H.R. 3015: National Coal Council Reestablishment Act

This bill, known as the National Coal Council Reestablishment Act, aims to reestablish the National Coal Council within the Department of Energy. The council is intended to provide advice and recommendations regarding coal and the coal industry to the Secretary of Energy. Here’s a breakdown of its main components:

Reestablishment of the Council

The bill mandates the Secretary of Energy to reinstate the National Coal Council. This council will operate under the same charter that was in place prior to its dissolution on November 19, 2021.

Advisory Role

The main function of the National Coal Council will be to offer guidance and suggestions on issues related to coal, which includes:

• Policy recommendations
• Technical advice regarding coal production and use
• Addressing challenges facing the coal industry

Compliance with Federal Advisory Committee Act

The bill states that the National Coal Council will be subjected to specific federal regulations under the Federal Advisory Committee Act. This act ensures transparency and openness in how the council operates, including:

• Public meetings and documentation of discussions
• Representation of diverse interests in the coal industry

However, it specifies an exception regarding termination provisions of the act, meaning that specific rules on how committees are disbanded will not apply to the council.

Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of reestablishing the council is to support the coal industry, which has faced various challenges in recent years. This could involve:

• Advising on the balancing of energy policies with environmental considerations
• Promoting the role of coal in the nation's energy portfolio
• Encouraging research and investment in cleaner coal technologies

Impact on the Coal Industry

The establishment of the National Coal Council is intended to facilitate a structured approach to addressing industry issues, potentially aiding in the development of strategies that enhance the coal sector's viability within the energy landscape.

Relevant Companies

• ARCH (Arch Resources, Inc.): A major player in coal mining, the reestablishment of the council may impact its regulatory environment and support for the coal industry.
• BTU (Peabody Energy Corporation): As a significant coal producer, it could benefit from the council's recommendations and support for the coal sector.
• CEIX (Contura Energy, Inc.): The council may provide insights that could influence Contura’s operational strategies and regulatory frameworks.