Energy Dept keeps demanding a coal plant stay open that’s not even running
Why it matters: It could spike power bills and delay Washington’s clean‑energy goals.
- U.S. Energy Department issued a second emergency order forcing the plant to stay open for 90 days, citing grid reliability concerns.
- Plant Owner (Portland General Electric/Operator) has not run the plant at all and is pushing for its permanent closure to avoid unnecessary costs.
- Washington State officials and environmental groups warn the order will raise electricity rates and health risks, calling the move an overreach that hinders the state’s clean‑energy transition.
The U.S. Energy Department issued a second emergency order to keep Washington’s last coal plant online for another 90 days, even though the plant hasn’t operated and its owner wants it shut down. The order threatens higher electricity costs and health impacts for the state, while state officials and environmental groups argue the plant is obsolete and the directive exceeds federal authority.
