Appalachian Citizens Law Center celebrates 10 years

KFTC members joined in congratulating, thanking and celebrating with the Appalachian Citizens Law Center this past weekend as ACLC celebrated its 10th anniversary.

"ACLC is a great asset to the region, for all the people and organizations who struggle against the consequences and causes of irresponsible coal extraction and processing," said KFTC Chairperson Steve Boyce.

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.. The Center handles individual cases and engages in strategic litigation and policy work in the areas of mine safety and health, environmental protection and sustainable energy.

Over the past ten years, the Appalachian Citizens' Law Center has secured millions of dollars in federal black lung benefits for coal miners and their survivors; represented hundreds of Appalachian citizens in defense of safe, clean drinking water; and represented dozens of miners illegally disciplined or discharged for making safety complaints. 

ACLC attorneys have worked with and represented KFTC on several important cases seeking enforcement of the Clean Water Act and other mining laws.

"In my view ACLC is a great ally – we would not be able to move forward without them," added Boyce, who participates on KFTC's litigation team. "We are lucky to have them as they are lucky to have us – an important, strategic partnership!"

KFTC member Rick Handshoe has worked with ACLC attorneys for all of the organization's 10 years. He said the relationship is not like hiring attorneys who work for you but instead is taking on partners who work with you – partners who bring the same passion, values and commitment to coal issues and basic fairness that KFTC members do – as well as legal expertise.

Handshoe was on hand at ACLC's anniversary celebration in Whitesburg on Saturday to thank past and current staff for their support of him and his family. "Without these attorneys, my family would have been beat to death."