The Department of Energy (DOE) has reinstated the National Coal Council (NCC), a move that marks renewed federal support for the coal industry under President Trump’s administration. The NCC, which had its charter terminated in 2021 by the previous administration, resumed operations with its inaugural meeting on January 15, 2026. Jim Grech of Peabody Energy Corp. was appointed as Committee Chair and Jimmy Brock of Core Natural Resources as Vice Chair.
According to DOE, the NCC will provide expert guidance on coal technologies and markets and help navigate coal’s role in U.S. energy policy. Its membership includes representatives from industry, academia, state, tribal, and non-governmental organizations.
DOE officials say they are committed to maintaining coal’s position in the national energy mix because it provides continuous and affordable power supply. In recent months, several initiatives have been announced to bolster the sector:
- On October 29, 2025, DOE closed a loan for a coal-powered fertilizer facility in West Terre Haute, Indiana.
- On September 29, 2025, $625 million was allocated to expand and revitalize the coal industry following executive orders focused on strengthening energy reliability.
- Earlier in April 2025, Secretary Wright issued five initiatives aimed at modernizing the coal sector and supporting new technologies.
- DOE also made $200 billion available in long-term financing for infrastructure upgrades related to coal projects.
- In May 2025, coal used for steel production was designated as a critical material.
- The National Energy Technology Laboratory patented technology enabling mineral extraction from coal ash for use across various industries.
- Partnerships with national laboratories and private companies are underway to commercialize these conversion technologies.
A DOE analysis released July 7, 2025 warned that increasing closures of traditional power plants could jeopardize grid reliability due to dependence on intermittent sources such as wind and solar combined with rising demand from data centers. The report projected that without changes an additional 100 gigawatts (GW) of peak hour supply would be needed by 2030; only a small portion of planned new generation is expected to provide firm capacity available around-the-clock.
The agency credits current policy direction with saving more than 15 GW of existing coal-powered electricity generation capacity during 2025 by reversing closure plans at multiple plants.
To address concerns about potential outages and maintain grid stability, DOE has issued numerous emergency orders since mid-2025. These include directives keeping specific units operational at facilities such as Craig Station in Colorado; F.B. Culley Generating Station and Schahfer Generating Station in Indiana; Centralia Generating Station in Washington; and extending operations at J.H Campbell plant via coordination with regional transmission operators.
“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, coal plants across the country are reversing plans to shut down,” stated DOE materials announcing these actions.
The department continues working alongside its laboratories and industry partners to develop advanced uses for coal byproducts while aiming to ensure reliable electricity supplies nationwide.
