The US Department of Energy has issued an emergency order to keep a coal-fired power plant in Michigan open for another 90 days, despite its operator’s initial plan to close it. The move has stunned local residents and the company, Consumers Energy.
The JH Campbell power plant, which has been in operation since 1962, was just eight days away from closure when Trump’s Department of Energy intervened. The administration has now extended the order for another 90 days, keeping the plant open until November.
Local resident Mark Oppenhuizen, who has lived near the plant for 30 years, expressed his frustration with the decision. “Why are they inserting themselves into a decision a company has made? It’s all so dumb,” he said.
The extension is part of Trump’s efforts to boost coal production and keep fossil fuel plants open despite growing demand for renewable energy sources. The administration has issued emergency declarations to keep several other polluting facilities open, including a gas plant in Pennsylvania.
Critics argue that the move will lead to higher electricity bills and more pollution in communities, exacerbating climate change. “The result of this will be higher electricity bills, more pollution in our communities and a worsening climate crisis,” said Caroline Reiser, an attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council.
In Michigan, the cost of keeping JH Campbell open is set to be steep, with Consumers Energy facing significant operating costs. The company initially estimated that closure would save ratepayers $600m by 2040.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/21/jh-campbell-coal-power-plant-michigan-trump-administation