Appalachian Citizens' Law Center
@appcitizenslaw.bsky.social
Home of Appalachian Citizens' Law Center--Fighting for justice in the Appalachian coalfields.
www.aclc.org
www.aclc.org
Today we celebrate the launch of the Appalachian Flood Resilience Coalition! This group of local, regional, and national nonprofits is dedicated to research and issue advocacy on federal policies that will create a more resilient Appalachia. www.appfloodpolicy.org.
Appalachian Flood Resilience Coalition
www.appfloodpolicy.org
November 13, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Today we celebrate the launch of the Appalachian Flood Resilience Coalition! This group of local, regional, and national nonprofits is dedicated to research and issue advocacy on federal policies that will create a more resilient Appalachia. www.appfloodpolicy.org.
The Healthy Waters Coalition launched this week. We’re excited to join over 100 other member organizations working together to elevate the Ohio River Basin restoration and protection to address toxic pollution, contamination, habitat loss, and flooding. Learn More: healthywaterscoalition.org
November 10, 2025 at 4:13 PM
The Healthy Waters Coalition launched this week. We’re excited to join over 100 other member organizations working together to elevate the Ohio River Basin restoration and protection to address toxic pollution, contamination, habitat loss, and flooding. Learn More: healthywaterscoalition.org
Protect Kentuckians this winter.
Call Gov. Beshear at 502-564-2611 to demand a moratorium on utility disconnections until SNAP & LIHEAP benefits are restored. He declared an emergency for SNAP—now he must stop utilities from cutting off struggling families. #KYUtilities
Call Gov. Beshear at 502-564-2611 to demand a moratorium on utility disconnections until SNAP & LIHEAP benefits are restored. He declared an emergency for SNAP—now he must stop utilities from cutting off struggling families. #KYUtilities
November 5, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Protect Kentuckians this winter.
Call Gov. Beshear at 502-564-2611 to demand a moratorium on utility disconnections until SNAP & LIHEAP benefits are restored. He declared an emergency for SNAP—now he must stop utilities from cutting off struggling families. #KYUtilities
Call Gov. Beshear at 502-564-2611 to demand a moratorium on utility disconnections until SNAP & LIHEAP benefits are restored. He declared an emergency for SNAP—now he must stop utilities from cutting off struggling families. #KYUtilities
Read more here:
Momentum builds in the House to pass promising bill to reform FEMA - Appalachian Citizens' Law Center
On Wednesday, September 3rd, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee passed, by voice vote, the Fixing Emergency Management Act (FEMA) of 2025, a bipartisan bill to reform many aspects of ...
aclc.org
September 4, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Read more here:
Yesterday, the House T&I Committee passed the Fixing Emergency Management Act of 2025. This bipartisan bill will reform various aspects of FEMA and make changes that our Appalachian Flood Resilience Coalition has been advocating for since we released our platform in May 2024.
September 4, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Yesterday, the House T&I Committee passed the Fixing Emergency Management Act of 2025. This bipartisan bill will reform various aspects of FEMA and make changes that our Appalachian Flood Resilience Coalition has been advocating for since we released our platform in May 2024.
This week Kentucky Power will file to increase residential rates by nearly 15%. Power bills are already unaffordable for many eastern KY families. As we wait to learn more about this filing, check out these programs to help households reduce energy usage at www.kentuckypower.com/savings/home...
EnergyAdvantage at Home
www.kentuckypower.com
August 25, 2025 at 6:27 PM
This week Kentucky Power will file to increase residential rates by nearly 15%. Power bills are already unaffordable for many eastern KY families. As we wait to learn more about this filing, check out these programs to help households reduce energy usage at www.kentuckypower.com/savings/home...
MSHA and mining industry continue to delay implementation of silica dust rule. Enforcement of silica dust protections are indefinitely delayed. Read more here.
More Coal Miner Lives in Jeopardy as Silica Safeguard Delayed Yet Again - Appalachian Citizens' Law Center
Coal Industry’s Attempts to Avoid Accountability Continue as Black Lung Epidemic Endures COAL COUNTRY – Measures that prevent deadly silica dust exposure among coal miners are indefinitely delayed, as...
aclc.org
August 19, 2025 at 2:40 PM
MSHA and mining industry continue to delay implementation of silica dust rule. Enforcement of silica dust protections are indefinitely delayed. Read more here.
We are part of a growing coalition urging the Senate to stop the nomination of coal exec Lanny Erdos to lead OSMRE. See our letter here for more details: drive.google.com/file/d/1AynS...
