As the U.S. Senate considers codifying the reestablishment of the National Coal Council, lawmakers have an opportunity.

U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli’s bill drew support from enough Democrats in the House of Representatives that it is now moving to the Senate, which will consider whether it is necessary to back up the executive order that, among other things, called for reinstating the group that provides guidance on the future of coal technologies and markets.

And Rulli, R-Ohio, is right. It is important for those making decisions about our energy future to have information and guidance from coal producers, users, equipment suppliers, state and local officials, and other stakeholders across the coal value chain.

Lawmakers will do well, however, to address criticisms of such a group by advising its members that — as an accessory to the federal government — it works for us, rather than to serve its own interests.

But if it is necessary to hear from coal stakeholders, in this era of all-of-the-above, responsible energy diversification and expansion, the Department of Energy should seek out other similar councils filled with representatives of other energy industries.

A quick glance at the lists of advisory councils and committees working with the department shows there is a State Energy Advisory Board, which develops recommendations “regarding initiation, design, implementation, and evaluation of federal energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.” But if there are other groups advising on renewables, they are impossible to find amid the National Petroleum Council, Ultra-Deepwater Advisory Committee (for natural gas and other petroleum resources), even the Unconventional Resources Technology Advisory Committee … meant to “advise on the development and implementation of programs related to onshore unconventional natural gas and other petroleum resources.” The list is quite a long one.

Eyebrow-raising references to Paul Revere in his comments about the bill aside, Rulli is right that our energy future is a matter of national security. For that very reason, lawmakers MUST remember that just as we need to hear from stakeholders in the coal industry, we also need to hear from those working to provide energy via renewables and other ways that are not simply the way things have always been done.

After all, if there’s anything Revere could have gotten behind, it’s an energy revolution.