This report summarizes the results of the review and compilation of published information concerning the geology, geochemistry, and resource estimates of select coal basins in the United States, with emphasis on REEs. These data were evaluated with respect to criteria that could be useful in defining “sweet spots” of these metals in coals and associated waste rock and/or ash. To accomplish this, five western States (Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, and Montana) and four eastern States (Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, and Kentucky) were chosen for study. The United States Geological Survey (USGS Coal Quality (CoalQual) Database was used extensively in this evaluation.