Environmental groups and Colorado launched two new lawsuits this week to block a Department of Energy order keeping part of a Colorado coal plant operating past its planned retirement date.
The Sierra Club, Vote Solar, the Environmental Defense Fund and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser (D) alleged the agency improperly invoked an energy emergency to extend the lifespan of one of three coal units at the Craig Generating Station by an additional 90 days. The unit had been scheduled for retirement on Dec. 31.
The groups and the state filed their respective challenges Wednesday in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. They have asked the court to set aside DOE’s December order.
Margaret Kran-Annexstein, director of the Colorado Sierra Club, warned that forcing coal units to keep running will lead to increased energy costs with no public benefit.
