Latest news with #OttawaCountyBoardofCommissioners
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ottawa County considers legal action to prevent coal plant closure
PORT SHELDON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners is considering taking legal action to prevent the J.H. Campbell coal plant from closing at the end of May. Consumers Energy is set to shut down its last coal-fired power plant May 31. Its demolition would take place sometime next year. The plant, not far from the shores of Lake Michigan in Port Sheldon Township, began operating in 1962. It generates up to 1,450 megawatts of electricity, enough to generate power for a million people. MPSC approves Consumers plan to go coal-free by 2025 The county resolution would instruct corporate counsel 'to engage in legal action' and initiate 'litigation to postpone the closing and demolition of the Campbell Plant.' It's expected to be taken up during Tuesday morning's board meeting, which is set for 9 a.m. In 2022, the Michigan Public Service Commission , years earlier than originally planned. Consumers sa ending its use of coal and turning to solar and wind energy, will result in less CO2 emissions, pollution and water waste. It added it will find new roles for employees who want to stay with the company. In February, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners voted to ask the public service commission to reconsider closing the plant. Republican commissioner Jordan Jorritsma, who represents Holland Charter Township and Park Township, voted yes. 'The goal of that was to bring awareness to the issue,' he told News 8 Monday. Jorritsma points to a December 2024 report from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation. That report concluded the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, a power grid running through the Midwest, is at high risk for blackouts, citing coal plant shutdowns and slow transitions to new energy. Jorritsma said natural gas is a 'very efficient and effective fuel source.' But he feels the transition should take longer, citing the fact the J.H. Campbell plant is 'perfectly operable.' 'The big issue that I have is not that they're closing, it's that they're closing early,' Jorritsma said. Canadian company tapped to handle coal ash left by Campbell power plant Consumers said there's nothing to worry about. In an emailed statement Monday, the company told News 8 it intends to fill the gap through a new natural gas plant in Covert Township as well as two existing facilities. Consumers said the plan will 'provide stable, secure and consistent energy when our customers need it most.' Jim Barry is a Republican commissioner who represents Ottawa County's first district, which includes Port Sheldon Township. He said his questions have been asked and answered. 'There are 3,000 generating units across the MISO grid that produce electricity,' Barry told News 8 Monday. 'One producing unit isn't gonna throw the whole grid into chaos. And if it would, there would be a lot more interest in this.' Burning coal leaves dangerous waste. Trump's EPA eyes looser rules for handling it Barry and Jorritsma both said they're not interested in exploring any litigation. 'I think we've been through a lot over the past two years with our county getting involved in lawsuits,' Jorritsma said. 'I think our bar needs to be very high.' Jorritsma said the issue is on the Trump Administration's radar. A Department of Interior contact has reached out asking for more information, Jorritsma said. It's unclear what impact the federal government could have. 'Obviously we know President Trump is very interested in coal,' Jorritsma said. 'He's a big supporter of coal, so they're taking a look at it.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ottawa County boards settles ex-administrator John Gibbs' lawsuit for $190,000
OLIVE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Ottawa County will pay $190,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by former Administrator John Gibbs, who sued after he was fired. The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners OK'd the settlement in a 7-4 vote at its . It was discussed in open session after a vote to enter closed session failed. Gibbs was installed as the administrator in January 2023. His hiring was among a number of sudden and sweeping changes made by commissioners from conservative political action group Ottawa Impact during . But Gibbs' relationship with the board soured and commissioners went on to following that he acted inappropriately and neglected his duties. Gibbs then , arguing he was actually fired in retaliation for criticizing the county's lawyer. Former chair admits 'mistakes along the way,' but says Ottawa Impact stuck to principles Ottawa Impact lost the majority on the board in . It is now controlled by Republicans not affiliated with the group. Under the settlement, the county will pay Gibbs $190,000, rescind his termination and remove any reference to termination from his employment file. The board will accept a letter of resignation from him dated February 2024. 'This comes down to, in many ways, again, this board trying to fix the mistakes of a prior board and save taxpayer dollars,' said during the meeting. 'It's not pretty for anybody. Nobody likes this situation. … But we need to make a practical decision for the sake of this community.' Board members on Tuesday also approved an employment agreement with new Interim Administrator Gary Rosema, He's a former Ottawa County sheriff who agreed earlier this month to take on the administrator role temporarily. Ottawa County board picks former sheriff as interim county administrator Rosema, the third interim administrator since Gibbs' ouster, will make about $35,000 less annually compared to Gibbs. Either party can end the contract. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
