The Center for Coalfield Justice was formed as the "Tri-State Citizens Mining Network" in 1994 by a coalition of grassroots groups and individuals concerned about the effects coal mining had on communities and the environment. The people involved recognized the need to work together to build a strong voice in the coalfield community. By working together, the groups provide mutual support for local events and share information beneficial in each group’s efforts. Tri-State was incorporated in 1999 and re-organized into Center for Coalfield Justice in 2007. The Center for Coalfield Justice is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.

Our mission is to educate and to lead, coordinate and assist citizens’ efforts to defend their rights, to protect the environment, and to improve and enforce laws and public policy regarding the mining and use of coal.

Our major activities include:

Outreach and Education

•  Provide citizens groups with information and organizing assistance
•  Help concerned citizens prepare testimony for public hearings
  
•  Develop and conduct training workshops for members
  
•  Educate civic clubs, universities, and other groups through informational presentations

•  Provide citizens with contact information
  
•  Inform coalfield residents about their legal rights
  
•  Assist those impacted by mining with filing complaints

•  Organize rallies on important coalfield issues
  
•  Conduct media tours of damaged structures, properties and water resources

•  Participate in hearings and submit comments on permit applications
  
•  Coordinate meetings with regulatory agencies to advocate for just laws, regulations, and policies
  
•  Educate legislators about mining issues
  
•  Analyze and comment on proposed legislation, regulations, and policies

•  Litigate issues of local impact in the coalfields