近50年老煤电站停运前一天，美能源部紧急喊停…

Core Viewpoint - The Craig Station, a major coal power plant in Colorado, is being forced to continue operations due to a directive from the Trump administration, despite plans for its closure to improve air quality in the Rocky Mountains [1][3]. Group 1: Government Actions - The U.S. Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, signed an emergency order to keep Craig Unit 1 operational at least until March 2026 to address power supply shortages in the Northwest [3]. - The directive is part of a broader trend, with the Energy Department having issued similar orders for multiple coal plants across various states over the past year [7]. Group 2: Economic Implications - The cost to maintain Craig Unit 1 for 90 days is estimated at $20 million, and if it operates for a year, costs could reach approximately $85 million, primarily for coal procurement [4]. - Annual operating costs could potentially soar to $150 million based on the required operational hours set by the Energy Department [4]. Group 3: Local Reactions - Colorado's Governor Jared Polis and state energy officials criticized the directive, arguing it would transfer millions of dollars in costs to electricity users without providing any real benefits [3][4]. - The Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, which operates the plant, indicated that the costs would ultimately fall on its members unless alternative cost-sharing arrangements are found [4]. Group 4: Industry Context - The region has already developed natural gas and renewable energy projects that could replace the output of Craig Unit 1, indicating that its continued operation is unnecessary for grid stability [5][6]. - The coal supply for the plant has become problematic, as the nearby Trapper Mine, which previously supplied coal, is also slated for closure [7].