We fight for
- Justice in the coalfields
- Miners’ Health & Safety
- environmental justice
- a better future
The Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center
is a nonprofit law firm that fights
for justice in the coalfields by:
Representing coal miners and their families on issues of black lung and mine safety
Working with grassroots groups and individuals to protect the land and people from misuse and degradation caused by extractive industries
Analyzing and advocating for policy that addresses the legacy costs of the coal industry and invests in the future of the region
Photo copyright Earl Dotter
News & Articles
- WV PUBLIC RADIO: Bob Murray, Who Fought Against Black Lung Regulations As A Coal Operator, Has Filed For Black Lung BenefitsACLC’s Executive Director Wes Addington was interviewed for this article: “Today, in 2020, we’re seeing more miners with more advanced black lung than the country has ever seen. And yet, the industry over the past 10 to 20 years, has consistently fought against any regulation that would try to limit the amount of dust that miners […]
- PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE: Who Cleans Up Environmental Mess Bankrupt Coal Leaves Behind?ACLC’s deputy director Mary Cromer was interviewed by Public News Service about the impacts of coal bankruptcy and the vast need for environmental clean up these bankruptcies leave behind. “Eight coal companies declared bankruptcy in 2019, and that number is expected to rise amid declining demand for fossil fuels. Mary Varson Cromer, deputy director at […]
- LEXINGTON-HERALD LEADER: Mary Cromer’s Op-Ed on the Environmental Burden Left Behind by Coal BankruptciesACLC’s Deputy Director Mary Cromer outlines the ways in which coal bankruptcy and the ability of coal companies to skirt environmental obligations has left Kentucky coal communities in a precarious position. “The area needs federal investments aimed at creating the jobs needed to clean up these lands and waterways. Eastern Kentucky is transitioning away from […]
We’ve got
your back.
ACLC works with coal miners, their families and residents of the coalfields who are seeking justice. We provide legal services free of charge.
Black lung victims and widows
Landowners trying to prevent mining
And many more.
Pursuing justice by empowering Appalachian communities
We work to prevent the rampant abuse of Appalachian communities from extractive industries by:
Uniting direct legal work with advocacy, policy, and research on issues of environmental justice and miners’ health and safety
Securing millions of dollars in black lung benefits for coal miners and their survivors
Representing hundreds of Appalachian citizens in defense of a safe and clean environment
Partnering with a broad coalition of aligned organizations to craft and support strong policy initiatives that expand protections for Central Appalachian workers and communities
