Q&A WITH EMILY ARTHUN, CEO, AMERICAN COAL COUNCIL
Firstly, please could you introduce us to the American Coal Council?
Emily Arthun, CEO (EA): The American Coal Council (ACC) was founded in 1982 as a private industry trade group to promote the exports of Western US coal to the Pacific Rim, previously known as the Western Coal Export Council.
The ACC exclusively represents the collective and mutual interests of the entire coal industry. Its membership includes coal suppliers and consumers, energy traders, coal transportation companies, and support service firms.
We rebranded in 2024 with the establishment of the council’s five pillars, which are the building blocks required for the organization to solidify coal’s stake in an evolving global market. They include:
- Serving our members, stakeholders, and communities – Support the supply chain with relevant educational options to promote viability and engage with all constituents to build a prosperous future for the industry.
- Championing rigorous, full value chain support – Ensure sustainability along the entire ecosystem to encourage and guarantee progress in coal communities as they fight for sustainable, family-supportive employment.
- Promoting ongoing viability and sustainability – Foster responsible business methods via innovation while preserving the industry’s heritage by working in harmony with viable energy supply chains and local governments, achieving the industry’s potential.
- Advocating awareness, education, and policy – Advocate for the industry and build the supply chain via facts and data in the face of inaccuracies, while also collaborating to educate, promote, and preserve its place as a cornerstone of our nation’s economy and for the industry’s various stakeholders.
- Encouraging advancements, innovation, and cooperation – Build a future where coal maintains its integral role in a broad global economy, facilitate data-based solutions to issues, and invest in modern methods of production while inspiring continued innovation.
What is your current take on the US coal industry? Is it particularly exciting or challenging to work in?
EA: Coal is a critical resource as it provides fuel for the electrification of our lives, resulting in everyday comforts.
Coal also provides coke that allows for the manufacturing of steel, and with it, the building of cities, automobiles, ships, and planes. It additionally facilitates many of the materials used in our high-technology products, from carbon foam to graphene and beyond.
Coal is additionally used in the manufacturing of rockets that take our astronauts into space, and it is a basic component of everything from bowling balls to modern medicine.
In the US, the dismissal of this resource by the Obama and Biden administrations has been a tragedy, jeopardizing the well-being of US citizens and the economy. As we move on from the Biden administration to a new Trump administration, we have a unique opportunity to reset natural resource policy to one grounded in common sense.
The results of the election show that people across the country are calling for a shift in how we approach energy and industry. There is a growing recognition that affordable, reliable energy is critical for the well-being of our communities and nation.
For those of us in the coal industry, this presents a tremendous opportunity to emphasize the resource’s vital role in not only powering our homes and businesses but supporting our daily lives.
The reality is that many still do not fully understand the essential role coal plays in providing more than just energy. It is integral to meeting some of our most basic needs and it is time to ensure this message is heard.
Looking ahead, it is exciting to know that we have a favorable federal government that we will be able to work with. The challenge will be to reverse the war on coal narrative and show US citizens that coal is critical to their well-being.
“The reality is that many still do not fully understand the essential role coal plays in providing more than just energy. It is integral to meeting some of our most basic needs and it is time to ensure this message is heard”
Emily Arthun, CEO, American Coal Council
Can you tell us more about how the ACC advances the commercial and professional development interests of members?
EA: The ACC hosts several conferences each year that include in-depth discussions and analysis about coal production, governmental policies, regulations, transportation, generation, and emerging markets, as well as facilitating concentrated networking and business building opportunities with industry leaders.
The second annual Miami Coal Forum, taking place from February 11th-13th 2025, is a partnership with McCloskey by OPIS, a Dow Jones Industrial Average company. This event will focus on all aspects of the coal industry, highlighting North America’s pivotal role in supplying both established and emerging markets.
The Coal Innovation and Market Strategies Conference, happening from August 19th-21st 2025 in Park City, Utah focuses on industry innovations and domestic and international markets, including coal, natural gas, and minerals.
The ACC recognized the importance of federal interactions and has hosted two Day on the Hill events, giving members an opportunity to talk about all things coal with Congress. The third event will be held in the spring of 2025.
Likewise, how does the ACC represent the collective interests of the US coal industry in advocating for coal as an economic, abundant, and environmentally sound critical resource?
EA: The ACC is very cognizant of the diversity of our business members. Therefore, we advocate for coal and find common ground.
To ensure that coal can continue to be a critical resource, there are four key issues:
- Protecting the nation’s coal supply chain.
- Ensuring safe and accessible transportation for coal production.
- Focusing on the affordability and reliability of the electric grid.
- Promoting and developing the coal workforce.
Protecting the nation’s coal supply chain is crucial, and key to that is permitting reform. It is essential to streamline the process of obtaining permits and prevent the federal government from revoking existing permits.
Safeguarding and enhancing the transportation infrastructure for coal, encompassing rail access, port and river transport facilities, and roadways, is another key component in our nation’s energy policy moving forward.
This effort plays a pivotal role in boosting our economic competitiveness by cutting down the expenses associated with coal delivery, thus maintaining the competitiveness of US coal in both domestic and international markets.
The enhancement of transport systems, including railways, ports, and inland waterways, facilitates the efficient and cost-effective access of coal to international markets. Furthermore, the improvement and expansion of transportation systems leads to job creation in various sectors such as construction, engineering, and operations, ultimately benefiting local economies.
Coal plays a crucial role in ensuring electric grid reliability by providing a constant supply of energy that is needed to meet demand.
Unlike some renewable sources, coal-fired plants operate continuously, contributing significantly to the grid even during high electricity demand periods such as extreme weather events.
Moreover, the ability of coal plants to maintain large fuel stockpiles on-site enhances their resilience to supply chain disruptions, ensuring price stability in the electricity market. This reliability instills confidence in the energy system’s capacity to meet future demands, benefiting industries and consumers alike.
The US workforce is essential for addressing the shortage of trade skills in fields like welding, mechanics, and electricians.
“There is a growing recognition that affordable, reliable energy is critical for the well-being of our communities and nation”
Emily Arthun, CEO, American Coal Council
What makes the ACC an essential resource for industry, policymakers, and public interest groups?
EA: I see an organization that over the last two and a half years has taken significant steps to shape the future of coal.
The ACC has become more active on social media, published op-eds, launched a grassroots election video campaign supporting coal, and witnessed a resurgence in attendance at our conferences.
Personally, I’ve spent time traveling, discussing coal, attending meetings in Washington, D.C., engaging with members at conferences, and touring our exceptional supply chain.
Now more than ever, it is crucial for the ACC to be bold in its commitment to the coal industry as we have laid a strong foundation to become the leading advocate for the resource.
2024 began with a fresh look and a renewed dedication to our industry. Our rebranding was met with enthusiasm as we embraced the past, present, and future of coal, boldly proclaiming that we’re “Proud To Be American | Proud To Be Coal” with a clear vision to champion our industry, product, and people.
Finally, what are the AAC’s key priorities in order to continue representing the interests of the nation’s coal industry?
EA: Our country is fortunate to have some of the world’s greatest natural resources, which if properly managed can contribute to both energy and economic security worldwide.
Coal is, and must remain, one of those resources. The natural resource community must work together for the best outcome for our nation’s citizens. Whether you drill, mine, harvest, or grow a natural resource, the time to be bold and find a common message that all natural resources will need for a vibrant, strong world is now.
We must clearly communicate the importance of coal and its role in securing our nation’s future. Celebrate this amazing industry by telling everyone how proud you are to be part of coal.
