LANSING, Mich., Feb. 20, 2026 — This week, the Trump administration extended an order that would keep the J.H. Campbell coal plant open in West Olive, Mich. This comes after state Reps. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) and Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Twp.) introduced a resolution last year calling on the Department of Energy to rescind its order keeping the plant open. Consumers Energy originally planned to close the plant in May 2025, but the administration, citing an energy crisis, issued an order forcing the plant to remain open — despite a lack of evidence to support their claim.
“This plant is harming our environment and wallets every day it remains open,” Mentzer said. “Releasing dangerous pollutants into our air and water not only harms Michiganders’ health but also means millions of dollars in related costs every year.”
“Once again, the president has undermined the shift to clean energy in favor of fossil fuels,” Brixie said. “This is tremendously disappointing — for all his talk about ‘American energy dominance,’ he has gone out of his way to ensure that never happens by damaging and defunding clean energy projects that would set Michigan up for long-term, sustainable energy independence.”
The plant remaining open resulted in a $135 million net loss for Consumers in 2025, costs that will impact ratepayer’s utility bills. Additionally, the plant contributes nearly 9 million tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere annually, and pollution from coal plants has been linked to serious negative health effects for local residents.
“I think this is another instance where we are reminded that renewable energy is the future,” Brixie added. “The administration seems determined to be stuck in the past. There is no ‘clean coal’ as the president has repeatedly claimed; there are only harmful pollutants that endanger the health of Michiganders. It is vital that we move full steam ahead towards a green, renewable future.”
“Keeping the plant open ignores the concerns of utility companies, local residents and ratepayers alike,” Mentzer added. “By modernizing our grid and shifting to clean, renewable energy we can strengthen grid reliability, lower energy bills and protect the environment. Continuing to rely on fossil fuels is simply not sustainable in the long term. While I am disappointed by the plant continuing to run, I am hopeful the administration will listen to the concerns of many local advocates and residents and allow this plant to close, protecting health and saving Michiganders millions annually.”
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