January 28, 2026
Environmental groups sue to stop Trump's plan to extend Colorado coal plant's life
Climate groups fight to close Colorado coal plant on schedule
🏛️Government⚖️Justice
The Department of Energy issued an emergency order on Dec. 30, 2025 extending the life of Craig Station Unit 1 for 90 days. The order prevented the unit's scheduled retirement on Dec. 31, 2025, forcing it to remain available for regional grid authorities.
Environmental groups filed a request for rehearing on Jan. 28, 2026, challenging the DOE's legal authority to extend the coal plant's operation. The groups include Sierra Club, Environmental Defense Fund, Earthjustice, GreenLatinos, Vote Solar, and Public Citizen.
Craig Station is a coal-fired power plant in northwestern Colorado that has operated since 1979. Unit 1 is a 411-megawatt coal unit that was scheduled for retirement as part of Colorado's transition away from coal energy.
The DOE justified the emergency order by citing grid reliability concerns during peak winter demand. The agency argued the plant was needed to maintain electricity supply during cold weather when other generation sources were constrained.
Environmental groups argue the DOE exceeded its legal authority and violated the Administrative Procedure Act. They claim the order was issued without proper notice, public comment, or consideration of environmental impacts.
The extension will likely increase utility customer bills and worsen air quality for surrounding communities. Coal plants are more expensive to operate than natural gas or renewable energy sources, and they emit higher levels of pollutants including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides.
Colorado has set goals to generate 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2040. The Craig plant extension conflicts with state climate policies and the broader national shift away from coal energy.
🏛️Government⚖️Justice
People, bills, and sources
Chris Wright
Secretary of Energy
Jared Polis
Governor of Colorado
Mary Anne Hitt
Director of the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal Campaign
Perry Wheeler
Earthjustice Attorney
Duane Highley
CEO of Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association
James Quirk
Western Resource Advocates Analyst
What you can do
1
civic action
Support Colorado's renewable energy transition
States can accelerate the transition from coal to renewable energy through policies and incentives. Citizens can advocate for clean energy standards and support renewable energy projects.
Hi, I'm calling about supporting Colorado's transition to renewable energy. The federal government extended the Craig coal plant operation, but I want to see faster progress toward clean energy. What policies is Colorado pursuing to replace coal with renewables? How can I support renewable energy development in my community? Thank you.
2
civic action
Join environmental organizations working on climate issues
Groups like Sierra Club and Environmental Defense Fund use legal challenges to block fossil fuel extensions. Supporting these organizations helps fund their climate advocacy work.
Hi, I'm calling to support environmental organizations fighting the Craig coal plant extension. I'm concerned about climate change and want to help transition away from fossil fuels. What kind of legal and advocacy work are you doing on this case? How can I donate or volunteer to support climate action? Thank you.
3
civic action
Learn about your electricity sources and carbon footprint
Understanding where your electricity comes from helps you make informed choices about energy use and support for clean energy policies.
Hi, I'm calling to learn about electricity sources and carbon footprints in light of the Craig coal plant case. I want to understand: Where does my electricity come from? What is the carbon impact of coal versus renewable energy? How can I reduce my carbon footprint through energy choices? Thank you.
4
civic action
Advocate for environmental justice in affected communities
Coal plants disproportionately impact nearby communities. Supporting environmental justice helps ensure all communities have clean air and water.
Hi, I'm calling to support environmental justice in light of the Craig coal plant extension. I'm concerned about how fossil fuel plants affect nearby communities. What work are you doing to protect affected communities? How can I support environmental justice efforts in Colorado and beyond? Thank you.