Read more at The Guardian

• Forced Operation: The Trump administration issued an emergency order forcing the JH Campbell coal-fired power plant in Michigan to remain open, even though its operator, Consumers Energy, had planned to close it. The order has since been extended, delaying the closure for six months.
• Justification: The Department of Energy claims the plant is needed to prevent power outages and ensure a reliable energy supply for millions of people, especially given rising demand from artificial intelligence.
• Conflict with Grid Operator: This action has been criticized because Miso, the regional grid operator, stated it had “adequate resources” to meet demand without the plant. This is the first time the Secretary of Energy has used emergency powers to keep a plant running without being asked to by the grid or plant operator.
• High Costs and Legal Challenges: Keeping the plant operational is estimated to cost $1 million a day, a cost that will be passed on to ratepayers. In response, Michigan’s attorney general has filed a lawsuit calling the order “arbitrary and illegal.”
• Broader Context: The move is part of the Trump administration’s larger effort to support the coal industry. This includes granting exemptions from pollution rules to dozens of plants. Critics argue that these actions will lead to higher electricity bills, increased pollution, and a worsening climate crisis.⁷ The article also notes that the closure of coal plants has been linked to significant improvements in public health, such as a sharp drop in childhood asthma visits in a study after a similar plant closure.