State Rep. Dave Prestin, R-Cedar River, on Friday released the following statement after U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued an emergency order directing the Midcontinent Independent System Operator and Consumers Energy to cease plans to shutter the 1,560-megawatt J.H. Campbell coal-fired power plant in West Olive, Michigan:

“I want to thank the administration and Secretary Wright for hearing our concerns and taking action to protect this critical energy asset and keep J.H. Campbell operational. The baseload energy produced there is crucial to tens of thousands of people who count on reliable and affordable energy.

“This facility is a regional asset, not just to Michigan, but to the entire Midwest. Its importance cannot be understated. If J.H. Campbell goes down, we enter into dangerous territory, where one bad day for any generation asset — whether it be baseload, wind, or solar — could mean widespread outages. 

“The President and his administration continue to recognize the importance of safeguarding American energy production. I’m grateful for their never-ending commitment to protecting the American people’s access to affordable and reliable energy.”