DOE just ordered Washington state’s last coal plant to keep burning past its scheduled retirement. (Seattle Times)
Citing a “national energy emergency” declared by President Trump, DOE invoked the Federal Power Act to force TransAlta to keep its Centralia plant running until at least March 16, 2026.
Yes, but: It directly violates a 2011 state agreement with the utility and a landmark climate act that mandates the plant close forever on December 31.
Gov. Bob Ferguson and environmental groups call the emergency “fake” and are preparing to sue, warning that forced operation will spike utility bills for ratepayers who’d have no means of actually getting the power in 2026.