National Coal Council Kicks Off at White House

The reconstituted National Coal Council (NCC) held its first meeting at the White House today. The NCC is a Department of Energy chartered organization of industry leaders under the Federal Advisory Act. Its purpose is to provide “advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Energy on general policy matters relating to coal and the coal industry.”

According to a DOE press release, the NCC is “formally charged with delivering practical, real-world recommendations to ensure coal continues to support reliable power, economic growth, and national energy security.”

The meeting was a who’s-who of the US coal industry according to local media. Proceedings included comments from Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright; Secretary of Interior, Doug Burgum; and EPA Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi.

Government officials vowed to keep coal units operating and Secretary Wright claimed that their efforts have kept 17 gigawatts of coal generation open. Further, Secretary Burgum expects new coal-based power generation plants will be built.

The NCC was disbanded under the Biden administration but re-established by the Trump administration on June 30, 2025. The Industry Chair is Jim Grech, President and CEO of Peabody Energy and the Vice-Chair is Jimmy Brock, Chairman and CEO of Core Natural Resources.

–Reporting by Andy Blumenfeld, ablumenfeld@opisnet.com