A federal court has ruled that the U.S. Energy Department overstepped its authority by using emergency powers to extend the operation of a coal-fired power plant in Michigan beyond its planned shutdown. The decision came after environmental advocates and three states challenged the order, arguing the plant’s continued operation was unnecessary for grid reliability. The Energy Department had cited regional electricity needs as justification for keeping the aging facility running. The ruling marks a legal setback for the administration’s efforts to preserve coal plant operations.
A federal court is declaring that the energy department exceeded its authority when it forced a Michigan power plant to stay open past its scheduled retirement dateIn a defeat for the Trump administration, a federal court on Friday ruled that the energy department exceeded its authority when it forced a Michigan coal-fired power plant to stay open past its scheduled retirement date last year.Energy secretary Chris Wright had said the 64-year-old JH Campbell Generating Plant was needed to ensure reliable electricity in the region, and he used emergency powers to keep it operating. Environmental groups and three states – Michigan, Illinois and Minnesota – went to court to try to overturn orders keeping the plant online. Continue reading...
