WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has removed Joe Ritch, a Huntsville attorney, from his position on the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) board. Appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate in December 2022, Ritch’s term was prematurely ended ahead of its May 2023 expiration date. The TVA, a key utility that provides power across seven states including Alabama, confirmed Ritch’s departure without specifying the reasons behind the decision.
Ritch, recognized for his significant contributions as Chairman of the Redstone Regional Alliance, has been instrumental in advocating for the relocation of Space Command headquarters to Huntsville. Despite his long-standing service, including a previous tenure under the Obama administration from 2013 to 2017 where he also served as the board’s chair, his bio has since been stripped from TVA’s official website.
This board shake-up follows closely on the heels of another dismissal when Trump terminated Michelle Moore last week. Moore, like Ritch, was a Biden appointee whose Senate confirmation came in 2022, with her term set to end in 2026. These removals have left the board without a quorum, significantly hindering its ability to initiate new programs or alter existing directions, as stated in a recent SEC filing.
Amid these board changes, TVA continues its operations, ensuring the delivery of reliable, and affordable energy to approximately 10 million customers across its multi-state service area. However, the reduction in board members raises concerns about the future governance and strategic direction of the utility.
Just a day prior to Ritch’s termination, Don Moul was announced as the new CEO of TVA. Moul, who steps into the role following the retirement of Jeff Lyash, was previously the executive vice president and chief operation officer of the organization. Ritch praised Moul’s appointment, highlighting his vision and deep industry knowledge as pivotal for TVA’s forward momentum.
Simultaneously, political leaders are vocal about their visions for TVA’s future. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt has expressed a commitment to realigning TVA with its fundamental mission of providing both reliable energy and local employment opportunities while addressing its financial liabilities. Her office emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility for the utility, which is particularly crucial given the service it provides to about 1.5 million Alabamians.
Despite attempts to get comments from other political figures such as Rep. Dale Strong and Sen. Tommy Tuberville, responses were not forthcoming. Additionally, efforts to reach Ritch for a statement have so far been unsuccessful.
This dynamic situation at TVA underscores the evolving landscape of public utility management and federal oversight, highlighting the intersection between regional energy policies and national political decisions.
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