Holland Reporter

Ottawa County State Representatives Brad Slagh and Luke Meerman have responded to recent protests against the temporary extension of operations at the J.H. Campbell power plant. In a joint statement, they addressed concerns raised by demonstrators and highlighted the involvement of individuals from outside Ottawa County.

“It’s telling that many of the loudest voices opposing the temporary extension of operations at the J.H. Campbell plant are not Ottawa County residents – especially those being amplified by the media. Instead, they’re largely individuals, legislators and organizations from outside our communities, pushing an agenda that does not align with the day-to-day concerns of the people who actually live here," Slagh and Meerman said.

They criticized what they described as an early closure of the plant, stating: “The closure of the J.H. Campbell plant—years before the end of its useful life—is unfortunate and unfair to ratepayers. While renewable energy plays an important role in our future, the path to get there must be reliable, affordable, and resilient. The Department of Energy’s temporary order to keep Campbell online this summer is not a partisan gesture—it’s a practical safeguard to ensure our communities have the electricity they need, especially during periods of peak demand.”

Slagh and Meerman emphasized local priorities regarding energy reliability: “Ottawa County residents understand the importance of reliable power for homes, businesses, and public safety. We will continue to stand on the side of common-sense energy policy and against those who would jeopardize our grid’s stability to score political points from afar.”

Earlier in 2025, both representatives joined other lawmakers in sending a letter to U.S. Energy Secretary Christopher Wright and U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum about Michigan's energy security concerns. They referenced data from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation indicating that Michigan's Lower Peninsula is served by MISO-East—the region considered most at risk for energy supply issues in the country. The letter also argued that rapid state-mandated reductions in baseload generation sources such as coal could weaken grid reliability, raise costs for consumers, and increase blackout risks.