Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center
FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE IN THE COALFIELDS
FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE IN THE COALFIELDS
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.
GIZMODO: ‘I’m Just Praying’: Miners Fear the Impacts Covid-19 Could Have in Coal Country
Jimmy Moore, President of the Black Lung Association of Southeastern Kentucky, was interviewed this week about the importance of miners with black lung protecting themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic: "Moore mined the coalfields of Appalachia for 22 years. He...
WASHINGTON POST: Coal miners told to keep working during the outbreak despite close quarters, damaged lungs
ACLC's Coordinator of Policy and Organizing, Rebecca Shelton, was quoted in an article published yesterday about the impact of coal miners who are forced to work despite unsafe conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. “There’s a lot of concern,” said Rebecca Shelton,...
WFPL: Coal Industry Braces As COVID-19 Impacts Electricity Demand
ACLC's Executive Director Wes Addington was interviewed for a recent article laying out the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the coal industry and coal communities. “It just seems like the industry sees an opportunity with the coronavirus pandemic to try once again...
BLOOMBERG: Black-Lung Coal Miners Facing Serious Threat from Virus Spread
On Friday March 13th, Bloomberg published an article about the increased risk of COVID-19 for miners with black lung disease. "As many as 20% of long-time miners may have black lung in central Appalachia, a historic bastion of U.S. coal production that includes parts...
FAQs: What You Need to Know About Coal Bankruptcy
Coal bankruptcies involve a complex process that affects workers and communities across Central Appalachia. We have compiled responses below to clarify and explain the impacts of this process as well as the responsibilities left behind when a company files for...
“Coal Country” Debuts in NYC; ACLC Receives a Mention
A play called "Coal Country" just debuted at The Public Theater in NYC, and it features music by Steve Earle. The play recounts the tragic 2010 Upper Big Branch mine disaster in Montcoal, WV, which killed 29 miners and devastated their community. Read the full New...
ICYMI: ACLC’s 2019 Annual Report
In case you missed it, below is our 2019 annual report that was sent out to our donors and supporters during our annual appeal in December. If you would like to sign up to receive our annual appeal in 2020, click here. To donate to Appalachian Citizens' Law Center,...
SCALAWAG: ‘Working sick’—Kentucky miners fight black lung regulations
Scalawag covered our recent Black Lung Lobby Trip to Frankfort to ask for legislators' support in ensuring that black lung benefits are accessible to all who need them: “'We brought the people who were well enough to make the trip,' said Addington, executive director...
OHIO VALLEY RESOURCE: “Lax Oversight” Threatens Health Fund for Miners With Black Lung, Watchdog Finds
Ohio Valley Resource reports on the recent release of a GAO report that shows the effects of coal bankruptcies on the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund. ACLC's Coordinator of Policy and Organizing, Rebecca Shelton, weighed in on coal company liabilities and how they...