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In a significant shift for U.S. energy policy, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum have officially reinstated the National Coal Council, a key advisory group that had been dissolved by the Biden administration four years ago. The ceremonial launch took place at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus, marking a renewed federal commitment to the coal industry.
The council will be led by Peabody Energy CEO Jim Grech and Core Natural Resources chairman Jimmy Brock, bringing together dozens of stakeholders from energy companies, utilities, government agencies, and tribal interests. Wright didn’t mince words about the previous administration’s decision to disband the long-standing group, calling it “a combination of ignorance and arrogance.”
“It’s crazy that this Coal Council was disabled,” Wright remarked during the announcement.
Burgum emphasized coal’s critical importance beyond just regional economic benefits, highlighting its role in national security and the broader economy. The North Dakota native, whose home state is a significant coal producer, praised industry representatives at the event.
“No industry does so much and means so much to every American,” Burgum stated. “The regulatory red tape onslaught going into this industry was like no other. And so if you’re standing here today and your company is providing reliable, affordable, American, secure-base-load-dispatch of power, you’re a hero to me.”
Wright offered historical context to underscore coal’s transformative potential, noting that England’s early adoption of coal power – reaching 50% of its energy mix by 1707 during the Glorious Revolution – gave the nation significant industrial advantages. By comparison, the rest of the world didn’t achieve a similar coal-to-wood ratio until nearly two centuries later in 1900.
The energy secretary warned about the consequences of abandoning coal resources, pointing to the United Kingdom and Germany as cautionary examples of nations that have shuttered their coal industries despite their industrial heritage.
The revival of the coal council comes amid growing concerns about America’s position in the global artificial intelligence race, particularly against China. Wright highlighted the stark contrast in energy development between the two nations, noting that “China opened up 93 gigawatts of coal” – with each gigawatt capable of powering an entire metropolitan area the size of Denver.
In response to a question from Fox News Digital, Wright stated that America needs between 50 and 100 gigawatts of additional coal power to remain competitive with China in what he described as an “AI arms race.”
The Trump administration has already taken significant steps to revitalize the U.S. coal sector. In September, Wright’s office announced a $625 million investment aimed at reinvigorating the domestic coal industry, responding to executive orders calling for strengthened grid reliability and energy security.
According to the Energy Department, these initiatives have already saved more than 15 gigawatts of coal-powered electricity capacity. This effort aligns with a DOE analysis from July, which concluded that continued loss of coal-fired power plants would make grid reliability unsustainable and projected that an additional 100 gigawatts of peak-hour supply will be needed by 2030.
The reinstatement of the National Coal Council represents a dramatic reversal from previous energy policies and signals the administration’s belief that coal remains essential to America’s energy future, economic security, and global competitiveness – particularly as energy demands increase with the advancement of artificial intelligence technologies.
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8 Comments
Bringing back the National Coal Council seems like a clear reversal of the previous administration’s stance. I’m curious to hear more details on the council’s specific objectives and how they plan to engage with other stakeholders in the energy sector.
Yes, the renewed focus on coal is a significant shift. It will be important to monitor the council’s activities and ensure a balanced approach that considers the broader energy landscape and environmental impacts.
Interesting development on the coal industry council. I’m curious to see how this plays out in terms of balancing energy policy priorities and environmental concerns. What do you think will be the main focus areas for this revived council?
The council’s priorities will likely center on supporting the coal industry’s economic interests and pushing back against climate regulations. It will be important to monitor their influence and ensure a balanced, science-based approach to energy policy.
The reestablishment of the National Coal Council is a divisive move that will likely face scrutiny from environmental groups and proponents of renewable energy. It will be crucial for the council to demonstrate a commitment to a sustainable energy future, not just coal industry interests.
The coal industry has long been a political football, with different administrations taking divergent approaches. It will be interesting to see how this council shapes energy policy and whether they can find a middle ground between economic and environmental considerations.
Reinstatement of the National Coal Council is a clear signal of the new administration’s pro-coal stance. While supporting domestic energy production is important, I hope they also consider the environmental impacts and transition to cleaner alternatives.
Agreed. The coal industry plays a significant role, but policymakers need to carefully weigh all factors, including climate change mitigation, when making decisions about the future energy mix.