Information on the Operation of the International Energy Agency's Coal Industry Advisory Board

In response to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the composition and role of the Coal Industry Advisory Board (CIAB) of the International Energy Agency (IEA).

In 1979, CIAB was established for a 3-year period to provide a forum for leaders of coal-related enterprises to discuss and participate in planning and actions for enhancing the production, trade, and use of coal. In establishing CIAB, the IEA member nations recognized the importance of government-industry cooperation if coal mining, transportation, and use were to be improved and acceptable environmental standards were to be maintained. CIAB is forbidden to disclose confidential or proprietary data of any company or other entity, and U.S. members participate without the benefit of antitrust defense. It has provided advice on how to overcome major problems confronting expanded coal use. Because CIAB has completed a substantial amount of work, IEA has extended its operations for another 3 years. GAO noted that CIAB membership may be reduced in the months ahead as studies underway are completed.