Federal court rejects Trump administration order keeping Michigan coal plant open
Also reported by The Hill, Guardian World
Summary
A federal court ruled that the Energy Department exceeded its authority by forcing a Michigan coal plant to stay open beyond its planned shutdown last year. The court said there was no real emergency to justify using emergency powers, and the planned closing should go ahead.Key Facts
- The J.H. Campbell coal plant in Michigan was ordered to stay open past its retirement date by the Energy Department.
- The Energy Department claimed the plant was needed for reliable electricity during emergencies.
- Environmental groups and the states of Michigan, Illinois, and Minnesota challenged this order in court.
- The U.S. Court of Appeals ruled unanimously that no real emergency existed under the law to keep the plant open.
- Use of emergency powers under the Federal Power Act is meant only as a last resort and must be justified by immediate need.
- Opponents said the order increased pollution and electricity costs for consumers.
- The Energy Department said the order helped prevent blackouts and saved lives during severe winter storms.
- The decision affects other similar orders that keep coal and gas plants open in several states.
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