LANSING, Mich., May 20, 2026 — For the fifth time, the U.S. Department of Energy has issued an order forcing the J.H. Campbell Coal plant to remain open. Consumers Energy has reported $180 million in costs related to keeping the plant open past its original retirement date nearly a year ago.
State Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph) responded to the Department of Energy’s order with the following statement:
“The Department of Energy is costing Michiganders millions of dollars. Continuing to rely on 19th century technology does nothing to prepare Michigan for the future or build long-term sustainability and grid reliability. The plant is costing the utility millions to keep open at a time when energy bills are already too high. The Trump administration is forcing a heavily polluting and outdated coal plant to remain open while making working people pay the price.
“We should be focused on investing in technologies that help foster Michigan’s energy independence like nuclear, solar and wind. These technologies are reliable, clean and cost efficient. I’m calling on this administration to prioritize the residents of Michigan over the interests of out of state coal barons.”
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