2013
There is no better time to go solar – Oregon Rural Action member Dave Feely writes about adding solar energy to his home and ORA’s Solarize Union County, its effort to lower the cost of solar installation through bulk purchases. (Observer, May 7, 2013)
Peabody Energy: cheating workers and taxpayers to destroy our climate – “For too long, Peabody has ignored the true cost of its coal mines in the Powder River Basin,” said LJ Turner, a rancher and Powder River Basin Resource Council member living near a coal mine. (Grist, April 30, 2013)
Groups appeal judge's fracking trade secrets ruling – Challenge by Powder River Basin Resource Council and other groups asks Wyoming Supreme Court to rule on provision allowing oil and gas companies to keep fracking chemicals secret. (Casper Star-Tribune, April 17, 2013)
In Montana, ranchers line up against coal - A proposed mine — and a railway extension to carry it out — would put their land at risk for an energy plan that mainly benefits Asia, ranchers say. But they're in the minority. (LA Times, April 27, 2013)
Fracking trade secrets arguments heard by Casper Judge; ruling expected in 60 days - Powder River Basin Resource Council seeks information on secret fracking chemicals. (Casper Star-Tribune, January 23, 2013)
New PRBRC Report Recommends Protecting Groundwater Resources - Wyoming's aquifers are draining faster than they are refilling. (Sheridan Media, January 16, 2013)
The myth of energy independence - John Fenton, Chair of the Powder River Basin Resource Council, comments of the meaning of a new definition of energy independence for everyday Americans. (Wyofile, January 15, 2013)
Groups request more meetings on Otter Creek coal; DEQ says no - Northern Plains, WORC, and other groups ask for more meetings in communities affected by increase coal rail traffic. (Helena Independent Record, January 14, 2013)
2012
FFD announces winners of the second annual John Kinsman Beginning Farmer Food Sovereignty Prize - Group honors Dakota Rural Action members Nancy and JeffKirsten of Good Earth Farms. (Agri-View, December 6, 2012)
La Grande nonprofit takes Oregon DEQ to task during meeting over shipping proposal - Oregon Rural Action members press agency for anwsers about proposal to ship coal. (The Observer, December 5, 2012)
Coal protesters rally in Helena before heading to Spokane - Northern Plains members bus to Spokane to press agency to study impacts of coal exports on Montana. (Helena Independent Record, December 5, 2012)
BLM approves plan to allow up to 464 new wells in eastern Wyoming - Powder River Basin Resource Council says the plan needed more environmental analysis. (Platts, November 26, 2012)
Senator Johnson recognizes 25th anniversary of Dakota Rural Action - Senator Tim Johnson honors and congratulates DRA members on 25th anniversary. (Congressional Record, November 13, 2012)
Powder River Basin coal companies eyeing Asian Markets - LJ Turner, a Powder River Basin Resource Council member, blames coal mining for loss of water on his ranch. (Living on Earth, October 22, 2012)
Tour de Coop gives info about urban ag - Dakota Rural Action hosts urban chicken tour and launches new local chapter in Sioux Falls. (Argus Leader, August 26, 2012)
Groups seek 1,000-foot setback for Colorado oil and gas wells - Western Colorado Congress joins with allies to call for new oil and gas drilling setbacks from homes, schools, and hospitals. (Denver Post, July 25, 2012)
Coal-export schemes ignite unusual opposition, from Wyoming to India - Northern Plains Resource Council among the grassroots groups in Asia and the United States challenging coal export plans. (High Country News, July 23, 2012)
Wyo. governor, petroleum association, conservation group agree on BLM delay of new frack rules - Powder River Basin Resource Council supports decision to allow more time to review proposed fracking rules. (The Republic, June 27, 2012)
Making connections in community agriculture - Article features local foods efforts of Dakota Rural Action. (The Brookings Register, May 15, 2012)
PRBRC Looks To Promote Renewable Energy In Wyo. - Powder River Basin Resource Council aims to attract small renewable energy businesses to diversify energy resources in state. (Sheridan Media, May 15, 2012)
Food, food everywhere, but how to get it onto my plate? - Oregon Rural Action promotes local food in eastern Oregon. (Baker City Herald, May 11, 2012)
Sage grouse is on the brink in northeastern Wyoming - Powder River Basin Resource Council supports report recommendations to protect sage grouse. (Casper Star-Tribune, April 4, 2012)
Group says coal production may increase train traffic - Coal sales to Asia could add another 40 trains passing through towns along the rail lines. (Bozeman Chronicle, April 3, 2012)
