The Knoxville News Sentinel reports on yesterday's hearing before the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment regarding the TVA Inspector General report. The report found serious problems with TVA's handling of coal ash and charged that TVA manipulated the investigation of the spill to limit their liability.

It's interesting that U.S. Representatives from Texas and Minnesota are strong advocates for the residents of Roane County and other areas affected by TVA coal-fired power plants, while Tennessee's Rep. Jimmy Duncan (R-TN2) refers to disaster victims and cleanup advocates as "extremists" and "kooks."

Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Rep. Lincoln Davis (D-TN4) take a different view. Sen. Alexander says the IG report "raises major concerns which must be taken seriously." Rep. Davis says that TVA "has a long road ahead to regain the trust of Tennessee families."

Rep. Duncan's remarks are disgraceful and an insult to the residents of Roane County. Has Rep. Duncan even visited the disaster site? Subcommittee chair Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) has.

PREVIOUSLY:

• TVA IG: Safety concerns ignored, coal ash disaster could have been prevented

• Rep. Duncan: No respect for people of Roane County

• Roane County reacts to TVA IG report