News & Updates
news
The Latest
-
Trump Administration Uses Ridiculous Excuse to Indefinitely Delay Black Lung Safeguards
For Immediate Release: April 9, 2026 COAL COUNTRY – As the Trump Administration continues to tout that it is bringing back the coal industry, the safeguards that could prevent deadly silica dust exposure among coal miners have been sidelined by the Administration’s own actions with no resolution in sight. Just this week, E&E Greenwire reported…
-
Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center’s statement on the President’s proposed FY27 budget
Today, the administration released a budget proposal for FY27 that will hurt Central Appalachian families. The budget completely eliminates funding for the Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), slashes funding for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) by forty percent, and reduces funding for the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) by nearly ten percent. Even…
-
Appalachian Advocates Release New Report Sharing Policy Lessons Learned from Helene
PRESS RELEASE: March 19, 2026 READ THE REPORT Watch the Press Conference APPALACHIA — Today, Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center released a new report outlining how lessons learned in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene can help communities and governments be ready for the next major storm. Crafted based on analysis from interviews and extensive listening sessions…
-
Coalitions of Appalachian Leaders & Advocates Urge Congress to Back Investments in Economic Development, Flood Recovery, Miner Health & Mine Reclamation
READ THE LETTER HERE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 12, 2027 Contact:Trey Pollard – trey@pollardcommunications.com – 202-904-9187 APPALACHIA — As Appalachian communities work to find a path forward amid massive federal cuts and dangerous policy rollbacks, dozens of local and regional organizations formally called on congressional appropriators to recommit to stabilizing, job-creating investments in the region.…
-
Legislative Solutions Exist – Congress Must Ensure Monthly Disability Benefits Meet Coal Mining Community Needs
COAL COUNTRY — A new report from the Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center and Appalachian Voices finds that the cost of living continues to outpace federal black lung disability benefits for miners with black lung disease and their families. Congressional action is urgently needed to update these monthly benefit payments to account for the increased cost…
-
Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center on Trump’s Coal Bailouts: “This is Not the Way to Build a Better Future”
For Immediate Release: February 11, 2026 WHITESBURG, KY – Today, the Trump Administration announced it would be providing taxpayer-funded subsidies to prop up five coal-fired power plants that were planned for retirement while the President will receive a new “award” from the Washington Coal Club. At the same time, the Administration has cut tens of…
-
New report reveals more than 20% of Kentucky families cannot afford energy costs
Kentucky — More than one in five Kentucky families cannot afford their monthly energy bills, according to a new report from the Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center, Energy Equity Project, and Energy and Policy Institute. The report, Lights Out in Kentucky: Energy Burdens and Electricity Disconnections Across the State, reveals that 23% of Kentucky families are energy-burdened, spending…
-
Black Lung Bulletin Vol. 3 Issue 3
Below 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.
-
In Memorium: A Tribute to Steve Sanders
We are deeply saddened by the passing of ACLC’s founding director Steve Sanders. After years as Appalred’s managing attorney in Prestonsburg, Steve helped start ACLC. Steve built the organization, serving as ACLC’s Director for 17 years and continuing to work part time, writing thoughtful and effective arguments for ACLC’s clients, after his retirement in 2018. …
