Trump Forces Unwanted Gas Plant To Remain Open, Defying Community Opposition

President Trump’s administration stepped in to prevent the closure of a gas power plant, citing concerns about the nation’s energy security. The Department of Energy issued an emergency order that blocks the retirement of the facility, using powers granted under the Federal Power Act. Similar orders have targeted plants in Michigan and Pennsylvania in recent months.

The decision comes as part of a broader energy agenda that prioritizes fossil fuel operations. In January 2025, Trump signed executive orders including “Unleashing American Energy” and declared a national energy emergency to support continued fossil fuel production.

“These plants are essential for grid reliability,” said a DOE spokesperson. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is expected to take further action to guarantee “dispatchable” units like coal, gas, and nuclear plants remain operational.

Local residents have organized protests against keeping the plant open. Community groups point to health concerns related to mercury, arsenic, and greenhouse gas emissions. Many affected communities already face environmental justice challenges.

“They’re ignoring our health to help fossil fuel companies,” said a community activist who lives near the plant.

The intervention aligns with the administration’s regulatory rollbacks. The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed repealing Biden-era Carbon Pollution Standards for power plants. The EPA now argues that these facilities “do not contribute considerably to dangerous air pollution.”

June 2025 proposals would eliminate requirements for 90% carbon capture technology and co-firing mandates previously required for gas and coal plants. The EPA cited that power plant emissions represent only 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 as justification for the rollback. This approach contradicts established Clean Air Act provisions requiring the EPA to regulate emission guidelines for existing sources under section 111(d). This decision comes despite warnings from the American Society of Civil Engineers that over half of the U.S. grid could face energy shortfalls within the next decade. An August 2025 EPA proposal to rescind the “Endangerment Finding” could halt future greenhouse gas regulation for power plants entirely.

Environmental groups warn these changes will increase public health costs. The rollbacks reduce limits on mercury, arsenic, and climate pollution that had been improving under previous standards.

The administration defends these actions as necessary for energy reliability and national security, despite opposition from health advocates and affected communities.