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 plant was slated to close at the end of 2024.
The Department of Energy cited a potential energy emergency due to generating capacity shortages. The order compels the plant to be available, not necessarily to generate power. Colorado's Public Utilities Commission previously determined the unit was not essential for grid reliability.
The decision raises questions about federal versus state energy oversight. Environmental groups are expected to challenge the order. The remaining two units at Craig Station are scheduled to close in 2028.
This action mirrors previous attempts by the administration to prop up struggling coal industries. Critics argue these interventions distort energy markets and hinder the transition to renewable sources. Legal challenges are anticipated, potentially leading to court battles over federal authority.
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