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U.S. Extends Coal Plant Operations Amid Rising Energy Demand

12/17/2025

Summary

Story summary

On December 16, 2025, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright ordered a TransAlta coal power plant unit in Washington state to operate until March 16, 2026.
The move reflects the Trump administration's push to support fossil fuels and meet rising electricity demand from manufacturing and artificial intelligence.
Wright said many U.S. coal plants may delay retirement to meet demand.
The administration previously ordered Michigan's J.H. Campbell coal-fired plant to remain open.

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Story summary

On December 16, 2025, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright ordered a TransAlta coal power plant unit in Washington state to operate until March 16, 2026.
The move reflects the Trump administration's push to support fossil fuels and meet rising electricity demand from manufacturing and artificial intelligence.
Wright said many U.S. coal plants may delay retirement to meet demand.
The administration previously ordered Michigan's J.H. Campbell coal-fired plant to remain open.