US Emergency Order Keeps Washington Coal Plant Operating
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Article content(Bloomberg) — The US government has ordered a Washington state coal plant to continue operating past its scheduled retirement date, marking the third time the Trump administration has invoked emergency authorities to keep a power plant running. Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentThe Energy Department’s order mandates that TransAlta Corp. keep the last remaining unit at its Centralia Generating Station in Centralia, Washington, operational past its planned retirement date at the end of this year. The agency cited an assessment by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation that concluded the region is at risk of power shortages during prolonged cold snaps. Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentArticle content“The Trump administration will continue taking action to keep America’s coal plants running so we can stop the price spikes and ensure we don’t lose critical generation sources,” Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in a statement Wednesday. Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentCalgary-based TransAlta said it was evaluating the order, and “will work with the state and federal governments in relation thereto.”Article contentThe Trump administration has used orders typically reserved for extreme weather events and other emergencies to keep two other fossil fuel plants operating past their scheduled retirement dates. People familiar with the matter have said they intend to use the same process to keep others operating.Article contentThe department in May ordered the aging J.H. Campbell coal-fired power plant, majority owned by Consumers Energy in West Olive, Michigan, to remain operating past its shutdown date and and issued a similar order to Constellation Energy Corp.’s Eddystone Generating Station located just south of Philadelphia. TransAlta has said it plans to convert the coal-fired unit affected by the order to natural gas by 2028, according to the Energy Department. Article contentArticle contentThe moves have drawn criticism from environmental groups such as Earthjustice, which accused the Trump administration of “falsely invoking emergency powers” to side step the legal and regulatory decision-making process.Article content“Propping up the failing coal industry will raise electricity bills for Americans,” said Michael Lenoff, a senior attorney with the group. “Actions by the Trump administration to force jalopy coal plants to continue burning coal are an unprecedented power grab that cost communities in their wallets and their health.”Article content(Adds additional context, comment from environmental group.)Article contentTrending World watches as Ottawa's bullish shift on LNG puts wind at the back of two major projects Oil & Gas Is a $2.75 million portfolio enough for Halifax empty nesters to retire early?
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Personal Finance Expect 'dramatically higher' oil prices in 2026, says Eric Nuttall Oil & Gas Bank of Canada wants to make stablecoins 'good money,' Macklem says Finance Garry Marr: How raiding your TFSA before the end of year could save you thousands Personal Finance