Failure to pass Build Back Better delays key investments for Appalachia; cuts black lung benefits funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, President Joe Biden released a statement making clear that the U.S. Senate would head home for the holidays without passing the Build Back Better bill, which includes crucial investments for Appalachian communities. Among those investments left on the table is the extension of the Black Lung Excise tax at current rates.…

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POSTPONED: Miners with black lung launch two weeks of demonstrations urging Sen. Capito to back 10-year extension of Black Lung Excise Tax

Contact Trey Pollard, 202-904-9187, [email protected] Due to inclement weather and the increased risk it poses to people with black lung, these demonstrations have been postponed. This press release was updated at 11 a.m. on Dec. 6. CHARLESTON, WV — Today, the National Black Lung Association announced it would hold two weeks of daily demonstrations to…

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House vote gives Senate an opportunity to spur clean energy investments in Appalachia

CONTACT: Molly Moore, Appalachian Voices Communications, (847) 401-3633, [email protected] Dana Kuhnline, Legislative Coordinator, (304) 825-3262, [email protected] Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act, a bill that, if passed by the U.S. Senate, will deliver significant investments in Appalachian families and workers and create jobs bringing cleaner energy to our communities…

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Coal Miners & Advocates Applaud Introduction of 10-Year Extension of Excise Tax for Black Lung Disability Trust Fund

CONTACT: Rebecca Shelton, Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center, 859-893-0543, [email protected] Chelsea Barnes, Appalachian Voices, 614-205-6424, [email protected] Trey Pollard, 202-904-9187, [email protected] Please reach out if you’d like to speak to a local contact (policy expert, miner with black lung disease) about the Trust Fund or Excise Tax. APPALACHIA – Today, Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Sherrod Brown (D-OH),…

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A way forward for Appalachia

Our legislative director outlines a list of action items for the Biden administration — suspending utility shutoffs during the pandemic, strengthening oversight of the fossil fuel industry, and moving swiftly to support just economic transition in coal-impacted communities.

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