“Keeping a coal plant that was already scheduled to shut down open, costing rate payers a million dollars a day, is irresponsible.”
State Representative Steve Wooden, a Democrat from Grand Rapids, says West Michigan residents need to reach out to local Republican lawmakers and demand the closure of the J.H. Campbell plant in West Olive.
“Contact Congressman Bill Huizenga and demand that he urge Donald Trump to allow this executive order to be rescinded so the Campbell coal plant can finally shut down and save rate payers money.”
Just eight days before the plant was scheduled to close, Energy Secretary Chris Wright ordered Consumers Energy to keep the power plant operating at least through the summer months, citing blackout concerns.
Jace Bylenga is the West Michigan Regional Coordinator for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. He says the last five weeks of keeping the plant open has cost Consumers upwards of $29 million.
“Our bills are just way too high. We’ve got Consumers Energy and DTE asking for a billion dollars in rate increases when our bills already went up last year.”
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has challenged the Trump administration’s order to keep the plant open, citing an unlawful use of emergency authority.
For a weekly dose of news right to your inbox, sign up for the WGVU newsletter.