Wyoming regulators wrong to guard fracking fluid contents, groups claim - Powder River Basin Resource Council challenges improper handling of chemical identification of fracking fluids. (Casper Star-Tribune, March 27, 2012)
ND regulators running for U.S. House may face lawsuit over coal donations - Campaign contributions from coal industry are conflict of interest for coal mine regulators, contends the Dakota Resource Council. (Fargo Forum, March 26, 2012)
Guest opinion: Taxpayers deserve full value for public coal - Northern Plains member seeks reasonable bids on BLM coal and fair protections for surface owners. (Billings Gazette, February 28, 2012)
Residents concerned over fracking threats to water – Western Colorado Congress members watch Gasland documentary and discuss fracking. (NBC11 News, February 25, 2012)
Utility seeks OK for Wyoming power plant pollution upgrades – Powder River Basin Resource Council questions whether retrofit of coal-fired power plant is good for consumers. (Casper Star-Tribune, February 19, 2012)
Guest column: Tongue River Railroad not in nation's best interest - Northern Plains member and Tongue River rancher says don't mine Otter Creek coal and don't build the Tongue River Railroad.(Bozeman Daily Chronicle, January 18, 2012)
Group tells EPA: Don't suspend frack report comments - State officials have sided with petroleum industry, according to Powder River's local group, the Pavillion Area Concerned Citizens. (Associated Press, Billings Gazette, January 17, 2012)
2011
Legal fallout from nuclear bomb frack job reaches Colorado Supreme Court – Western Colorado Congress seeks a voice in decision to allow drilling near the Project Rulison blast zone, an area containing radioactive natural gas due to an intentional underground explosion of a 43-kiloton nuclear bomb in 1969. (The Colorado Independent, December 7, 2011)
Groups sue Forest Service over Wyo. coal mine expansion, climate concerns – The Powder River Basin Resource Councils wants the Forest Service to consider the effects of burning more coal on the climate. (The Republic, Associated Press, December 6, 2011)
Proposed oil, gas rules concern Resource Council: Reserve pits, fracking among group’s worries – The Dakota Resource Council is challenging a proposed rule to allow reserve pits for only wells drilled less than 5,000 feet below the surface or above the Rierdon Formation. (Minot Daily News, November 19, 2011)
Monks learn how mine and community work together – Mongolian monks visit Northern Plains to find out about the Good Neighbor Agreement with the Stillwater Mine. (Billings Gazette, October 13, 2011)
Foreign press group covering the Bakken – International news outlets meet with Dakota Resource Council members about oil and gas development. (Bismarck Tribune, October 3, 2011)
Locals wonder why state pulled back from air quality study – Western Colorado Congress wants officials to look at public health impacts of oil and gas development. (Glenwood Springs Post Independent, September 9, 2011)
BOCG Votes to Keep Fracking Details Hush-Hush? – Northern Plains member urges Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation to protect public from chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing. (Public News Service, August 11, 2011)
Group requests investigation of public service commissioners – Dakota Resource Council seeks investigation of coal mine approval. (Bismarck Tribune, August 10, 2011)
BLM gives nod to Fortification Creek development – Lack of greater protections and more comprehensive analysis of impacts disappoints Powder River Basin Resource Council. (Buffalo Bulletin, August 10, 2011)
Taking matters into their own hands ... Citizens sample air near oil, gas operations – Frank Smith of Western Colorado Congress said air monitoring by citizens fills gaps in inadequate monitoring by county. (Grand Junction Free Press, July 15, 2011)
Billionaire Mars buys portion of Tongue River Railroad – Mark Fix, a Northern Plains member, said purchase is a bad investment. (Great Falls Tribune, July 20, 2001)
Governor still supports pipeline – Northern Plains’ Dena Hoff says officials should investigate any possible contamination risks to rivers from the proposed Keystone XL tar sands pipeline. (Sidney Herald, July 16, 2011)
Bull Mountain land group appeals coal lease decision – Northern Plains affiliate says environmental review of potential effects of coal mining is inadequate and based on old information. (Billings Gazette, June 24, 2011)
TransCanada pipeline draws Fargo protest – Company is not inspecting tar sands pipeline as required, according to Dakota Resource Council. (Fargo Forum, June 18, 2011)
Uranium Mill To Expand Ore Processing – Western Colorado Congress says uranium mill is a rushed proposal as company seeks to expand ore processing. (KJCT8 TV, June 17, 2011)
