Plans to retire a decades-old coal-fired power plant in Michigan have hit a legal snag as Consumers Energy faces a federal court challenge over a directive that keeps the facility operational. The order, issued by the Trump administration, mandates the continued operation of the J.H. Campbell plant in Ottawa County beyond its scheduled shutdown date.
Federal Mandate Sparks Legal Challenge
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump declared an “energy emergency”, leading the Department of Energy to instruct Consumers Energy to keep the coal plant running past May 31. This move has prompted nine environmental groups, including Sierra Club and Earthjustice, to contest the order in federal court, arguing that it is “unlawful and unreasonable.”
State Officials and Environmentalists Oppose the Order
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is separately involved in a related case by Consumers Energy, which aims to distribute the operational costs of the plant across a broader customer base. Nessel criticized the federal directive, stating, “This unprecedented order of the Department of Energy declares an emergency without evidence, completely ignores state and federal regulators that approved the plant’s retirement, and will potentially put enormous costs onto utility customers who receive no real benefit.” More details on this issue can be found through Tracy Samilton’s reporting.
Financial and Environmental Concerns
The directive to keep the aging and less efficient plant operational is expected to cost Consumers Energy, and eventually its customers, upwards of $100 million. This decision is seen as conflicting with Michigan’s broader goals of transitioning to cleaner energy sources. The Trump administration’s stance appears to be part of a broader effort to support the fossil fuel industry, particularly coal, which the president has referred to as “beautiful clean coal.”
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