Michigan House Bill HR0219

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/13/25
• Refer: 11/13/25

Caption

A resolution urging the federal government to not extend the emergency order preventing the planned closure of the J.H. Campbell Power Plant.

Summary

House Resolution 219 is a nonbinding resolution urging the federal government, specifically the U.S. Department of Energy, not to extend an emergency order that has kept the J.H. Campbell Power Plant in West Olive, Michigan, operating past its planned closure date. The resolution recounts that MISO had already approved the plant’s suspension and eventual coal cessation, and argues that the federal emergency orders conflict with Consumers Energy’s transition away from coal, impose unnecessary costs on ratepayers, and delay a planned decommissioning that was expected to save money over time. The resolution also emphasizes environmental and public health concerns tied to continued coal combustion at the plant, including air pollution, carbon dioxide emissions, and water contamination. It cites estimated health and environmental costs, as well as reported arsenic contamination near the facility, to support its position that the plant should be allowed to close as scheduled. The measure directs that copies be sent to the Secretary of Energy and Michigan’s congressional delegation.

Impact

HR 219 does not change Michigan statutes or create enforceable state law; it is a legislative statement of position directed at federal officials. Its practical impact is to place the Michigan House on record opposing further extension of the DOE emergency order and to add political pressure in support of the plant’s planned shutdown, while highlighting concerns about utility rates, coal use, emissions, and local environmental conditions affecting Consumers Energy customers and nearby communities.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment in the resolution is strongly opposed to continued federal intervention and strongly supportive of the plant’s closure. The bill text presents the emergency order as unnecessary, costly, and harmful, and there is no recorded committee debate or vote history indicating internal opposition or amendments. Based on the available materials, the measure appears to have been introduced as a clear advocacy resolution with a pro-closure, pro-clean-energy tone.

Contention

The central point of contention is whether the federal government should continue using emergency authority to keep the J.H. Campbell Power Plant operating despite MISO’s prior approval for suspension and Consumers Energy’s coal phaseout plans. Supporters of the resolution argue that the extension is illegal or arbitrary, increases costs for ratepayers, and worsens pollution and health harms. The opposing view, reflected only indirectly through the DOE’s emergency orders, is that continued operation is needed to address an energy emergency and maintain reliability. No formal recorded floor or committee dispute is available in the provided materials.