Federal appeals court blocks emergency order to keep Michigan coal plant operating

A DC Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously ruled that the Energy Department exceeded its emergency authority under the Federal Power Act by ordering Michigan’s 64-year-old JH Campbell Generating Plant to stay online beyond its planned retirement. The court said the emergency provision is a narrow, last-resort backstop and cannot be used when immediate state or utility solutions are available, noting the extended operation cost about $259 million. DOE defended the orders as preventing blackouts, while opponents warn the extra costs may fall on consumers; the ruling follows similar emergency actions elsewhere in the country.