Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry and Amending Executive Order 14241

April 8, 2025

Executive Orders

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Action Summary

Purpose: Secure economic prosperity and national security by increasing domestic coal production to lower living costs, support rising electricity demand from emerging technologies, domestic manufacturing, and AI data centers.
Policy Direction: Establish coal as essential for national and economic security by removing federal regulatory barriers, promoting coal exports, and preventing discrimination against coal production and coal-fired electricity generation.
National Energy Security: Designate coal as a “mineral” under the National Energy Dominance Council’s guidance; amend Executive Order 14241 by replacing reference “4332(d)(1)(B)” with “4532(d)(1)(B)”.
Assessment of Federal Lands: Within 60 days, the Interior, Agriculture, and Energy Secretaries will report on coal resources, impediments to mining on federal lands, and the potential impact on electricity costs and grid reliability.
Lifting Barriers: Expedite coal leasing and related activities on federal lands by prioritizing coal as a primary land use, terminating the Jewell Moratorium, and processing royalty rate reduction applications more swiftly.
Support for Coal as an Energy Source: Identify and potentially rescind any existing regulations or policies that transition away from coal production or discourage investment in coal-fired electricity generation, including reviewing financing mechanisms.
Coal Exports: The Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with other agencies, will take actions to promote and secure export opportunities and international offtake agreements for U.S. coal and coal technologies.
Environmental Policy Adjustments: Agencies are tasked with identifying and expanding the use of categorical exclusions under NEPA to support increased coal production and exports.
Steel Dominance: Determine if coal used in steel production qualifies as a “critical material” or “critical mineral” and, if so, add it to the respective Department of Energy and Department of the Interior lists.
AI Data Centers: Identify regions and assess the potential for coal-powered infrastructure to support AI and high-performance computing data centers, with a consolidated report due within 60 days.
Acceleration of Coal Technology: Accelerate development, deployment, and commercialization of coal technologies—including for use in building materials, battery components, synthetic graphite, etc.—with a detailed action plan to be submitted within 90 days.
General Provisions: Affirm that the order does not impair existing executive authorities or budgetary functions and does not create enforceable rights under law.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order prioritizes coal as a critical component of national energy security, which may lead to increased regulatory support for coal production. This could result in a shift in energy policy that affects Vanderbilt’s sustainability initiatives and research focus on renewable energy sources.
There is a potential risk of increased environmental scrutiny and public backlash against institutions perceived to support or benefit from coal-related activities. Vanderbilt may need to consider its public stance and communication strategy regarding energy policies.
The emphasis on coal could impact federal funding priorities, potentially diverting resources away from renewable energy research and development. This may affect Vanderbilt’s ability to secure grants and funding for projects focused on clean energy and sustainability.
Vanderbilt’s partnerships and collaborations with federal agencies may need to be reevaluated to align with the new energy priorities, particularly if the university is involved in research or initiatives related to energy policy and technology.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering may experience changes in research funding opportunities, particularly in areas related to energy technology and policy. There could be increased demand for expertise in coal technology and its applications.
The Vanderbilt Institute for Energy and Environment might need to adjust its research focus and strategies to align with the shifting federal priorities towards coal and away from renewable energy sources.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Sustainability could face challenges in promoting sustainability initiatives if federal policies increasingly favor coal over renewable energy sources.
The Center for Environmental Management Studies may need to consider the implications of increased coal production on environmental policies and regulations, potentially affecting its research and advocacy efforts.

Financial Impact

The reallocation of federal resources towards coal production and technology could impact Vanderbilt’s funding landscape, particularly if federal grants prioritize coal-related research over renewable energy initiatives.
Vanderbilt may need to explore alternative funding sources, such as private grants or partnerships, to support its sustainability and renewable energy research in light of potential shifts in federal funding priorities.
There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in coal technology and its applications, particularly through collaborations with federal agencies and industry partners.
The university’s financial strategies may need to be adjusted to account for potential changes in the demographics of students and faculty interested in energy-related fields, particularly if coal becomes a more prominent focus in national energy policy.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs and funding strategies.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Environmental and Energy Research Departments should assess the potential impacts of increased coal production on environmental policies and research funding. This includes evaluating how changes in federal regulations might affect ongoing and future research projects related to renewable energy and environmental sustainability.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in federal energy policy to identify opportunities for research funding and partnerships in coal technology and AI data center infrastructure. Engaging with federal agencies to align Vanderbilt’s research initiatives with national priorities could enhance funding prospects.
Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering should explore research opportunities in coal technology advancements, particularly in areas such as carbon capture and utilization, to position itself as a leader in innovative energy solutions. Collaborating with industry partners could further enhance research capabilities and funding opportunities.
The Center for Environmental Management Studies should conduct studies on the environmental and economic impacts of increased coal exports and production. Providing evidence-based insights can inform policy discussions and enhance Vanderbilt’s role as a thought leader in energy policy.
Vanderbilt’s Data Science Institute should investigate the potential for AI data centers powered by coal-based infrastructure. This includes assessing the technological and market feasibility of such projects and identifying potential research collaborations with federal agencies and industry partners.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Research Centers to secure funding for projects related to coal technology and AI infrastructure. By aligning research initiatives with federal priorities, Vanderbilt can enhance its competitiveness in securing grants and contracts.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the focus on coal exports by developing partnerships with international institutions and industry leaders. This could include joint research initiatives and exchange programs that enhance Vanderbilt’s global reach and influence in energy policy.
The emphasis on coal technology development offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Innovation Center to engage in technology transfer and commercialization activities. By fostering innovation in coal-related technologies, Vanderbilt can contribute to economic growth and job creation.
By engaging with policymakers and industry stakeholders, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in the national conversation on energy policy and technology. Hosting conferences, workshops, and public forums on the implications of coal policy can further establish Vanderbilt as a hub for innovative energy thought and practice.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents the potential for major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s programs due to impacts on energy research and policy alignment.)