E&E News: Groups to senators: Reject Trump’s coal agency pick
More than a dozen conservation groups are speaking out against Lanny Erdos.
subscriber.politicopro.com
July 22, 2025 at 12:58 AM
We are part of a growing coalition urging the Senate to stop the nomination of coal exec Lanny Erdos to lead OSMRE. See our letter here for more details: drive.google.com/file/d/1AynS...
Severe flooding continues to devastate the region, and as active community members, ACLC’s fight for flood resilient policies at all levels is deeply personal. Read one of our staff member’s experiences with flooding in the Ohio Valley last month.
aclc.org/2025/07/17/o...
aclc.org/2025/07/17/o...
One Bucket at a Time: A Staff Member's Story of Flood Recovery in West Virginia - Appalachian Citizens' Law Center
Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center is part of the Central Appalachian community we serve. Catastrophic flooding has touched the lives of nearly all of our staff and flood policy partners-–from the 1000...
aclc.org
July 17, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Severe flooding continues to devastate the region, and as active community members, ACLC’s fight for flood resilient policies at all levels is deeply personal. Read one of our staff member’s experiences with flooding in the Ohio Valley last month.
aclc.org/2025/07/17/o...
aclc.org/2025/07/17/o...
Reporting indicates that we've made more progress in halting the Trump Administration's assault on coal miner health and safety. The administration is walking back its proposal to close over 30 MSHA offices. But there is still so much more to do. news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-...
Mine Safety Agency Restores Most Field Offices on DOGE’s Radar
The Trump administration reversed plans to close 32 US Mine Safety and Health Administration field offices, according to a memo obtain by Bloomberg Law.
news.bloomberglaw.com
May 30, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Reporting indicates that we've made more progress in halting the Trump Administration's assault on coal miner health and safety. The administration is walking back its proposal to close over 30 MSHA offices. But there is still so much more to do. news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-...
Reposted by Appalachian Citizens' Law Center
50 Weeks of Atlas: Kentucky Spotlight
Since 2011, KY has faced 23 federal disasters. With 26 counties hit 10+ times, it’s clear: communities must be better prepared. Resilience saves lives, homes, and economies.
Learn more: bit.ly/4kgPTTY
@appcitizenslaw.bsky.social @kyresources.bsky.social
Since 2011, KY has faced 23 federal disasters. With 26 counties hit 10+ times, it’s clear: communities must be better prepared. Resilience saves lives, homes, and economies.
Learn more: bit.ly/4kgPTTY
@appcitizenslaw.bsky.social @kyresources.bsky.social
May 16, 2025 at 7:52 PM
50 Weeks of Atlas: Kentucky Spotlight
Since 2011, KY has faced 23 federal disasters. With 26 counties hit 10+ times, it’s clear: communities must be better prepared. Resilience saves lives, homes, and economies.
Learn more: bit.ly/4kgPTTY
@appcitizenslaw.bsky.social @kyresources.bsky.social
Since 2011, KY has faced 23 federal disasters. With 26 counties hit 10+ times, it’s clear: communities must be better prepared. Resilience saves lives, homes, and economies.
Learn more: bit.ly/4kgPTTY
@appcitizenslaw.bsky.social @kyresources.bsky.social
Medicaid, Black Lung Benefits, SNAP, and LIHEAP are all vital programs for families in Eastern Kentucky. Today, ACLC joined statewide partners to discuss the proposed cuts to these programs and the impact on our region. aclc.org/2025/05/15/e...
Eastern Kentucky Leaders Urge Commonwealth’s Federal Delegation to Safeguard Key Health Policies and Investments in Region - Appalachian Citizens' Law Center
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 ser...
aclc.org
May 15, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Medicaid, Black Lung Benefits, SNAP, and LIHEAP are all vital programs for families in Eastern Kentucky. Today, ACLC joined statewide partners to discuss the proposed cuts to these programs and the impact on our region. aclc.org/2025/05/15/e...
We appreciate all who help us to fight for justice in the coalfields. Donate today at kygives.org/organization...
May 13, 2025 at 4:46 PM
We appreciate all who help us to fight for justice in the coalfields. Donate today at kygives.org/organization...
WV MOCs have been speaking out about NIOSH cuts, saying that the elimination of programs critical to coal miners is "a mistake." wvmetronews.com/2025/04/14/m...
Where are Kentucky’s members of Congress on this issue and why have they continued to be silent?
Where are Kentucky’s members of Congress on this issue and why have they continued to be silent?
