January 21, 2026 - The US Department of Energy on January 15 convened the first meeting of the National Coal Council (NCC) following US 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’.

The meeting 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 and pursues president Trump’s Executive Order ‘Renewing 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.

“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 the 15 January meeting the National Coal Council leadership was formally appointed. It is to be chaired by James Grech, president and CEO of prominent coal producer Peabody Energy.