The U.S. Department of Energy has issued another emergency order forcing a West Michigan coal-fired power plant to remain open. The J.H. Campbell plant, which sits on the lakeshore in Ottawa County, was originally scheduled to be shut down in the summer of 2025. But the DOE has repeatedly ordered Consumers Energy, which operates the plant, to stay open, citing an energy emergency.
The state of Michigan sued to overturn the order. In September, a federal judge sided with the state, concluding that the federal government “exceeded its statutory authority.” The Department is now appealing that decision.
The previous order keeping the J.H. Campbell plant open was scheduled to expire on Saturday. Late Friday, the DOE issued a new order, which it says is valid for another 90 days…