Trump Administration Extends Operation of Michigan's J.H. Campbell Coal Plant

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI — The Trump administration has mandated the continued operation of the J.H. Campbell Generating Complex, a coal-fired power plant located along the Lake Michigan shoreline, for an additional three months beyond its planned closure date.

Originally slated to cease operations on May 31, 2025, the plant will now remain active until at least August 21, 2025, following an emergency order issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

The DOE cited potential electricity shortages in the central United States as the primary reason for this extension.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized the necessity of this action, stating, "An emergency exists in portions of the Midwest region of the United States due to a shortage of electric energy."

However, this decision has been met with significant opposition from state regulators and environmental advocates.

Dan Scripps, chair of the Michigan Public Service Commission, argued that the extension is unwarranted, noting, "We currently produce more energy in Michigan than needed. As a result, there is no existing energy emergency in either Michigan or MISO."

MISO, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, manages the flow of electricity across 15 U.S. states and parts of Canada.

Environmental groups have also expressed concern over the health and financial implications of prolonging the plant's operation.

The Sierra Club highlighted that the J.H. Campbell plant is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution in western Michigan.

They argue that keeping the plant operational contradicts efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources.

Consumers Energy, the utility company operating the plant, has stated its intention to comply with the federal order.

Spokesperson Brian Wheeler confirmed, "We are pausing decommissioning activities at the Campbell plant and will operate it in compliance with the order, working in conjunction with MISO."

The J.H. Campbell Generating Complex, which began operations in 1962, has a capacity to generate up to 1,450 megawatts of electricity, serving approximately one million people.

Its continued operation raises questions about the balance between energy reliability and environmental responsibility.

As the August deadline approaches, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the situation to assess the necessity and impact of this extension.