Moore: NIOSH job cuts a 'mistake' - WV MetroNews
West Virginia Second District congressman says delegation working to get the jobs restored.
wvmetronews.com
May 7, 2025 at 3:08 PM
WV MOCs have been speaking out about NIOSH cuts, saying that the elimination of programs critical to coal miners is "a mistake." wvmetronews.com/2025/04/14/m...
Where are Kentucky’s members of Congress on this issue and why have they continued to be silent?
Where are Kentucky’s members of Congress on this issue and why have they continued to be silent?
Flood resilience, miner health and safety, economic development investments – all these crucial Appalachian priorities have been decimated in the last 100 days. The 2026 Appropriations process is a chance to stop the cuts and start making progress again.
aclc.org/2025/05/01/a...
aclc.org/2025/05/01/a...
Amid Chaos Caused by Funding Cuts, Layoffs, and Policy Rollbacks, Appalachian Leaders Release Appropriations Priorities for Congress - Appalachian Citizens' Law Center
READ 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 th...
aclc.org
May 1, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Flood resilience, miner health and safety, economic development investments – all these crucial Appalachian priorities have been decimated in the last 100 days. The 2026 Appropriations process is a chance to stop the cuts and start making progress again.
aclc.org/2025/05/01/a...
aclc.org/2025/05/01/a...
Reductions in MSHA's capacity and the dismantling of NIOSH put miners at risk. Listen to this short interview with our Executive Director, Wes Addington, to learn more: esweku.org/track/425194....
April 24, 2025_Wes Addington
The Trump administration is cancelling leases of 33 offices of the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Seven of those offices are in Kentucky, leaving only two remaining to handle mine safety inspe...
esweku.org
April 25, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Reductions in MSHA's capacity and the dismantling of NIOSH put miners at risk. Listen to this short interview with our Executive Director, Wes Addington, to learn more: esweku.org/track/425194....
If you've applied for aid from FEMA following a disaster, this opportunity is for you. FEMA is collecting comments to help inform improvements to their assistance programs. Comments are due May 15th -- see more information below!
April 22, 2025 at 6:21 PM
If you've applied for aid from FEMA following a disaster, this opportunity is for you. FEMA is collecting comments to help inform improvements to their assistance programs. Comments are due May 15th -- see more information below!
"It’s going to be devastating to miners. Nobody is going to be monitoring the mines." Trump’s cuts to miner health and safety are going to hit coal country hard, according to experts. READ MORE from @reuters.com @valerievolc.bsky.social www.reuters.com/business/wor...
As Trump eyes coal revival, his job cuts hobble black lung protections for miners
A program that relocates coal miners diagnosed with black lung to safer jobs at the same pay is grinding to a halt due to mass layoffs and office closures.
www.reuters.com
April 21, 2025 at 6:41 PM
"It’s going to be devastating to miners. Nobody is going to be monitoring the mines." Trump’s cuts to miner health and safety are going to hit coal country hard, according to experts. READ MORE from @reuters.com @valerievolc.bsky.social www.reuters.com/business/wor...
NEW from @washingtonpost: Trump’s pledges to boost coal are undercut by his devastating cuts to coal miner safety & black lung prevention. READ MORE from @maxinejoselow: www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
Trump touts ‘clean coal’ — but cuts programs that protect miners
A federal program that screens coal miners for black lung disease has been shuttered because of layoffs and budget cuts.
www.washingtonpost.com
April 21, 2025 at 5:23 PM
NEW from @washingtonpost: Trump’s pledges to boost coal are undercut by his devastating cuts to coal miner safety & black lung prevention. READ MORE from @maxinejoselow: www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
Millions of families face rising water bills as aging infrastructure and shrinking federal support shift costs onto communities. What can policymakers do? Read the new op-ed in Inside Sources by Yasmin Zaerpoor and ACLC’s Mary Cromer.
Water Affordability Crisis Leaves Millions Underwater – DC Journal - InsideSources
Everyone, everywhere, deserves access to safe and affordable water. Yet, America’s drinking water and sewer infrastructure are aging and underfunded —
tinyurl.com
April 17, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Millions of families face rising water bills as aging infrastructure and shrinking federal support shift costs onto communities. What can policymakers do? Read the new op-ed in Inside Sources by Yasmin Zaerpoor and ACLC’s Mary Cromer.
Reposted by Appalachian Citizens' Law Center
Op-ed: "We owe it to families across America — from Martin County, Kentucky, to Detroit to California’s Central Valley — to make #SafeAffordableWater a reality."
