Trump’s energy secretary orders a Washington state coal plant to remain open

The U.S. Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, has ordered a coal-fired power plant in Washington state to remain open, citing an energy "emergency" in the Pacific Northwest. The plant, known as the Centralia coal plant, was scheduled to close by the end of 2020 as part of a transition towards renewable energy sources. However, Wright has invoked the Federal Power Act, which allows the Energy Secretary to intervene in situations where there is a threat to the nation's electricity supply. This decision has sparked criticism from environmental groups, who argue that the continued operation of the coal plant undermines efforts to address climate change. The Energy Department has stated that the move is necessary to ensure reliable power supply in the region, particularly during the ongoing heatwaves and drought conditions. The decision is likely to have significant implications for the region's energy policies and the ongoing shift towards renewable energy sources.