Archive · 19 Jun 2025
Michigan Challenges Federal Order to Keep Coal Plant Open
The U.S. government told a power plant in Michigan to stay open even though the company wanted to close it.
The plant burns coal, which isn't as clean as other ways to make electricity.
The government said the plant needs to stay open in case there isn't enough power for people this summer.
However, environmental groups and the state of Michigan think the government shouldn't have done this.
They believe there's not a real problem that requires the plant to stay open.
They also think the government doesn't have the right to force the plant to stay open.
The plant's owner is following the order, but the situation might change before summer ends.
Environmental groups and Michigan's attorney general are challenging a federal order.
The order keeps a coal-fired power plant open this summer.
Consumers Energy planned to close the plant by May 31.
The Energy Department intervened, citing potential electricity shortfalls.
MISO reported a potential for "elevated risk" during extreme weather.
- Who
- Environmental groups, Michigan's attorney general, and the U.S. Energy Department.
- What
- Environmental groups and Michigan's attorney general are challenging a federal order to keep a coal-fired power plant open.
- When
- The challenges were filed on Wednesday.
- Where
- Ottawa County, near Lake Michigan
- Why
- Environmental groups argue there is no energy emergency justifying the plant's operation, while the Energy Department cites potential electricity shortfalls.
Environmental Groups/Michigan Attorney General
U.S. Energy Department
Authority
Environmental Groups/Michigan Attorney General
The Energy Department has no authority to keep the plant open.
U.S. Energy Department
The Energy Department ordered the plant to stay open because of possible electricity shortfalls.
Energy Emergency
Environmental Groups/Michigan Attorney General
There's no energy emergency justifying the order.
U.S. Energy Department
Potential electricity shortfalls necessitate the order.
Plant Closure
Environmental Groups/Michigan Attorney General
The utility and state should decide on the plant's replacement with cleaner sources.
U.S. Energy Department
The federal government must intervene to secure energy for the central U.S..
- Plant Name
- J.H. Campbell
- Operator
- Consumers Energy
- Location
- Ottawa County, MI
- Order Expiration
- Late August
- MISO
- Manages electricity in 15 states and Manitoba