Story perspectives

States, NGOs Sue Energy Dept Over $400 M Coal Orders

5/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

The D.C. Circuit Court will hear Friday a lawsuit by Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois and nine nonprofits contesting the Energy Department’s orders to keep coal plants operating.
The Department has issued continuous 90-day emergency orders since May 2025, yet the plants supplied under 1 % of U.S. coal from June 2025 to Feb 2026.
Ratepayers have incurred hundreds of millions in costs, including a $180 million loss at the J.H. Campbell plant and $233 million total compliance expenses.

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Story summary

The D.C. Circuit Court will hear Friday a lawsuit by Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois and nine nonprofits contesting the Energy Department’s orders to keep coal plants operating.
The Department has issued continuous 90-day emergency orders since May 2025, yet the plants supplied under 1 % of U.S. coal from June 2025 to Feb 2026.
Ratepayers have incurred hundreds of millions in costs, including a $180 million loss at the J.H. Campbell plant and $233 million total compliance expenses.