Trump administration orders aging Colorado coal plant to stay open, one day before closing
Colorado Public Radio••business
Key Points:
- The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order to keep the aging Craig Station Unit 1 coal plant in Colorado operational until March 30, 2026, citing an impending energy emergency due to retiring power plants and rising electricity demand.
- The order, invoking Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, has sparked strong opposition from Colorado Governor Jared Polis and environmental groups, who argue the plant is broken, unnecessary, and that the order will increase costs for rural electricity customers.
- Environmental group Earthjustice has declared the order illegal and plans to take legal action, stating it primarily benefits the struggling coal industry without supporting public health or safety.
- Running the coal plant could be costly, with estimates suggesting around $85