Average Relevance Score: 4.2

Timeline for Implementation

Within 30 days:
- Section 6(a): Agencies must identify regulatory guidance, programs, and policies that transition the Nation away from coal.
- Section 6(d): Specific agencies must review and adjust charters, policies, and guidance to avoid discouraging coal mining project financing.
- Section 8: Each agency must identify existing and potential categorical exemptions under NEPA.
Within 60 days:
- Section 4(a): The Secretaries of the Interior, Agriculture, and Energy must submit a report on coal resources on Federal lands.
- Section 6(b): Agency heads must consider revising or rescinding Federal actions that discourage coal production.
- Section 10(b): The Secretaries of the Interior, Commerce, and Energy must identify regions suitable for coal-powered AI data centers and report their findings.
Within 90 days:
- Section 11(b): The Secretary of Energy must submit a detailed action plan outlining funding and policies to accelerate coal technology deployment.

The shortest deadline identified is within 30 days.

Relevance Score: 4

Impacted Government Organizations

National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC): The Chair is directed to designate coal as a “mineral” under Executive Order 14241, integrating coal into existing mineral policies.
Department of the Interior: Tasked with compiling a report on Federal coal resources, expediting coal leasing, and determining critical mineral status for coal in steel production.
Department of Agriculture: Involved in identifying coal resources on Federal lands and prioritizing land use for coal leasing.
Department of Energy: Central to multiple provisions, including assessing coal’s impact on grid reliability, accelerating coal technology deployment, and reviewing coal-powered infrastructure for AI data centers.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Required to review and report on guidance and regulations that discourage coal production and coal-fired electricity generation.
Department of Transportation: Charged with identifying policies that may hinder coal energy support, as part of a broader review across agencies.
Department of Labor: Included in the mandate to identify policies and programs that might impede coal production, ensuring that labor-related impacts are considered.
Department of the Treasury: Responsible for rescinding financial guidance or policies that discourage investment in coal and coal-fired electricity generation.
Department of State: Involved in reviewing international agreements and charters to eliminate preferences against coal use, as well as promoting coal exports.
Department of Commerce: Tasked with assessing regions for coal-powered infrastructure for AI data centers and promoting export opportunities for coal and coal technologies.
International Development Finance Corporation (IDFC): The CEO, among the heads of agencies with discretionary financing programs, must review policies to ensure they do not impede coal projects.
Export-Import Bank of the United States: The President is required to review internal policies as part of the effort to remove disincentives for financing coal projects.
United States Trade Representative (USTR): Collaborates with other agencies to identify and promote export opportunities for U.S. coal.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Its functions relating to budgeting and administrative proposals are reaffirmed and safeguarded by this order.

Relevance Score: 4 (A substantial number of executive departments and agencies—between 11 and 15—are directly impacted by this order.)

Responsible Officials

Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC) – Designates coal as a “mineral” under Executive Order 14241 and receives consolidated reports and proposals.
Secretary of the Interior – Responsible for submitting reports on Federal coal resources, expediting coal leasing, terminating the Jewell Moratorium notice, and identifying regions suitable for coal-powered AI data centers.
Secretary of Agriculture – Tasked with submitting consolidated reports on Federal coal resources and prioritizing coal leasing activities on public lands.
Secretary of Energy – Charged with reporting on coal resources and grid impact, accelerating coal technology development, analyzing critical material status for steel production, and facilitating support for AI data centers powered by coal.
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency – Must identify guidance, regulations, and programs that transition the Nation away from coal production in order to support American coal as an energy source.
Secretary of Transportation – Required to identify policies and programs that may be discouraging investment in coal production and coal-fired electricity generation.
Secretary of Labor – Directed to review relevant policies to ensure they do not discourage coal production and coal-fired electricity generation.
Secretary of the Treasury – Tasked with identifying guidance and regulations that might move the nation away from coal, affecting financing policies related to coal projects.
Secretary of State – Involved in reviewing policies affecting coal financing and, in consultation with others, promoting export opportunities for coal and coal technologies.
Secretary of Commerce – Required to review and adjust policies regarding coal financing, promote coal exports, and assess infrastructure for AI data centers.
Chief Executive Officer of the International Development Finance Corporation – Directed to review and adjust policies that may inadvertently discourage financing of coal projects.
President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States – Similarly tasked with reviewing policies on financing energy projects to ensure they support coal production and export.
Heads of Relevant Executive Departments and Agencies – Instructed broadly to consider revising or rescinding Federal actions that discourage coal production and related investments.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives impact high-level, Cabinet and agency head officials, along with key economic and energy policy advisors.)