A federal court has ruled that the U.S. Department of Energy overstepped its authority by ordering a coal-fired power plant in Michigan to stay open past its planned retirement date. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit sided with environmental groups and three states—Michigan, Illinois, and Minnesota—finding that the Department had not met the legal definition of an emergency. The court specifically addressed the case of the J.H. Campbell plant, a 64-year-old facility that had been scheduled for closure. Energy Secretary Chris Wright had argued that keeping the plant operational was necessary to maintain reliable electricity in the region, and he used emergency powers under the Federal Power Act to force its continued operation. However, the court found that the legal provision allowing such emergency orders is meant to be used only as a last resort in truly exceptional circumstances. Judge Cornelia Pillard, writing for a unanimous three-judge panel, stated that the government had not demonstrated a genuine emergency. She also noted that reversing the plant’s retirement was disruptive and that there was “no ‘emergency’ within the meaning” of the law. The Michigan case is part of a broader pattern of legal challenges emerging across the country. The Trump administration had used emergency powers to prevent several coal-fired plants from closing, including the Campbell plant. Critics argue that these actions are increasing electricity costs for consumers and contributing to environmental harm, including air and water pollution. According to officials, keeping the Michigan plant open cost at least $135 million in 2025 alone. Ted Kelly, U.S. clean energy director at the Environmental Defense Fund, welcomed the court's decision, calling it a rejection of the Trump administration’s efforts to keep outdated coal plants operational. He described these plants as costly, environmentally harmful, and prone to breakdowns. “The Energy Department’s actions attempted to make families and businesses in the Midwest pay hundreds of millions of dollars for a coal plant that should have been shut down over a year ago,” Kelly said. The Department of Energy has not yet responded to requests for comment on the ruling.