Trump's forced coal plant extensions thrown out by judge
A federal appeals court has overturned the Trump administration's orders to keep coal-fired power plants open, ruling that the Department of Energy's 'emergency' declarations were invalid. This decision specifically affects the J.H. Campbell plant in Michigan and establishes a precedent against similar interventions aimed at propping up coal use.
Why it matters
This ruling limits the executive branch's ability to override market forces and environmental regulations to support fossil fuels, impacting energy policy, environmental protection, and the transition to renewable energy in the US. It reinforces judicial oversight over administrative actions.
Crying wolf Trump’s forced coal plant extensions thrown out by judge The Department of Energy declared an “emergency” when none existed.
27 The J.H. Campbell coal-fired power plant. Credit: UCG The J.H. Campbell coal-fired power plant. Credit: UCG Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav The use of coal to generate electricity on the US grid has been plunging for nearly two decades, and the first Trump administration was unable to affect the trend. So his second administration has attempted more aggressive interventions to prop up coal use. One of its most direct means of doing so is to order coal plants that were scheduled to close to remain open , even if there is no need for them .
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