News & Updates
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The Latest
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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…
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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…
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NEW REPORT REVEALS MORE THAN 20% OF KENTUCKY FAMILIES CANNOT AFFORD ENERGY COSTS, UNDERSCORING NEED FOR EXPANDED WINTER PROTECTIONS
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…
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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.
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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. …
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Congress introduces two bills to help coal miners access black lung benefits
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 16, 2025 CONTACT: Quenton King, quenton@appvoices.org; Rebecca Shelton, rshelton@aclc.org Today, U.S. senators and representatives introduced two bills to help coal miners with black lung disease apply for medical and disability benefits, while also raising the amount miners with black lung and their families receive in disability benefits each month. The Black…
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National miners’ day: A day to remember that miner health & safety must always be the top priority
On December 6th, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) will celebrate National Miners’ Day, in order to “recognize and applaud the skill, dedication, and hard work miners put into providing many of the products essential to fulfilling America’s most vital need” and to “recommit to ensuring that miners’ safety and health must always be…
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A Dozen Organizations Launch Appalachian Flood Resilience Coalition to Protect Appalachians from Devastating Floods
APPALACHIA – A dozen organizations, based across seven states, have joined together to launch the Appalachian Flood Resilience Coalition to drive regional collaboration and advocacy in support of policy change and investment needed to create a resilient Appalachia. It promotes the federal policy goals included in the widely endorsed Flood Resilience in Appalachia policy platform…
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84 local resolutions urging increase to black lung benefits delivered to D.C.
Coalfield towns send strong message to 26 U.S. reps On Oct 6, ACLC’s policy team delivered 84 local resolutions to 26 congressional offices across five coalfield states. The package covers nearly 4 million residents and 10,296 families on benefits. Throughout the year, ACLC staff have been meeting with city and county officials, sharing model language, and tracking votes, with support…
