The Nickel Report

On June 16, the Trump Administration reinstated the National Coal Council (“NCC”), a federal advisory committee that lapsed in 2021. The Federal Register notice issued by the Department of Energy (“DOE”) announcing the reinstatement states that NCC is authorized for a two-year term. The NCC will consist of members from various coal-related sectors advising Secretary of Energy Chris Wright on coal matters.

On Friday, January 20, President Trump’s Chief of Staff Reince Priebus issued a memorandum to executive branch department and agency heads placing an immediate hold on federal regulations that are under development.

This regulatory “freeze” has become standard practice in recent Administrations. In 2009, President Obama issued a temporary halt to regulations being developed by the outgoing George W. Bush Administration. In 2001, President Bush issued a temporary stay on regulations under development by the outgoing Clinton Administration. New presidents want to ensure that federal regulations reflect their policies and priorities.