Donald Trump Illegally Extends Life of Centralia Generating Station Coal Plant, Driving Up Electricity Bills - CleanTechnica

The article reports that the Trump administration has illegally extended the operational life of the Centralia Generating Station, a coal-fired power plant in Washington, by issuing emergency orders that force it to remain online beyond its planned retirement. This action follows similar extensions for the J.H. Campbell plant in Michigan and the Eddystone power plant in Pennsylvania, which have collectively cost ratepayers an estimated $128 million since May. Keeping Centralia online is projected to cost an additional $65 million annually, according to Grid Strategies. Environmental groups, particularly the Sierra Club, are actively challenging these emergency orders in court, arguing that there is no legitimate energy emergency in the Pacific Northwest to justify prolonging the operation of an outdated and polluting coal plant. Sierra Club representatives emphasize that shutting down Centralia would reduce electricity costs and improve air quality, while the Trump administration’s actions are seen as an abuse of emergency powers aimed at propping up the coal industry at the expense of public health and consumer finances. The Sierra Club