Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a coalition of nine attorneys general in filing a Request for Rehearing (PDF) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), challenging a recently issued report that could be used to justify keeping outdated, coal-powered plants in operation. The report, titled “Resource Adequacy Report: Evaluating the Reliability and Security of the United States Electric Grid” was issued by the DOE on July 7 pursuant to an executive order from President Donald Trump. The report claims the U.S. will face a significantly increased risk of power outages by 2030 if scheduled coal and natural gas plant retirements are allowed to proceed. It recommends keeping these plants running to maintain grid reliability.

“This report is based on flawed assumptions, overstates risks, and attempts to override the authority of states and regional regulators all to appease President Trump,” Nessel said. “We cannot allow the federal government to use a manufactured emergency to prop up outdated coal plants at the expense of Michigan families and our energy future.”