Trump administration orders Michigan coal plant to stay open despite closure plans

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI (WTVB) – The Trump administration is ordering Consumers Energy to keep its J.H. Campbell coal plant running through the summer, just weeks before its planned closure.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright invoked emergency powers to delay the shutdown, citing concerns over power demand and grid reliability. State regulators and Consumers Energy say there is no emergency, and environmental groups condemned the move as political interference that could raise costs and stall Michigan’s transition to cleaner energy.

Consumers Director of Media Relations Katie Carey described the order as a 90-day pause, and said the utility intends to comply.

The 90-day order expires August 21st.