We fight for
- Justice in the coalfields
- Miners’ Health & Safety
- clean land & water
- Flood resilience
- a better future
The Tom Bethell Memorial Fund
ACLC is honored to announce the creation of The Tom Bethell Memorial Fund, established in memory of the journalist, photographer, and lifelong advocate for coalfield justice. Learn more and help us continue his legacy by following the link.
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
News & Articles
- Eastern Kentucky Leaders Urge Commonwealth’s Federal Delegation to Safeguard Key Health Policies and Investments in Region Listen to the Press Event Here EASTERN KENTUCKY — Today, advocates from across Eastern Kentucky convened to discuss the devastating impacts of federal cuts to programs that provide critical health services to Eastern Kentucky families. Critical programs such as Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and […]
- Black Lung Bulletin Vol. 3 Issue 2Below is our most recent issue of the Black Lung Bulletin, a collaborative publication that incorporates stories and updates from miners and families affected by black lung and experts in the field. The publication is circulated to hundreds of households across the region.
- Amid Chaos Caused by Funding Cuts, Layoffs, and Policy Rollbacks, Appalachian Leaders Release Appropriations Priorities for CongressREAD THE LETTERS HERE APPALACHIA — Today, dozens of local and regional organizations from across Appalachia called on Congress to use the ongoing appropriations process to prioritize investments in the region left reeling from federal cuts, layoffs and policy rollbacks. Four separate letters from these advocates were sent to the chairperson and ranking member on […]
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
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