The Trump Administration intervened again to keep a retiring coal plant operational. Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued an order Tuesday forcing Craig Station Unit 1 in Colorado to remain open. The unit was slated to close at the end of this year.
The Department of Energy cited a potential energy emergency due to a shortage of generating capacity. They claim the plant's power is essential for grid stability. However, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission previously determined the unit was not needed for reliability.
The order requires the plant to be available, not necessarily to generate electricity. The Colorado Sun reported on the discrepancy between the federal order and state assessment. The remaining two units at Craig Station are scheduled to close in 2028.
This action mirrors previous attempts by the administration to prop up the struggling coal industry. Critics argue these interventions distort the market and hinder the transition to cleaner energy sources. The future of Craig Station Unit 1 remains uncertain, pending further legal challenges or policy changes.
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