Capitol News

State Representative Dave Prestin of Cedar River expressed his support following the U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright's decision to issue an emergency order. This directive requires the Midcontinent Independent System Operator and Consumers Energy to halt their plans to close the J.H. Campbell coal-fired power plant in West Olive, Michigan.

In his statement, Rep. Prestin acknowledged the administration's response to local concerns about maintaining energy reliability. "I want to thank the administration and Secretary Wright for hearing our concerns and taking action to protect this critical energy asset and keep J.H. Campbell operational," he stated. He emphasized the significance of the baseload energy produced by the plant, which serves tens of thousands who rely on it for consistent and affordable power.

Rep. Prestin further highlighted the plant's regional importance, extending beyond Michigan to impact the entire Midwest. He warned that closing J.H. Campbell could lead to precarious situations where failures in any generation asset—whether baseload, wind, or solar—might result in widespread outages.

He also commended the federal administration's ongoing efforts in safeguarding American energy production: "The President and his administration continue to recognize the importance of safeguarding American energy production. I’m grateful for their never-ending commitment to protecting the American people’s access to affordable and reliable energy."