News

New Video Series Shows the Impacts of Oil and Gas Development March 6, 2019

Wyoming residents have long found themselves in the cross-hairs of energy extraction. The recent drilling boom has brought drilling rigs right into residential developments. Powder River Basin Resource Council has released a new series of videos featuring Wyoming residents whose lives have been upended by nearby oil and gas development. From living with the legacy of contaminated groundwater in Pavillion to addressing booming oil and gas development in Laramie and Converse Counties, the videos examine the human cost of development.

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Yeti Supports the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act (and you should, too) March 4, 2019

Over the noise of crampons crunching on snow and crowds cheering the expert moves of climbing competitors, Western Colorado Alliance members spoke with Ouray Ice Festival attendees about the San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act (SJMWA). Our goal was to collect signed postcards to be delivered to Senator Cory Gardner and Representative Scott Tipton in a demonstration of broad local, state and national support. The Alliance was joined by Sheep Mountain Alliance, Great Old Broads for Wilderness, and Ridgway-Ouray Community Council volunteers.

Western Native Voice Community Spotlight: Adrian Jawort March 1, 2019

This month, Western Native Voice Community Spotlight features Adrian Jawort, a Northern Cheyenne author and journalist for Indian Country Today to discuss the recent article titled “Native American ‘Rednecks’ and Colonized Anti-LGBTQ Conservativism”. Adrian shared with us how their article was received by the public and the self-discovery that had inspired the article.

Fracking Cover-up Continues Groundwater Contamination Disaster in Pavillion, Wyoming February 21, 2019

How tumult over a draft report on fracking-related water contamination has given Wyoming a pass on fixing groundwater polluted by traditional gas drilling.

U.S. Senate Passes Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act, Permanently Protecting Montana’s Paradise Valley February 14, 2019

Grassroots organizing wins the protection of some of America’s most iconic landscapes from mining.

Wyoming’s “Crimes Against Critical Infrastructure” Bill Threatens Basic Constitutional Rights, and Paves the Way for Corporations to Condemn Landowners Under Eminent Domain February 1, 2019

The energy industry-backed “Zombie Bill” is back, threatening to put corporate interests ahead of the well being and livelihoods of Wyoming residents. Written by Joyce Evans and Liza Millett of Powder River Basin Resource Council. Update February 4, 2019: Thanks to the advocacy … Continued

Department of the Interior Recalls 800 Employees to Issue Drilling Permits During Shutdown January 25, 2019

DOI gives fossil fuel industry preferential treatment by processing oil and gas drilling permits and leases while safety and environmental review personnel remain furloughed. Since the Government closed on Dec. 22nd, 224 oil well applications have been accepted, 22 drilling … Continued

Interior Takes Aim at Transparency by Gutting Freedom of Information Act January 23, 2019

Department of Interior’s proposed modifications to the Freedom of Information Act will make it much harder for the public to access information.

WORC Files Injunction to Stop Secret Royalty Policy Committee Meetings January 22, 2019

On January 16th, WORCand Democracy Forward Foundation, argued in federal district court that the U.S. Department of Interior must stop convening any meetings or conducting any further business of the Royalty Policy Committee (RPC) until it balances the committee’s industry-dominated membership, opens secretive subcommittee meetings, and discloses committee-members’ conflicts of interests.

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Colorado Oil and Gas Activists Hopeful, Despite Ballot Defeat January 14, 2019

Voters in Colorado may have given the state its best opportunity in decades to take on an entrenched oil and gas industry.

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