Energy Department Convenes First National Coal Council Meeting Under Renewed Charter, Reaffirming Coal’s Role in Unleashing American Energy

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today convened the first meeting of the National Coal Council (NCC) following U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright's formal renewal of its charter—reversing the Biden Administration’s 2021 termination of the Council and reaffirming coal’s essential role in America’s national and economic security.

Today’s convening of the NCC under renewed charter marks the formal implementation of that decision, restoring the National Coal Council as a key advisory body to inform coal policy, technology, and market considerations, advancing President Trump’s Executive Order, Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry.  

“For years, the Biden Administration waged war on American coal, shutting down coal plants prematurely, decimating American communities and workers, while also driving up energy prices,” said Secretary Wright. “Thanks to President Trump, the war on coal is over. The Trump Administration has already saved more than 15 GW of reliable coal power from shutting down and is working alongside American workers and the entire coal industry to ensure coal continues to be mined in the United States and continues to help provide reliable power to the American people. I look forward to working with the National Coal Council as it helps guide the Department’s efforts to strengthen America’s energy security and grid reliability.”

“Coal remains a fundamental component of America’s energy strategy, providing essential energy for America’s infrastructure and industries,” said Assistant Secretary for the Office of Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy, Kyle Haustveit. “The National Coal Council’s expert recommendations will be instrumental toward our efforts to modernize and extend the life of our existing coal assets while also supporting the growth of new coal power generation, exports, and product manufacturing.”

In the coming months, four regional coal workshops will be held to gather industry input that will inform Department programs and ensure they reflect market realities, workforce needs, and technological progress.

During today's meeting, which included workers and industry experts, council leadership was formally appointed. Members were formally charged with delivering practical, real-world recommendations to ensure coal continues to support reliable power, economic growth, and national energy security.

Current NCC leadership:

• Kyle Haustveit, Designated Federal Officer, U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary, Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office
• Joseph Giove, Deputy Designated Federal Officer, U.S. Department of Energy Director of Business Operations, Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office
• Tom Sarkus, Deputy Designated Federal Officer, Senior Managerial & Technical Advisor, National Energy Technology Laboratory
• James Grech, Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer, Peabody Energy
• Jimmy Brock, Co-Chair, Chairman & CEO, Core Natural Resources, Inc.

View the complete NCC membership list. For further details regarding the NCC's ongoing work and initiatives, visit the NCC website. View the fact sheet.

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