Transition to Homegrown Prosperity
Westerners are all-too-familiar with boom and bust cycles in coal, mining, oil and gas, commodity agriculture and other natural resource sectors. Currently, coal production across the WORC region faces steep declines as coal loses market share to cheap, fracked natural gas, and cost competitive clean energy from wind and solar generation.
In addition, more efficiency in buildings, appliances, lighting and industries has decoupled economic growth from increasing electric demand, further depressing coal’s prospects.
WORC members were present when coal boomed in the Northern Great Plains in the 1970’s-1980’s and successfully championed reforms that protected communities and the environment from permanent damage, like
- Strict mine reclamation,
- Severance taxes and minerals trust funds, and
- Federal coal leasing policy.
Now WORC and its member groups are working together to mobilize our grassroots energy and leadership to help direct and shape and lead the transition to a cleaner, more resilient, sustainable and just economy in our seven-state region.
Never miss an opportunity to make the West a healthier and more sustainable place to call home.
News from Transition to Homegrown Prosperity
Northern Plains wants to create an agriculture revolution by establishing a Billings-area food hub
Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council food hub plans to serve Billings fresh local food Northern Plains’ affiliate group Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council is in the early…
Young Farmers Delivering on the Promise of Local Food
Small-scale farmers are pushing the limits of how food is produced and distributed to local markets. This week, Homegrown Stories features three young farmers making…
Self-bonding should end today, says WORC report
New WORC report shows that self-bonding for coal mines can end now. While most states have long since ended self-bonding, a few hold-outs remain across…