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Motion to sue over Consumers Energys Campbell plant fails after board debate
Summary
A proposal to authorize county counsel to initiate litigation seeking to postpone the closure and demolition of the J.H. Campbell generating plant failed after commissioners debated standing, costs and alternatives; an amendment to add proactive "advocacy" also failed.
The Ottawa County Board considered and ultimately rejected a motion on April 22 to instruct county administration and corporate counsel to initiate litigation to delay the closure and demolition of the J.H. Campbell power plant. Supporters cited the North American Electric Reliability Corporations December 2024 long-term reliability assessment and said the board must act to protect local grid reliability for businesses and farms. Opponents urged caution, noting uncertain legal standing, unknown litigation costs and ongoing federal and state engagement on the matter.
A board amendment to add explicit authority to 2advocate2 with federal partners (alongside litigation authority) failed, and the main motion to commence litigation failed in a final roll-call vote. Commissioners debating the measure pointed to three paths: local legal action, escalation to state regulators (MPSC), and pursuing federal engagement. County staff and outside counsel warned that litigation could be expensive and prolonged; supporters said standing is supported by the state constitutions provision allowing counties to enter proceedings involving utilities and urged action to protect county ratepayers and employers.
