National Coal Council Reestablishment Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3015
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-19: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-24T12:48:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The National Coal Council Reestablishment Act (H.R. 3015) aims to revive a federal advisory group focused on coal to offer guidance to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on coal production, use, and related industry issues. This reestablishment ensures ongoing expert input without the previous automatic expiration.
Key Provisions
- Reestablishment of the Council: The Secretary of Energy must recreate the National Coal Council within the DOE, using the same operational rules (charter) that were active as of November 19, 2021.
- Application of Federal Laws:
- The council will follow the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), a law that governs how federal advisory groups operate, including requirements for transparency, public meetings, and balanced membership.
- It is also subject to the Government in the Sunshine Act (section 552b(c) of title 5, U.S. Code), which mandates open meetings for government bodies.
- However, the council is exempt from the FACA's two-year termination rule (section 1013 of title 5, U.S. Code), allowing it to continue indefinitely unless Congress acts otherwise.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Prior to this act, the National Coal Council had been terminated, likely under the FACA's automatic sunset provision after two years without renewal.
- This legislation removes the termination requirement, making the council a permanent advisory body rather than a temporary one, while restoring its original structure and purpose.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The DOE gains a dedicated advisory resource for coal policy, potentially influencing energy strategies, research funding, and regulations related to coal mining and usage.
- On Citizens and Industry: Coal-producing communities and workers may benefit from policies informed by industry expertise, supporting economic stability in coal-dependent regions. Broader energy consumers could see indirect effects through DOE decisions on energy transitions.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though DOE advice on coal could shape U.S. positions in global energy forums or trade discussions involving fossil fuels.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Coal Industry Representatives: Members of the council, drawn from industry, labor, academia, and government, who provide advice on coal matters.
- U.S. Department of Energy and Secretary of Energy: Primary beneficiaries, receiving recommendations to inform national energy policy.
- Coal Mining Communities and Workers: Indirectly affected through potential support for the sector amid declining coal use.
- Environmental and Energy Advocacy Groups: May engage in council meetings under FACA transparency rules, influencing or monitoring coal-related decisions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens DOE's advisory framework under existing federal laws like FACA, ensuring compliance with openness requirements while avoiding bureaucratic hurdles like automatic termination. No challenges to separation of powers, as it creates an advisory (not decision-making) body.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority to structure executive branch agencies and advisory committees, promoting informed policymaking without infringing on executive functions.
- Political: Signals congressional support for the coal sector, potentially in response to economic pressures in fossil fuel regions; could spark debate on balancing coal advocacy with broader energy and climate goals, though the act itself remains neutral and procedural.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6]
Cosponsors (5)
Rep. Moore, Riley [R-WV-2], Rep. Balderson, Troy [R-OH-12], Rep. Wagner, Ann [R-MO-2], Rep. Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9], Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-19: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-09-18: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-09-18: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 217 - 209 (Roll no. 278). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H4428) (Roll call 278)
- 2025-09-18: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 217 - 209 (Roll no. 278). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H4428: 1) (Roll call 278)
- 2025-09-18: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4442-4443)
- 2025-09-18: POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 3015, the Chair put the question on passage of the bill, and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Pallone demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
- 2025-09-18: The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
- 2025-09-18: DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 3015.
- 2025-09-18: Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4922, H.R. 5143, H.R. 5140, H.R. 5125, H.R. 1047, H.R. 3015 and H.R. 3062. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4922, H.R. 5143, H.R. 5140, H.R. 5125, H.R. 1047, H.R. 3015, and H.R. 3062 under a closed rule, and provides for a motion to recommit on each measure.
- 2025-09-18: Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 707. (consideration: CR H4428)
- 2025-09-15: Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 707 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4922, H.R. 5143, H.R. 5140, H.R. 5125, H.R. 1047, H.R. 3015 and H.R. 3062. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4922, H.R. 5143, H.R. 5140, H.R. 5125, H.R. 1047, H.R. 3015, and H.R. 3062 under a closed rule, and provides for a motion to recommit on each measure.
- 2025-07-02: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 150.
- 2025-07-02: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-185.
- 2025-07-02: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-185.
- 2025-06-25: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 25 - 20.
Bill Versions
- National Coal Council Reestablishment Act — issued 2025-09-18 — PDF (4 pages)
- National Coal Council Reestablishment Act — issued 2025-04-24 — PDF (2 pages)
- National Coal Council Reestablishment Act — issued 2025-09-19 — PDF (2 pages)
- National Coal Council Reestablishment Act — issued 2025-07-02 — PDF (4 pages)