The Lignite Energy Council (LEC) is a regional trade association founded in 1974 that represents North Dakota’s lignite coal industry. The Council’s stated mission is to protect, maintain and enhance development of regional lignite resources through education, research, marketing and government action to sustain coal use for electricity, coal conversion and related byproducts.
Advocates for policies that support continued use and development of lignite coal including regulatory relief and permitting for coal operations, federal and state support for carbon capture and utilization, tax and lease provisions favoring coal development, funding for lignite research and infrastructure, and opposition to regulations or programs perceived to disadvantage coal or expand competing generation without compensation.
Primarily funded by membership dues and fees from lignite producers, electric utilities, coal conversion operators and supplier/contractor companies, supplemented by event and program revenue and political/advocacy accounts.
Major member companies and partners include Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Minnkota Power Cooperative, BNI Energy, The Falkirk Mining Company, The Coteau Properties Company, Dakota Gasification Company, Energy & Environmental Research Center; prominent individuals associated with LEC governance and leadership include board chair Mac McLennan and President & CEO Jonathan Fortner.
501(c)(6) trade association / business league
