Appeals court rejects federal order keeping Michigan coal facility open

The short version

• The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the Trump administration's effort to keep the J.H. Campbell coal plant operating past its retirement date.[The Washington Sun]
• State regulators and grid officials had previously approved plans to retire the plant, but the Department of Energy used emergency powers to mandate continued operation.[The Washington Sun]
• Judges determined that the agency's broad view of an emergency threatens energy market stability and prompts unwarranted federal intervention.[The Washington Sun]
• The decision could affect similar 90-day emergency directives used to maintain coal operations across five other states.[The Washington Sun]

Key facts

• The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the Trump administration's directive keeping the J.H. Campbell coal plant operational beyond its scheduled closure.[The Washington Sun]
• The facility was slated to retire last year under plans formally approved by regional grid authorities and state officials.[The Washington Sun]
• The court found that the Department of Energy's reading of statutory emergency authority threatens power market stability through frequent intervention.[The Washington Sun]
• The administration has deployed identical emergency authorities every 90 days to keep coal facilities running in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Washington, Colorado, and Florida.[The Washington Sun]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Judge Knocks Down Trump’s Order to Keep a Michigan Coal Plant OpenThe Washington Sun