Several from across the coal mining industry now have new seats on the reinstated National Coal Council.
by Donna Schmidt
After disappearing from the industry radar for four years, the National Coal Council has returned under the direction of U.S. President Donald Trump. The announcement was made last summer to officially reconvene the board, and in January, a handful of announcements were made regarding the talent that would help direct what’s next for coal.
First, Peabody Energy President and CEO Jim Grech has been appointed chair of the 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 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.
Just days before the announcement, Core Natural Resources’ Jimmy Brock was tapped to serve as vice chair.
Nearly simultaneously to the appointment of those two to the helm, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright also appointed Ramaco Resources Chairman and CEO Randall Atkins as a council member.
The move allows Atkins to return to NCC service; he was the last chairman of the council in 2021 when former President Biden allowed the charter to lapse, forcing it to cease operations.
“The Council’s re-establishment by President Trump and Secretary Wright marks another significant milestone and renewed commitment to advancing America’s coal industry and energy security,” Ramaco pointed out. “Their efforts reflect a strong belief in the value of coal as a strategic resource and the importance of expert guidance in shaping national energy policy.”
Atkins said it is an honor to return to serve with the National Coal Council.
“This is somewhat personal to me because as the last Council chairman, I was fighting for clean, beautiful coal when then President Biden shut down this almost 50-year institution. What a difference an election can make.”
He added that he is committed to working alongside his fellow Council members to create an even stronger NCC.
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 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 metric tons, according to the International Energy Agency.
The National Coal 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.
It will also offer information and recommendations to the Secretary of Energy on scientific, technical and programmatic issues relating to coal and coal policy.
WVCA president tapped for NCC
On January 12, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright appointed Chris Hamilton, president and chief executive officer of the West Virginia Coal Association, to serve as a member of the National Coal Council (NCC).
The association said that Secretary Wright’s appointment of Hamilton recognizes his decades of leadership and advocacy for coal communities, energy policy development, and job preservation within the state and region. As the state’s leading advocate for coal producers and associated industries, the West Virginia Coal Association works closely with both state and federal policymakers to promote responsible mining, reliable energy production, and innovation across the sector. Hamilton said he is honored by the appointment and looks forward to representing West Virginia’s coal industry and workforce on the national stage.
“It’s a privilege to serve on the National Coal Council and contribute to the national dialogue surrounding energy security and coal’s essential role in America’s future,” Hamilton said.
“West Virginia coal has long been a cornerstone of our nation’s energy economy, and this appointment will help ensure our industry’s voice and experience are well represented in shaping federal policy.”