Coal Plant Kept Open by Emergency Order Isn't Even Running
Despite government orders to remain operational, a coal-fired power plant in Washington is not actually generating electricity. Experts raise concerns over these emergency measures to prop up the struggling coal industry.
Coal power generation in the US is facing tough economic headwinds, with many plants shutting down as cheaper renewable energy and natural gas options surge. However, the Trump administration has used various methods to try and keep these coal plants running, including issuing emergency orders to block closures.
The latest example is a plant in Centralia, Washington that was scheduled to close last year and convert to natural gas generation. A Department of Energy emergency order kept the plant operational over the winter, but that order was set to expire yesterday. With a new order issued on Monday, the plant will now remain open through mid-June, with the government claiming this is necessary
Source: Ars Technica
