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US Govt Keeps Michigan Coal Plant Open
20 Nov
Summary
- A Michigan coal plant's closure was delayed from May until February 17.
- The U.S. Energy Department cited emergency conditions for the extension.
- Critics argue the plant's continued operation incurs mounting costs.
The Trump administration has again extended the operational life of the J.H. Campbell coal-fired power plant in West Olive, Michigan. Originally scheduled to close last May, the plant's continued operation has been mandated by the U.S. Energy Department, which cited "emergency conditions" necessitating its output to meet electrical demand in the central U.S. This latest order extends the plant's life until February 17. The facility, which opened in 1962, can generate up to 1,450 megawatts, sufficient for about 1 million people.
Consumers Energy had planned to cease operations at the Campbell plant on May 31. However, the Energy Department intervened, ordering a three-month extension due to concerns about reliable electricity during the summer. This decision has since been prolonged twice. Consumers Energy confirmed it will continue to run the plant, with the net expense through September reaching $80 million, to be shared by customers on a multistate electric grid. Michigan utility regulators had previously criticized the initial order to keep the plant open.
Despite the government's claims of emergency, critics, including environmental groups like Earthjustice, have strongly opposed the extensions. They argue that the costs associated with keeping the "jalopy coal plant" running are substantial and unnecessary. Legal challenges have been initiated by environmental organizations and Michigan's attorney general in an attempt to overturn the orders and finally close the plant, pushing for a transition to cleaner energy sources.
