The National Coal Council (NCC) was established in 1984 as a federal advisory committee. The NCC provides recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Energy on federal policy matters related to coal and the coal industry. 1
The NCC’s charter expired in 2021, but it was re-established in 2025. 2 At the time of its reopening, NCC was planned to comprise approximately 50 members who would be appointed by the Secretary of Energy. 3
Background
The National Coal Council (NCC) is a federal advisory committee that provides recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Energy. Established in 1984 during the Reagan administration, the NCC prepares reports for the Secretary of Energy regarding policy matters related to coal and the coal industry. 1
The charter for the NCC expired during the Biden administration on November 20, 2021, and was replaced with a National Advisory Committee on Coal (NACC). The NACC’s charter lasted from February 16, 2022 until February 16, 2024, during which time no members were appointed and no meetings were held. 2
The National Coal Council was reestablished during the second Trump administration on June 16, 2025 and its charter was set to expire after two years if not renewed. Supporters of the reestablishment of the NCC claim that it is essential to the business of the Department of Energy and the public interest. 2
Activities
The primary activity of the National Coal Council is to develop prospective topics and prepare reports for the Secretary of Energy. The NCC advises the Secretary on federal policies related to and affecting the production, marketing, and use of coal. It proposes plans and strategies to make more effective use of coal technologies, regulations, and social impacts; to balance federal coal-related programs; to advance scientific and engineering aspects of coal technologies; and to monitor the progress of clean coal research and development. 1
The National Coal Council supports coal as an abundant and affordable resource, claiming that coal-generated electric power is both reliable and resilient. The NCC points to coal’s usefulness as a source of fuels, chemicals, minerals, and advanced products like graphene and carbon fiber. The NCC also claims that clean coal technologies can make the use of coal more environmentally acceptable manner, while keeping it affordable, reliable, and resilient. 3
Members
As of its reestablishment in 2025, it was planned that National Coal Council would be comprised of approximately 50 members appointed by the Secretary of Energy. At the time of the NCC’s reestablishment, the Secretary was Chris Wright. The members of the NCC would represent coal producers, equipment suppliers, local and state officials, and stakeholders within the coal value chain according to an official press release. 4
According to its new charter, NCC’s members were permitted to serve terms up to two years, with the possibility of being reappointed. At the discretion of the Secretary of Energy, federal employees may also serve as members of the NCC. 3
The officers of the NCC will consist of a chair and a vice chair, who will be elected by the assistant secretary of the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM). 3
Financials
It was estimated in its 2025 advisory committee charter that the annual operating cost associated with supporting the National Coal Council would be $678,465. 3
References
- “Home.” National Coal Council. Accessed October 12, 2025. https://nationalcoalcouncil.energy.gov/ncc/.
- “National Coal Council.” Federal Register, June 18, 2025. Accessed October 12, 2025. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/18/2025-11223/national-coal-council.
- “National Coal Council Advisory Committee Charter.” National Coal Council, June 16, 2025. Accessed October 23, 2025. https://ncc.energy.gov/ncc/sites/default/files/documents/NCC_Charter_6_15_25.pdf.
- “Energy Department Acts to Unleash American Coal by Strengthening Coal Technology and Securing Critical Mineral Supply Chains.” U.S. Department of Energy, April 8, 2025. Accessed October 23, 2025. https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-acts-unleash-american-coal-strengthening-coal-technology-and-securing?utm_source=chatgpt.com.