Our Mission

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 and by working with grassroots groups and individuals to protect the land and people from misuse and degradation caused by extractive industries. The Center handles individual cases and engages in strategic litigation and policy work in the areas of mine safety and health, environmental protection, legacy costs of extractive industries on the people, land and economy of the Central Appalachian region, and sustainable energy.

Our History

ACLC launched in 2002 with three lawyers providing free legal services to
coal miners and their families and to individuals and communities impacted by resource extraction. As our organization grew, so did our understanding of the challenges faced by our clients and our region. To meet the region’s needs, we expanded our work to include policy and advocacy aimed at addressing those challenges.

Today, our work spans mine land reclamation, clean water and affordable utilities, climate resilience, and miners’ health and safety. We play a leadership role in grassroots coalitions and bring community-shaped solutions to policy makers, pushing for a just transition that safeguards both people and ecosystems in Appalachia and beyond.

Grounded in deep relationships with coalfield communities, ACLC combines legal expertise, policy advocacy and original research to identify the pressure points that drive systemic change. This multi-directional approach ensures that individual struggles inform policy solutions, advancing healthier communities, environmental resilience, and a just economic transition.