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
- LOUISVILLE COURIER-JOURNAL: Big in HeartFounding board member, John Rosenberg, is featured in this story, which tells his remarkable life story and journey to becoming a pillar of legal access in Eastern Kentucky, alongside his wife Jean. Read the full story here.
- ACLC NEWS: Advocates Applaud Introduction of Rep. Scott & Adams’ 10-Year Extension of Excise Tax for Black Lung Disability Trust FundLegislation Introduced Following Call to Action by 68 Organizations Would Provide Long-Term Certainty for Miners & Families APPALACHIA – Today, Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03) and Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12) introduced the Black Lung Benefits Disability Trust Fund Solvency Act of 2022 to extend the Black Lung Excise Tax for 10 years, with original cosponsors Rep. […]
- CHARLESTON GAZETTE-MAIL: ‘It just ain’t right’: Congress’ Failure to Restore Tax Behind Black Lung BenefitsThis article quotes our Director of Policy & Organizing, Rebecca Shelton: “It’s a very small thing to ask for the continuation of this tax at its very low rate. We’re just asking for a continuation of the status quo. Senators and representatives often pledge their support for miners and their families, but we don’t see […]
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
