North Dakota PSC Commissioner Kalk appointed to National Coal Council

North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) Commissioner Brian P. Kalk was appointed to the National Coal Council on Tuesday, and will serve on the federal advisory committee to fight to keep coal in the U.S. energy portfolio.

“I look forward to providing input on the technological advancements being made right here in North Dakota on our lignite coal,” Kalk said. “It’s important to remember that while renewable energy presents unique opportunities, coal is a strategic resource that heats millions of homes and provides low cost reliable power. If the United States hopes to have true energy security, coal must be in the resource mix.”

Kalk will serve the National Coal Council through 2017, acting as one of several committee advisors to U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz. The NCC is responsible for providing advice to the secretary of energy related to the coal market, the social impacts of coal programs, emerging industry technologies, scientific environmental impact, and ongoing industry research.

The North Dakota PSC is a state agency that oversees the energy industry in the state, including power plants, pipeline safety regulations, coal mine reclamation projects, and gas and electric utilities.