Apr 26

National Coal Council Update

April 24, 2017 – The Honorable Rick Perry, Secretary of Energy and former Governor of Texas, gave the opening remarks at the National Coal Council meeting on Wednesday April 19, 2017 and defined the goals for the Department of Energy under the Trump administration. His remarks highlighted a “true all of the above” energy policy where all forms of energy can thrive while protecting the environment. After recently participating in the open house for the Petro-Nova Project, a cutting edge carbon capture and utilization project, Perry highlighted the innovation within the coal fueled electric generation industry. Related to coal ash, Secretary Perry highlighted the potential for Rare Earth Elements (REE) found in coal ash and noted that research in this area could lead to shifts in balance of trade and improved national security since China controls the majority of REE utilized by American industry. These remarks were similar to remarks presented to the NCC in the fall 2016 meeting presented by Charah’s own Danny Gray, who serves on the NCC advisory committee. As research advances, Charah will be able to tap into new markets for CCPs that go well beyond the innovative applications that Charah markets CCPs into today.