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News

WORC’s Grassroots Democracy program shows that community-based election work still wins at the ballot box January 7, 2025

When we show up on people’s doorsteps, we win. It’s safe to say that the 2024 election cycle was one for the history books. While we’re still reorienting ourselves to the new political reality in Washington D.C., we’re celebrating our … Continued

From Wildlife to Wells: How Dr. Barbara Vasquez Fights for Stronger Oil and Gas Regulations December 13, 2024

Dr. Barbara Vasquez works to protect wildlife in her own backyard. Barbara Vasquez’ Decades-Long Effort alongside WCA and WORC to Strengthen Protections for Communities and Wildlife In the remote, wildlife-rich expanse of Jackson County, Colorado, Dr. Barbara Vasquez has emerged … Continued

pollution map for Umatilla county and Morrow county

Oregon Rural Action releases interactive maps illustrate Lower Umatilla Basin water pollution crisis December 3, 2024

Interactive maps of Umatilla and Morrow Counties show concentration and severity of groundwater & air pollution in Oregon’s rural “sacrifice zone” For over two decades, residents of eastern Oregon’s Morrow and Umatilla Counties have been poisoned by nitrates in their … Continued

rural electric co-op windmill over farmland

New ERA funding for renewable energy awarded to western rural electric co-ops September 9, 2024

Billions in federal funding are set to help western co-ops add reliable, inexpensive renewable energy. On September 5th, 2024, the federal government announced the first round of funding from the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program. … Continued

Huge Win: Biden Administration to End Coal Leasing in Powder River Basin May 31, 2024

This decision, after years of outcry from local residents and litigation, will protect communities, air, water, and the climate from the harms of mining and burning six billion tons of highly polluting coal. On May 16th, 2024, the Biden administration … Continued

Massive coal ash ponds sit near the Colstrip powerplant in eastern Montana

EPA protects coal communities by requiring coal power companies to clean up their coal ash ponds April 30, 2024

Above: Coal ash at the generating plant in Colstrip, Montana, is kept in water-filled ponds. 91% of coal ash ponds around the U.S. leak into local aquifers contaminating groundwater. After pressure from WORC members and allies, the Environmental Protection Agency … Continued

Western ranchers and communities applaud new federal onshore oil and gas leasing rule April 16, 2024

After decades of grassroots organizing, BLM’s new oil and gas bonding standards will help ensure taxpayers and frontline communities no longer have to suffer from the environmental impacts of abandoned wells or pay for well cleanup.  In the first significant … Continued

Direct Pay tax credits promise to add flexibility and efficiency for rural electric co-ops trying to add renewable energy to their grids April 10, 2024

The elective pay provisions in the IRA offer rural electric co-ops, municipalities, and other entities an opportunity to receive direct cash funding to build renewable energy projects.  An often overlooked provision of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that can have … Continued

orange cloud rising from blast site on coal strip mine

Final OSMRE Rule Restores Important Citizen Complaint Process for Coal Mines April 5, 2024

Above: an “orange cloud,” toxic gasses sometimes created when blasting overburden in coal strip mines, drifts on the breeze, endangering communities downwind. WORC members living near coal mines applaud a decision by the Office of Surface Mining to again allow … Continued

USDA’s Phase 2 update to the Packers and Stockyards Act is good news for family farmers and ranchers looking for fair markets March 25, 2024

USDA’s newest P&SA update is a solid step towards reigning in discriminatory, retaliatory, and deceptive behavior by transnational meatpackers. Now, packers are lobbying Congress to get the rules defanged. On March 5th, 2024, the USDA announced the finalization of its … Continued

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Check out our member groups!

Dakota Resource Council - grassroots environment and social justice organization

 

Dakota Rural Action - grassroots environment and social justice organization

 

Idaho Organization of resource councils - grassroots environment and social justice organization

 

Oregon Rural Action - grassroots environment and social justice organization


 

Northern Plains Resource Council - Montana grassroots environment and social justice organization


 

Oregon Rural Action - grassroots environment and social justice organization


 

Powder River Basin Resource Council - Wyoming grassroots environment and social justice organization


 

Westrn Colorado Congress - grassroots environment and social justice organization


 

Western Native Voice - grassroots social justice organization


 

Nebraska Organizing Project

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