coal self bonding

Coal Self Bonding in Senators’ Cross Hairs

Prominent Senators from Washington State and Illinois launched a congressional investigation of coal self bonding for mine reclamation allowed by some states, including Wyoming. Taxpayers are potentially on the hook for over a billion dollars worth of reclamation work after two major … Continued

people's lobby

People’s Lobby promotes WCC’s priorities with legislators

From March 7 to 9, the People’s Lobby, twelve Western Colorado Congress leaders and staff, traveled to the State Capitol and met with nine lawmakers about legislation that benefits West Slope communities.  The long drive to Denver is part of WCC’s annual People’s Lobby Trip. These are … Continued

@015 Congressional Scorecard

GMO labeling bill keeps consumers in the DARK

Senator Pat Roberts introduced H.R. 1599, a bill to stop efforts to label genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The bill has a hearing in the U.S. Senate Ag Committee on March 1.

2016 election

How do your Members of Congress add up?

WORC 2015 Congressional Scorecard Each year WORC produces a scorecard of the Members of Congress representing states within the WORC network: South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Oregon and Idaho. Scores are based on votes cast on issues important to members. Overview … Continued

TPP - transpacific partnership

TPP trade deal headed to Congress

On February 4, the U.S. trade ambassador and trade ministers of 11 other Asia-Pacific countries signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal in New Zealand. Signing the trade agreement means that negotiations are finished and President Obama can bring the TPP to Congress for “Fast … Continued

DRA members win urban chicken pilot program

Dakota Rural Action members scored a victory on Jan. 26 when the Brookings, SD, City Council approved a one-year pilot program to allow residents to raise chickens in their backyard. DRA’s Brookings Chicken Advocates have been organizing to legalize backyard chickens … Continued

DRC members speakout against factory farm

This week, Dakota Resource Council members spoke out against a proposed 9,000-hog factory farm in Cass County, North Dakota, west of Fargo. DRC members are concerned about the community, economic and environmental impacts of the hog farm. But this single pig farm isn’t their only … Continued

Coal train dust a public health risk

A team of scientists led by Dr. Dan Jaffe, professor of Atmospheric and Environmental Chemistry at the University of Washington, carried out a study of pollution emitted from coal trains and freight trains in the Columbia River Gorge. The study … Continued