Groups file protest against BLM Fortification Creek plan in Wyoming – Powder River Basin Resource Council joins protest that claims Bureau of Land Management failed to fully assess impacts on new coal-bed methane wells in Fortification Creek. (Casper Star-Tribune, April 20, 2011)
Farm Network seeking participants – Farmer Network, organized by Dakota Rural Action, is recruiting farmers to make connections between beginning and established farmers interested in sustainable agriculture. (Associated Press, Madison Daily Leader, April 18, 2011)
Companies use microbes to turn Wyo. coal into gas – Concerns about water contamination raised by the Powder River Basin Resource Council. (Associated Press, Bismarck Tribune, April 5, 2011)
Bill would rewrite Montana Environmental Policy Act – Northern Plains Resource Council weighs in on measure to change fundamental environmental law. (Great Falls Tribune, March 31, 2011)
S.D. novelist mines pipeline controversy – Zona Vig, member of Dakota Rural Action, feels the novel could benefit and educate those who don't know what happens when a pipeline is built. (The Daily Republic, January 21, 2011)
Coal mine finishes application process – Dakota Resource Council says a request for a public hearing may be forthcoming for proposed South Heart project. (Dickinson Press, January 13, 2011)
Suit against Montana coal lease can go on – Judge lets challenge to Otter Creek coal lease lawsuit by Northern Plains Resource Council and other groups to continue. (Billings Gazette, January 10, 2011)
Group: Wyoming split-estate law needs improvements – Powder River Basin Resource Council report recommends tougher laws to avoid conflicts between energy companies and landowners. (Casper Star-Tribune, January 5, 2011)
2010
Graying on the prairie – Dakota Rural Action’s Frank James sees small farms helping young farmers to start. (AGWEEK, November 9, 2010)
Group: Survey shows ill health in Wyoming 'fracking' zone – Powder River Basin Resource Council and EARTHWORKS release a survey showing residents report respiratory problems from gas drilling. (Casper Star-Tribune, August 19, 2010)
Luca drops Safe Drinking Water exemption request – Powder River Basin Resource Council protested the exemption because of a lack of assurance the water in coal aquifers would be safe for domestic use with Luca’s nutrient injections. (Casper Star-Tribune, July 14, 2010)
MDU rate case meeting draws comments on conservation – Dakota Resource Council members question utility’s investments in clean energy and conservation programs. (Bismarck Tribune, July 13, 2010)
Rulison blast site decision leave some ‘cautiously optimistic’ – Western Colorado Congress believes decision may lead to landowners say in whether gas drilling takes place or not. (Glenwood Springs Post Independent, June 27, 2010)
Judge rejects water evaporation – Northern Plains gains ruling that letting coalbed methane water evaporate violates Montana’s constitution. (Billings Gazette, May 5, 2010)
Group appeals coal lease based on reclamation concerns – Powder River Basin Resource Council appeals coal lease plan. (Casper Star-Tribune, May 5, 2010)
State delays fracking rules decision – Powder River members testify on need for disclosure and access to information. (Casper Star-Tribune, April 13, 2010)
Concern raised over GMO flax from Canada – Dakota Resource Council wants “stop-sale” order and quarantine on Canadian flax seed. (Farm & Ranch Guide, April 9, 2010)
Agency considers rewrite of oil, gas rules – Good step but more needs to be done, according to the Powder River Basin Resource Council. (Billings Gazette, March 26, 2010)
Williams cited again for CBM water spills in Wyo. – Company does not care says the Powder River Basin Resource Council (Casper Star-Tribune, March 3, 2010)
Doherty named adviser to Salazar - Former Northern Plains Resource Council community organizer Steve Doherty is a senior adviser to the Secretary of the Interior. (Helena Independent Record, January 30, 2010)
Judge upholds Colorado gas, oil waste disposal rules – Western Colorado Congress welcomes decision upholding rules on how oil and gas companies can dispose of waste. (Aspen Times, January 21, 2010)
2009
Lawsuit would permit citizens to talk to the COGCC – Western Colorado Congress wants citizens to be able to talk directly to oil and gas regulators. (Glenwood Springs Post Independent, December 3, 2009)
Pressure’s on to modify CBM water regs - Powder River Basin Resource Council participates in working group on discharge of coalbed methane water. (Casper Star-Tribune, December 3, 2009)
Food bill frightens farmers – Senate food safety bill questioned by Oregon Rural Action. (The East Oregonian, November 29, 2009)
Groups debate rules on pathogen drift – Idaho Rural Council continues push for pathogen drift rulemaking. (Times-News, November 26, 2009)
