US court rejects order keeping Michigan coal plant open
The ruling finds the Energy Department exceeded its authority by extending operation of a 64-year-old plant beyond its planned retirement.
A US federal appeals court has unanimously rejected an emergency order requiring Michigan’s JH Campbell Generating Plant to remain open, finding that the Energy Department exceeded its authority.
The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that no emergency under federal law justified keeping the 64-year-old coal-fired plant operating beyond its planned retirement in May 2025. The decision challenges the Trump administration’s use of emergency powers to keep ageing coal facilities online.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright invoked the powers last year, citing regional electricity reliability and rising demand linked to artificial intelligence and data centres. The court described the relevant provision of the Federal Power Act as a narrow, last-resort authority.
Operated by Consumers Energy, the plant has continued running under Energy Department orders. Its operation has cost about $259 million, according to financial filings. Consumers Energy said it was reviewing the ruling, with its next steps and the plant’s operating status not specified.
The Energy Department defended the orders, saying they helped prevent blackouts and may have saved hundreds of lives during periods of peak demand. Similar orders reportedly cover coal plants in Indiana, Colorado and Florida, as well as an oil and gas plant in Pennsylvania.
Hours after the Michigan ruling, Wright issued a new emergency order for a coal plant in Centralia, Washington. The legal effect of the ruling on the other orders was not specified.
