Trump Administration Orders Colorado Coal Plant to Stay Open Beyond Closure

The Trump administration has directed the owners of the Craig Station coal-fired power plant in northwestern Colorado to keep the facility operational beyond its planned retirement date of December 31, 2025. This order applies specifically to Unit 1, a 446-megawatt generator that has been out of service since December 19 due to a broken valve.

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, the plant’s operator and part-owner, confirmed the directive and stated that repairing the valve to resume operations will incur additional costs. Tri-State CEO Duane Highley noted that as a not-for-profit cooperative, the financial burden will initially fall on its members unless alternative cost-sharing methods are identified within the region.

This move is consistent with recent actions by the U.S. Department of Energy to prolong the operation of coal-fired power plants in several states, including Indiana, Washington, and Michigan. The directive supports President Donald Trump’s broader agenda to revitalize the American coal industry amid growing shifts toward cheaper and cleaner energy alternatives such as natural gas and renewables. Meanwhile, the administration has placed restrictions on the expansion of renewable energy projects, including wind power.

Craig Station’s Unit 1, which began operations in 1980, was scheduled for closure due to economic challenges and compliance with federal and state regulations. The plant’s other two units, No. 2 and No. 3, are set to retire by 2028. The coal fueling the plant is sourced from the nearby Trapper Mine, which is also slated for closure.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued the emergency order citing a shortage of electricity generation capacity in the northwestern U.S. “The Trump Administration is committed to lowering energy costs and keeping American families safe,” Wright stated.

Local reactions reflect a mix of uncertainty and concern. Wade Gerber, a Craig Station employee, described the coal town as caught in a “dizzying political battle,” questioning the long-term viability of coal in the region. Meanwhile, Colorado Democratic Senator Michael Bennet criticized the order as a burden on consumers, calling it “unacceptable” to impose unnecessary costs on ratepayers.

As Colorado transitions away from coal as a central economic driver, the future of plants like Craig Station remains uncertain, highlighting the complex balance between energy security, economic impact, and environmental considerations.