Land Board delays action on leasing Otter Creek coal tract – Northern Plains opposes strip mining coal tracts and proposed railroad. (Helena Independent Record, November 17, 2009)
SD ranchers voice concerns about Keystone pipeline – Dakota Rural Action members tell state agency their concerns about tar sands oil spills and damage to land, water, and roads. (Associated Press, November 4, 2009)
South Heart coal project back in court – Dakota Resource Council challenges discriminatory and illegal spot zoning for coal-drying plant. (The Bismarck Tribune, October 30, 2009)
Rulemaking to begin on pathogen drift – State agency agrees to begin rulemaking process requested by Idaho Rural Council to address pathogen drift from dairy lagoons. (Capital Press, October 24, 2009)
Wyoming DEQ drops proposed coalbed methane water rules – Delay in setting new rules concerns Powder River Basin Resource Council. (Casper Star-Tribune, September 24, 2009)
Land Board hears arguments on Otter Creek coals, as state officials prepare bid draft – Northern Plains leader says leasing coal now would be an “irretrievable mistake.” (Billings Gazette, September 21, 2009)
Activists want to meet with county about gas industry – Western Colorado Congress will talk with county commissioners about potential groundwater pollution in Garfield County from hydraulic fracturing. (Glenwood Springs Post Independent, August 31, 2009)
Frack chemical contamination – Action by Powder River Basin Resource Council leads to EPA investigation of 11 polluted wells around Pavillion. (The River Reporter, August 20, 2009)
Group: GBM drains water – Powder River Basin Resource Council says data shows groundwater drawdown from coalbed methane development exceeds predictions. (Casper Star-Tribune, August 19, 2009)
Energy plant 'dead in the water' – Judge agrees with Dakota Resource Council that coal-drying plant did not gain approval from nearby landowners as required by county ordinance. (The Dickinson Press, July 24, 2009)
Battle brews over gas regulations in Battlement Mesa – Western Colorado Congress local chapter seeks 1,000 feet setbacks from well pads for homes and other buildings. (The Colorado Independent, July 23, 2009)
Little room for elk? – Threat to Fortification Creek elk herd from coalbed methane drilling plan concerns the Powder River Basin Resource Council. (Casper Star-Tribune, July 21, 2009)
State environmental groups ask Obama to intervene in roadless area management – Western Colorado Congress teams with other groups get involved in disputes about roadless forests in western Colorado. (Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, June 11, 2009)
Group: Wyo DEQ an embarrassment – Powder River Chairman says agency issues permits allowing too much sodium and salt in coalbed methane discharge water for agricultural use. (Associated Press, Casper Star-Tribune, June 2, 2009)
Machado dairy loses second appeal – Idaho Rural Council beats dairy expansion because of setback restrictions. (Times-News, May 30, 2009)
DRA today: Focused on food – Dakota Rural Action encourages local food by publishing new edition of South Dakota Local Foods Directory. (The Brookings Register, April 22, 2009)
Group: Recall Permits – Powder River Basin Resource Councils asked agency to recall water discharge permits issued based on flawed formula and bogus science. (Casper Star-Tribune, April 20, 2009)
Groups say carbon summit may not have big picture – Dakota Resource Council said possible taxes on carbon dioxide emissions is opportunity to develop alternative and renewable energy resources in North Dakota. (The Dickinson Press, April 17, 2009)
Study: Aquifers hurt by drilling – Hydrologist’s study supports contention by Northern Plains that coalbed methane development in southeastern Montana would lower aquifers and groundwater flows. (Billings Gazette, April 14, 2009)
Charm of farm lures families – Dakota Rural Action’s Farm Beginning program and member Arie McFarlen are part of the story on small farms in South Dakota. (Sioux Falls Argus Leader, March 30, 2009)
Energy firms try to grasp new rules – Western Colorado Congress president Gretchen Nicholoff thanks lawmakers for new common-sense protections balancing public health and the environment with energy development. (Grand Junction Sentinel, March 28, 2009)
Brady Trucking fight goes to court - Western Colorado Congress members challenge decision to disqualify signatures to petition seeking to overturn zoning decision along Colorado River. (Grand Junction Sentinel, March 1, 2009)
Panel mulls co-op’s rate request – Powder River Basin Resource Council and local chapter protest 20% base rate increase. (Billings Gazette, January 30, 2009)
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