these mineral rights that could change who manages mining on that land.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14605, Generator Interconnection Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is creating a big-picture environmental review to speed up and simplify how new power generators connect to the grid across the Tennessee Valley. This means faster, clearer decisions for companies and communities as electricity needs grow, with public comments open until August 14, 2026. The new process aims to save time and money while protecting the environment.
2026-13108, Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is asking for approval to collect feedback from people, businesses, and local governments to improve their services and community programs. They’re inviting everyone to share their thoughts by July 30, 2026, with no cost to participants but a small time commitment. This new feedback collection will help TVA make things easier and better for everyone involved.
2026-08661, Meeting of the Regional Resource Stewardship Council
The Tennessee Valley Authority’s Regional Resource Stewardship Council is meeting May 13-14, 2026, in Knoxville to talk about protecting natural and cultural resources in the Tennessee Valley. The public can join in person or online, with a special hour for sharing ideas on May 14. This meeting affects local communities and landowners interested in TVA’s plans and stewardship efforts, with no direct costs but plenty of chances to get involved.
2026-06773, Spring Valley II Solar Final Environmental Impact Statement
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is moving forward with a big solar project in Colbert County, Alabama, to help meet growing energy needs. They’ll buy power from a new 200-megawatt solar farm covering 740 acres, plus build a substation and upgrade power lines to connect it all. This clean energy boost supports local communities and fits TVA’s plan to provide reliable, greener electricity without using taxpayer money.
2026-16858, Sunshine Act Meetings
2026-12978, Meeting of the Regional Energy Resource Council
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is holding a big meeting on July 14, 2026, to talk about their 2026 plan for providing affordable and reliable electricity to 10 million people in the Valley region. The public can join in person or online, share their thoughts, and hear updates on TVA’s energy goals. This meeting helps shape how TVA balances costs, reliability, and clean energy for the future.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-05268, New Postal Products
The Postal Service just filed a new deal for special mail services, and the Commission is checking it out. This affects businesses and customers who use these special mail options, with possible changes coming soon. The public can share their thoughts before any final decisions are made.
Next: 2025-05271, Dioctyl Terephthalate (DOTP) From Malaysia, Poland, Taiwan, and Turkey; Cancellation of Hearing for Antidumping Duty Investigations
The U.S. International Trade Commission has canceled the hearing on whether to add extra taxes on a plastic chemical called DOTP from Malaysia, Poland, Taiwan, and Turkey. Big companies like Eastman and BASF asked to skip the hearing but will still answer questions in writing. This means no surprise delays, and the final decisions will move forward with briefs due April 1, 2025.