Yesterday, MSHA's silica dust rule was supposed to go into effect for all metal and non-metal mines. A year ago, it should have gone into effect for coal mines. Neither has occurred. MSHA is negotiating with industry to weaken the rule and blaming self-imposed constraints to delay action.

Today, our Executive Director, Wes Addington, spoke at a Black Lung Forum hosted by @kaine.senate.gov in St. Paul, VA. He presented on the history of black lung law and the benefits process. Thanks to all who helped organize and to those who participated!

Today the President released his FY27 Budget Proposal. It contains harmful cuts to programs important to Eastern Kentucky. Read our Statement: aclc.org/2026/04/03/a...

The cycle of coal bankruptcy in Eastern Kentucky sadly continues. Clintwood JOD, of Pike Co., has laid off workers and is seeking bankruptcy protection. Now that the company is in bankruptcy, it is uncertain whether these abandoned mine sites will be reclaimed.

"Across the U.S., the cost of maintaining water systems has increasingly shifted from the federal government to state and local governments and taxpayers." Read the news story about ACLC's trip to Detroit with Martin County Concerned Citizens and Livelihoods Knowledge Exchange Network

Today, we released a report investigating the lessons learned from the response and recovery process to Hurricane Helene. Helene hit NC and TN in 2024 and recovery is still ongoing. Lessons learned from this event can be used to improve the resilience of many communities across Appalachia.

Last week, we shared that a resolution to require the Public Service Commission to investigate utility affordability passed a key Senate committee. We are happy to report that the resolution passed on the Senate floor with a unanimous vote of approval!

This week over 60 organizations joined together in a call to Congress to fund programs critical to flood resilience, mine reclamation, miner health & safety, and economic development. We are calling on Congress to ensure funding for these programs in the FY27 appropriations bills.

The Kentucky Senate Committee on State and Local Government passed SJR75, a resolution to require the KY PSC to investigate utility affordability. We support the resolution and are happy to see it make a first step to passage. Thank you, Senator Madon, for bringing forward this resolution!

Update on SB8: A huge thanks to all of you who called your legislators about Senate Bill 8. We're happy to share that the bill has been amended! The harmful language that would have prevented us from participating in rate cases on behalf of residents is no longer included.

An opinion piece from our Deputy Director talking about the concerns we have with KY Senate Bill 8. "SB 8 doesn’t just limit who can participate in these proceedings. It limits what outcomes are possible." Read more here: www.kentucky.com/opinion/op-e...

WE NEED YOUR HELP! A state bill will be heard on 3/4 that would prevent us from participating in electric and drinking water rate cases, preventing us from representing Eastern Kentuckians as we have for years. Call your KY Senator today! 1-800-372-7181 Ask your Senator to vote no on Senate Bill 8!

Thank you @markwarner.bsky.social and @kaine.senate.gov for standing up for Coal Miner health and safety. subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eene...

“When it comes to utility affordability, one of the most urban areas of the state and one of the most rural areas of the state have a lot in common: Eastern Kentucky and Louisville metro,” Rebecca Shelton, ACLC's Director of Policy, discusses our recent report. kentuckylantern.com/2026/02/24/s...

A majority of KY electric utilities included in an @appcitizenslaw.bsky.social report have disconnected customers when they owed less than $100 of debt. One utility, Nolin RECC, has disconnected customers when they’ve owed less than $25. kentuckylantern.com/2026/02/24/s... @kentuckylantern.com

If there is a push to increase domestic coal production in the United States, then certainly there needs to be an added relief for coal miners, at least in this case, in the form of an increase in federal monthly benefits. Brendan Muckian-Bates spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisvill...

Register here to join us for a presentation and discussion of our latest report on energy burdens and electricity disconnections next Tuesday (Feb. 24th) at 1:00: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

Come on out to Frankfort on February 25th with the Leave the Heat On Collective to ask your legislators to help us prevent all utility disconnections during extreme weather, so our communities stay safe and warm. www.mobilize.us/kftc/event/8...

NEW REPORT: More than 20% of Kentucky families can’t afford electricity, according to a new report. ⚡Rates up 128% since 2001 ❄️ No winter shutoff protections 🔌 268,000 disconnections last year Read Lights Out in Kentucky here: aclc.org/2026/02/04/n...

The newest edition of the Black Lung Bulletin is out now aclc.org/2026/01/29/b...

“As healthcare costs skyrocket, miners should not have to worry about workplace exposures forcing them into hospitals.” – Rep. Omar (MN)

“Unfortunately, after declining for decades, black lung disease is now on the rise. X-ray surveillance data indicates that the prevalence of black lung disease has doubled from 2007-2017. Nearly 1 in 5 tenured miners in Appalachia have been diagnosed with black lung disease." - Rep. Omar (MN)

“We must ensure worker protections keep pace. This is where MSHA comes in. MSHA must promote strong and effective policies so that every mine worker can finish their shift and return home safely to their loved ones.” - Rep. Mackenzie (PA)

“This morning at 10:15am ET, the House Ed & Workforce HELP subcommittee will be holding a hearing w/Asst. Sec. Wayne Palmer on the policies & priorities of MSHA. Tune in below to watch or follow us today for updates. youtube.com/live/YxqfPkSYdg0?feature=share”

Last year, over 80 local governments passed a resolution calling on Congress to support an increase in federal black lung benefits. It’s critical that Congress listen to its constituents and support miners who have been waiting too long for a benefits increase.

Last week, the House passed a bill to withdraw $500 million from the Abandoned Mine Land funds allocated by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These funds are critical for coal communities, and Congress must preserve them. insideclimatenews.org/news/1301202...

In December, Congressional leaders reintroduced the Championing Local Efforts to Advance Resilience (CLEAR) Act. Communities facing the brunt of extreme weather events need support before disasters strike - not just after. Read more in our latest press release: appfloodcoalition.org/news

(2/2) The Appalachian Flood Resilience Coalition advocates for policies and investments in nature-based mitigation to lessen flood impacts. Learn more about what these projects can look like in this new paper: static1.squarespace.com/static/681e2...

(1/2) Working with nature can be a powerful way to mitigate and adapt to flooding. Check out examples of nature-based flood mitigation projects in Appalachia

(3)And thank you to the many advocates who continue to work tirelessly to ensure clean drinking water for all. Especially we want to thank Nina McCoy and John McCoy for joining us in D.C. this year to talk to lawmakers about this issue. We still have a long way to go but it's a fight worth fighting!

(2) Thank you to Congressman Hal Rogers who has stepped up and joined as a cosponsor of the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program Establishment Act. If passed, the bill would create a permanent LIHWAP program and provide $500M for LIHWAP each year from 2026 - 2030.

(1) Drinking water affordability is a problem across Kentucky. The problem just keeps getting worse. Providing assistance for low-income households who are struggling the most to pay their water bills is a small but important step towards ensuring that everyone is able to maintain access to water.

Today is National Miners Day. On this day we celebrate the dedication and skills of miners everywhere and urge Congress and the Trump Administration to recommit to ensuring miner health and safety. Take action and write a letter to Congress today to improve black lung benefits: blacklungkills.org

Support ACLC this Giving Tuesday! We have a generous donor matching every gift up to $5,000, so your donation will be doubled. We appreciate your support today and throughout the year!

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

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

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.

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.

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...

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-...

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

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...