News

Mining New Opportunities: Creating Resilient, Self-Reliant Communities in Coal Country May 8, 2019

Coal has been a source of pride in North Dakota for decades. During its reign, coal brought to the region some great economic benefits, but new technologies and social pressures have pushed the market in a different direction. Thus far, North Dakota has been fairly insulated from coal’s decline because our coal is in the form of lignite. Historically, we had to be innovative to make our lignite coal cost-effective and usable. Our system, known as “mine mouth” plants, has kept coal viable longer even as it has become uneconomical around the country. With the recent closure of Beulah mine, demolition of Stanton Station, and the announcement of the closure of Heskett Station, we find ourselves wondering what is next for Coal Country?

Energy Companies and State Legislators Conspire to Limit Free Speech in the West April 30, 2019

Critical Infrastructure Bills written by corporate lobbyists to chill the Constitutional Right to protest plague the West during the 2019 legislative season. With the quick stroke of a pen, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem signed two bills into law creating … Continued

“Doing It Right” Means More Jobs for Colstrip and Around the United States April 22, 2019

Northern Plains’ landmark study “Doing it Right II: Job Creation Through Colstrip Cleanup” shows how many good-paying jobs will continue if high-quality reclamation is done on its coal ash ponds.

It’s Time to Call Out Oil and Gas Companies’ Dishonesty on Methane Reductions April 12, 2019

It’s en vogue for energy companies to say they’re against methane pollution, but their membership in trade groups lobbying for looser regulations says it all. In the past month, several major oil and gas companies including Shell and ExxonMobil have … Continued

coal mines being sold to out of state operators

Non-Resident Coal Mine Owners Are a Danger to Wyoming’s Communities April 5, 2019

One by one, our critical coal mining assets are being acquired by people with disreputable histories in Appalachia. Our miners, communities and lands are in danger of being impoverished by these operators and their schemes.

reno charette, teacher and native student advocate

Western Native Voice Community Spotlight: Reno Charette April 2, 2019

The Native American Achievement Center, on the Montana State University-Billings campus, helps to recruit and retain American Indian students. Reno Charette, the Director of the Achievement Center, teaches courses in Native American studies and advocates for students by providing academic and personal support. This month, Western Native Voice Community Spotlight stopped by the Achievement Center recently to visit with Reno about their role on campus and some upcoming events.

WORC Opposes the Confirmation of David Bernhardt as Secretary of the Department of the Interior March 28, 2019

Someone with so many conflicts of interest cannot be entrusted with one fifth of all land in the United States.

Co-Op Members Lead the Fight for Rural Clean Energy March 27, 2019

How one Colorado rural electric co-op’s legal battle is paving the way for other REA’s to provide more clean and renewable energy to their members.

Unanimous Vote by Wyoming Environmental Quality Council Clears the Way for Strong Self-Bonding Rules March 19, 2019

As coal mines begin filing for bankruptcy, Powder River’s push for new self-bonding rules may save Wyoming taxpayers billions. On Tuesday, February 19, the Wyoming Environmental Quality Council voted unanimously to reform the state’s coal mine reclamation self-bonding program, a … Continued

$fracking oil and gas well pad$

A Stronger Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Could Protect Colorado Communities March 12, 2019

Western Colorado Alliance member asks for reforms that protect Colorado communities, rather than protecting oil and gas company profits.

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