The Department of Energy (DOE) has taken several steps to support the coal industry, emphasizing its role in ensuring reliable and affordable energy for the United States. Under President Trump’s administration, DOE has reinstated the National Coal Council (NCC), which had previously been terminated in 2021. The NCC acts as an advisory body, offering guidance on coal technologies and markets. Jim Grech of Peabody Energy Corp. was named Committee Chair and Jimmy Brock of Core Natural Resources was appointed Vice Chair.
“The NCC serves as a key advisory body to inform and provide expert guidance on the future of coal technologies and markets and navigating coal’s importance in achieving energy dominance,” according to DOE.
Members of the NCC include experts from various sectors such as industry, academia, state, tribal, and non-governmental organizations.
In line with President Trump’s Executive Order aimed at revitalizing the coal sector, Secretary Wright led efforts that included providing financial support for American-made fertilizer production powered by coal in West Terre Haute, Indiana. Additionally, DOE announced $625 million to expand the U.S. coal industry following directives from two executive orders focused on strengthening both clean coal technology and electric grid reliability.
On April 8, 2025, Secretary Wright introduced five initiatives to modernize the coal industry and back emerging technologies. Among these were reinstating the National Coal Council and making $200 billion available for long-term financing intended to upgrade energy infrastructure related to coal.
DOE also designated steelmaking coal as a critical material in May 2025. The department’s National Energy Technology Laboratory developed patented technology supporting mineral extraction from coal ash—a process that converts byproducts into materials valuable for energy production, defense applications, and manufacturing industries.
Collaboration continues between DOE’s national laboratories and new companies working toward commercializing methods for converting coal ash into high-value products.
A July 7 report by DOE analyzed grid reliability concerns stemming from increased reliance on intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar amid growing electricity demand—particularly due to data center expansion. The report projected that current trends could increase power outage risks by a factor of 100 by 2030 unless additional firm generation is brought online.
The analysis estimated an extra 100 gigawatts (GW) of peak hour supply would be necessary by 2030; only about 22 GW of planned new generation would provide consistent around-the-clock availability. As a result of federal actions during this period, more than 15 GW of existing coal-powered capacity remained operational instead of being retired.
To prevent power outages associated with plant closures or insufficient generation capacity, DOE issued nineteen emergency orders throughout 2025. These included directives ensuring continued operation at facilities such as Craig Station in Colorado; F.B Culley Generating Station in Indiana; Schahfer Generating Station also in Indiana; Centralia Generating station in Washington; and J.H Campbell plant managed through Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO).
“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, coal plants across the country are reversing plans to shut down,” stated DOE.
