Trump Admin orders another coal plant to stay open

In a controversial move, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright announced on Tuesday that a coal plant in Colorado, slated for closure, will be required to remain operational due to an alleged energy crisis. This directive specifically impacts one of the three units at the Craig Station, which was set to cease operations by the end of 2023, while the other two units are scheduled to shut down by 2028. The Department of Energy's justification for this order hinges on claims of a shortage in generating capacity. According to their statement, maintaining power supply from the coal plant is crucial for ensuring the stability of the region's electric grid. However, a report by the Colorado Sun highlights that the Colorado Public Utilities Commission previously assessed the situation and concluded that Craig Unit 1 is not necessary for reliability or resource adequacy. The directive does not mandate the plant to generate electricity; rather, it must remain available to address any potential shortfalls. Operating the plant could clash with Colorado's regulations on air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the financial burden of upkeeping the plant may fall on local ratepayers, who had already adapted to the anticipated closure. The DOE’s use of emergency powers is grounded in the Federal Power Act, allowing for temporary measures in response to war or significant energy demand fluctuations. However, the rationale that future demand is expected to rise raises questions about its alignment with the legal definition of an emergency, complicating the justification for this order.