US court rejects Trump’s emergency order keeping Michigan coal plant open

2 articles

2 sources

0% diversity

Updated 12.9.2026

Key Topics & People

JH Campbell Generating Plant *Cornelia Pillard Michigan United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit Energy Department

Coverage Framing

Legal & Judicial(2)

Avg Factuality:80%

Avg Sensationalism:Low

Story Timeline

Sep 12 Evening

1 articles|1 sources

emergency ordercoal plantenergy departmenttrump administrationfederal law

Legal & Judicial(1)

Al JazeeraSep 12

US court rejects Trump’s emergency order keeping Michigan coal plant open

A federal appeals court has ruled that the US Energy Department exceeded its authority by ordering the JH Campbell Generating Plant in Michigan to remain open beyond its planned retirement. The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously determined that no emergency justified keeping the 64-year-old coal plant online. Energy Secretary Chris Wright had invoked emergency powers, citing the need for reliable electricity and citing increased demand from AI and data centers. The court found the emergency provision of the Federal Power Act was intended for narrow, last-resort situations requiring immediate action. The plant's continued operation, costing millions, was described as disruptive, reversing a long-planned retirement.

MeasuredFactual2 sources

Negative

Key Claims

factual

A federal appeals court ruled the Energy Department exceeded its authority by extending the coal plant's operation.

— US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit

factual

The court unanimously ruled there was no emergency under federal law justifying keeping the JH Campbell Generating Plant online.

— US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit

factual

Energy Secretary Chris Wright invoked emergency powers, arguing the plant was needed for regional electricity reliability.

— Chris Wright

quote

The emergency provision of the Federal Power Act is intended as a 'narrow, last-resort backstop' for immediate action.

— Judge Cornelia Pillard

statistic

Continuing operations of the plant has cost about $259m, with potential costs falling on families and businesses.

— financial filings

Sep 11 Evening

1 articles|1 sources

coal plantfederal courttrump administrationemergency powersenergy department

Legal & Judicial(1)

The Guardian - World NewsSep 11

Federal court rejects Trump order keeping Michigan coal plant open

A federal court has ruled that the Trump administration's Energy Department exceeded its authority by forcing the JH Campbell Generating Plant in Michigan to remain open past its scheduled retirement. The court found no "emergency" as defined by law to justify the order. Environmental groups and the states of Michigan, Illinois, and Minnesota challenged the decision, arguing the plant was unreliable and costly. The court sided with them, stating the Energy Department's actions were disruptive and that keeping the plant open has already cost approximately $259 million, which opponents say will be paid by ratepayers. This ruling is part of a broader legal challenge against the administration's use of emergency powers to keep several coal-fired plants operational nationwide.

MeasuredFactual4 sources

Negative

Key Claims

factual

A federal court ruled the energy department exceeded its authority by forcing a Michigan coal plant to stay open past its retirement date.

— US court of appeals for the District of Columbia circuit

quote

The JH Campbell Generating Plant was needed to ensure reliable electricity in the region, according to Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

— Chris Wright

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The court ruling rejected the Trump administration’s nationwide effort to force unreliable, aging coal plants that are bleeding money and polluting communities to stay online.

— Ted Kelly

statistic

Keeping the Michigan plant open beyond its May 2025 retirement has cost about $259m so far.

— new financial filings

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The Trump administration's efforts to keep coal plants open are raising ratepayer bills and adding pollution.

— critics