First, I want to thank all constituents for their feedback regarding both the early scheduled shutdown of the J.H. Campbell Plant and for feedback on resolutions pertaining to the projected closure. It’s important that your elected officials hear from you.
My Thoughts:
First, I was not overly concerned about the J.H. Campbell Plant’s proposed shutdown next month until I began hearing from the experts. In fact, the only expert I spoke with on the matter NOT concerned was the representative from Consumers Energy. Additionally, it wasn’t until December 2024 that the very important NERC study was released which provided additional information that had not been provided to the MPSC prior to their approval for Consumers to begin the shutdown. nerc.com/pa/RAPA/Documents/ITCS_Final_Report.pdf
Attached is the resolution passed by our BOC in February with a 9-1 vote: https://boards.miottawa.org/…/resolution-to-delayed…/
Yesterday, we took up another resolution that I drafted and Commissioner Moss provided a few edits – this motion failed with a 7-4 vote. It’s listed on page 614-615 of the Board packet: https://boards.miottawa.org/…/04222025-BOC-Agenda…
Important powers granted to the County Board of Commissioners-
The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners, pursuant to Article VII, Section 15 of the Constitution of the State of Michigan, 1964, as amended, has the authority to “enter or to intervene in any action or certificate proceeding involving the services, charges or rates of any privately owned public utility furnishing services or commodities to rate payers within the
County”.
There are some that have mentioned that those of us advocating for the delay of the shutdown as “politics.” This is untrue and unfair – in fact, there are “politicians” who were not willing to put their names out there on record to supporting the pause with litigation in large fact due to politics and job status – yet “off record” are greatly concerned with this early shutdown.
I have and will continue spending much time and effort into research, speaking with experts on a variety of topics, and commit to ongoing advocacy on behalf of residents of our great county. I will continue using my voice with state and federal officials regarding this topic as I believe the new evidence strongly suggests that it’s imperative to pause and reevaluate the timing of this closure.
A couple of sources from media coverage:
https://enjoyer.com/why-is-consumers-energy-risking-west…/
https://www.woodtv.com/…/ottawa-county-wont-take-legal…/
