A federal appeals court has ruled that the Energy Department exceeded its authority when it forced a Michigan coal-fired power plant to remain operational past its scheduled retirement date last year. The decision is a blow to the Trump administration's efforts to force aging plants to stay online rather than retire.
The 64-year-old JH Campbell Generating Plant was kept operating after Energy Secretary Chris Wright used emergency powers, claiming the facility was necessary to ensure reliable electricity in the region. However, the court found that the administration overstepped its authority and declared an emergency when none existed.
Environmental groups and the states of Michigan, Illinois, and Minnesota sought to overturn the orders keeping the plant online. According to utility filings, emergency orders forcing plants to remain open have cost ratepayers nearly $1 billion.