#WECRCaucus' Yasmin Zaepoor & @appcitizenslaw.bsky.social's Mary Cromer write for Inside Sources.
dcjournal.com/water-afford...
#WECRCaucus' Yasmin Zaepoor & @appcitizenslaw.bsky.social's Mary Cromer write for Inside Sources.
dcjournal.com/water-afford...
dcjournal.com
April 16, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Op-ed: "We owe it to families across America — from Martin County, Kentucky, to Detroit to California’s Central Valley — to make #SafeAffordableWater a reality."
#WECRCaucus' Yasmin Zaepoor & @appcitizenslaw.bsky.social's Mary Cromer write for Inside Sources.
dcjournal.com/water-afford...
#WECRCaucus' Yasmin Zaepoor & @appcitizenslaw.bsky.social's Mary Cromer write for Inside Sources.
dcjournal.com/water-afford...
The Trump Administration has temporarily paused enforcement of the silica dust rule -- a rule to protect miners from exposure to toxic dust. This rule is critical to help curb black lung disease. Read more here: aclc.org/2025/04/11/a...
Assault on Coal Miners Continues as MSHA Halts Enforcement of Life-Saving Silica Dust Safeguard - Appalachian Citizens' Law Center
MSHA’s Deadly Move Comes as Agency Sidelines Safety Inspectors, Black Lung Research and Screening is Cancelled, and Cost-Of-Living Crisis Intensifies For Immediate Release: April 9, 2025 COAL COUNTRY ...
aclc.org
April 11, 2025 at 2:24 PM
The Trump Administration has temporarily paused enforcement of the silica dust rule -- a rule to protect miners from exposure to toxic dust. This rule is critical to help curb black lung disease. Read more here: aclc.org/2025/04/11/a...
Reposted by Appalachian Citizens' Law Center
Anita Wolfe, a former employee of the Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, will join Appalachian Voices on this week’s Holler from the Hollers! Register for free.
On Thursdays, Appalachian Voices hosts virtual “Holler from the Hollers” events where we make calls to Congress together! Join us on April 10 at noon to help protect coal miners.
Register for free!
#BlackLungKills #CoalMiners
Register for free!
#BlackLungKills #CoalMiners
Weekly Holler from the Hollers
Weekly Holler from the Hollers There is a lot going on in the federal government with regulations being repealed, policies revoked, protections eliminated
appvoices.org
April 9, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Anita Wolfe, a former employee of the Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, will join Appalachian Voices on this week’s Holler from the Hollers! Register for free.
“We should want to stay in a place we call home and not fear our relationship around water.”
For #WaterWeek2025, watch this documentary from the #WECRCaucus sharing stories from Martin County, KY & their fight for #AffordableWaterForAll ⬇️
📽️ Full film on the site! app.sosha.ai/s/B0zcrxs8
For #WaterWeek2025, watch this documentary from the #WECRCaucus sharing stories from Martin County, KY & their fight for #AffordableWaterForAll ⬇️
📽️ Full film on the site! app.sosha.ai/s/B0zcrxs8
Watch now 🌊
app.sosha.ai
April 9, 2025 at 2:32 PM
“We should want to stay in a place we call home and not fear our relationship around water.”
For #WaterWeek2025, watch this documentary from the #WECRCaucus sharing stories from Martin County, KY & their fight for #AffordableWaterForAll ⬇️
📽️ Full film on the site! app.sosha.ai/s/B0zcrxs8
For #WaterWeek2025, watch this documentary from the #WECRCaucus sharing stories from Martin County, KY & their fight for #AffordableWaterForAll ⬇️
📽️ Full film on the site! app.sosha.ai/s/B0zcrxs8
We are thrilled to welcome Caroline Rubens as our new Fundraising Officer! She brings over 20 years of nonprofit experience to our work and a passion for improving the health and well-being of Appalachian Communities. aclc.org/2025/04/08/a...
ANNOUNCEMENT: ACLC Welcomes Caroline Rubens As New Fundraising Officer - Appalachian Citizens' Law Center
We are excited to welcome Caroline Rubens as ACLC’s new Fundraising Officer. Caroline brings more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She grew up in northern New Jersey and lived in ...
aclc.org
April 8, 2025 at 5:59 PM
We are thrilled to welcome Caroline Rubens as our new Fundraising Officer! She brings over 20 years of nonprofit experience to our work and a passion for improving the health and well-being of Appalachian Communities. aclc.org/2025/04/08/a...