Peabody Energy President and CEO Jim Grech has been appointed chair of the National Coal Council (NCC).
Grech, who joined Peabody in 2021 in his same seat, has over 35 years of experience in the coal and natural resources industry. He is a board member of America’s Power, the National Mining Association and Blue Danube Incorporated, and is a member of the Coal Industry Advisory Board of the International Energy Agency.
He is also an appointed member on the Surface Transportation Board (STB) Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee (RETAC).
The appointment was made official on January 15.
“The United States has more coal than any nation has in any one energy source, and coal’s importance to U.S. energy security and affordability is enormous,” said Grech. “The coal industry has never had an advocate in the White House like President Trump, and his policies are beginning to unleash substantial consumer benefits.
“Coal also represents untapped potential in such areas as rare earth elements and critical minerals, which are also cornerstones of American national security. I am honored to serve in this role with the National Coal Council and look forward to working with the Trump Administration, Secretary Wright, Jimmy Brock as Vice Chair and our coal industry partners to advance policies that further strengthen American energy reliability and affordability.”
Brock’s appointment was also made official last week.
According to Peabody data, U.S. coal-fueled generation rose an estimated 13% in 2025, driven by extended coal plant lives, major cost advantages, and rising electricity demand from AI and data centers. Existing coal plants fuel substantial electricity generation and also represent a significant ability to satisfy growing U.S. electricity demand. Increased U.S. coal use helped grow 2025 global coal demand to another all-time record of 8.8 billion tonnes, according to the International Energy Agency.
The National Coal Council provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Energy on general policy matters relating to coal and the coal industry. The Department of Energy reestablished the NCC in June 2025 after its charter was allowed to lapse in 2021.
The council is advisory and can include providing reports and advice on federal policy affecting the production, marketing, and use of coal; steps to more effectively address technological, economic, regulatory and societal matters relating to coal production and use; and the appropriate balance among various elements of Federal coal-related programs.
Source: Peabody Energy