CENTRALIA, Wash. — Washington's only coal-burning power plant has been ordered to remain open past its state-mandated closing date for a fourth straight time.
The TransAlta plant in Centralia had been ordered to shut down permanently in December. At that point, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued the first 90-day emergency order to keep the plant open, saying there was an immediate need for more electricity.
Federal filings showed the plant has produced virtually no power since those orders began. Those filings also showed each 90-day extension could cost ratepayers up to $20 million.
Before the closure order, the Centralia plant was one of Washington's largest sources of carbon dioxide. It also produced pollutants including sulfur dioxide and mercury, which raised health concerns for nearby communities.
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