Basin Electric leaders attend National Coal Council meeting

Basin Electric Power Cooperative (Basin Electric) leaders joined energy industry executives and federal officials at the National Coal Council (NCC) meeting July 21 in Washington, D.C., where discussions focused on the future of coal-fired generation, export opportunities, and regulatory policy affecting the coal value chain.

Representing Basin Electric were Todd Brickhouse, chief executive officer and general manager, who was appointed to the NCC in January 2026, and Valerie Weigel, senior vice president of energy markets and Dakota Coal Company operations. The NCC is a federal advisory committee to the U.S. Secretary of Energy, providing advice and recommendations on general policy matters relating to the coal industry

The meeting featured remarks from senior Trump administration officials, including U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, and Department of Energy leaders.

"Energy independence has been a consistent national policy this century, and Basin Electric's coal fleet has played a foundational role in the United States' achieving this important national policy," Brickhouse said. "The reliable and affordable energy from our coal fleet has supported development of the Bakken oil field, ethanol industry, and mining and energy exploration in the Powder River Basin. We appreciate the Trump administration's pursuit of rational energy policies that enhance reliability and affordability."

During the meeting, the council reviewed reports outlining recommendations to support existing coal-fired generation facilities, strengthen coal supply chains, and enhance U.S. competitiveness in domestic and international coal markets.

"Coal remains an important part of Basin Electric's all-of-the-above energy strategy, helping us to deliver reliable and affordable power to our members," Weigel said. "The coal council's discussions reinforced coal generation as a strategic reliability asset and recommended 19 key actions to support maximizing the coal fleet in the United States."

The next NCC meeting is scheduled for January 11-12, 2027.