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Western Organization of Resource Councils

@worcaction.bsky.social
313 followers 50 following 228 posts

Network of rural grassroots organizations in the West and Midwest creating a democratic, sustainable, and just society through rural community organizing. Rural Prosperity - Civic Engagement - Clean, Renewable Energy worc.org

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Reposted by Western Organization of Resource Councils
Dakota Rural Action @dakotarural.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Join us in Pierre Nov. 6 - 7 for our Annual Meeting: Rooted & Resilient: 39 Years of Building Power. We kick off the weekend at Drifters w/ dinner & keynote address from Austin Frerick, author of Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry. bit.ly/39thAnnMtg #sodak
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Reposted by Western Organization of Resource Councils
Dakota Rural Action @dakotarural.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Great news! Two judges have both ruled against the EPA's decision to block Solar For All, which was established to help low-income households install rooftop #solarpower www.utilitydive.com/news/second-... #solar4all
utilitydive.com
Second federal judge overturns $7B Solar for All cancellation
The decision in a suit brought by Harris County, Texas, follows a similar ruling last week. A Harris County judge called it “a really important victory for energy resilience.”
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Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Farm Aid 2026 was another epic year of listening to great music, meeting up with old friends, making new ones, and most importantly supporting America’s independent farmers and ranchers. We can’t wait until next year!
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Dakota Rural Action @dakotarural.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Thinking that the good people of Aberdeen will have thoughts about this. Literally selling #water to an out-of-state #datacenter.
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Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
WORC is excited to be heading to @farmaid.org again this year. We’ve worked with Farm Aid to support family farmers since the 80s farm crisis, and as farmers struggle under consolidation, we’re honored to show up in solidarity and community.
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Dakota Rural Action @dakotarural.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
😬Well this awkward....state AG says Amendment I does in fact remove Medicaid Expansion despite what legislators thought when passing it. Just vote NO on Amendment I. southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/09/18/b... #medicaid #ruralhealthcare
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Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Communities can work with developers to secure community benefits packages that help companies give back to the communities they impact. See how DRC helped New Rockford, North Dakota, nearly $13 million dollars for local economic development from a wind energy co. worc.org/incentivizin...
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Reposted by Western Organization of Resource Councils
Dakota Rural Action @dakotarural.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
When the legislature & the attorney general disagree on what a ballot measure will do, it's best to vote no. Vote no Amendment I on the ballot.
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Reposted by Western Organization of Resource Councils
Dakota Rural Action @dakotarural.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
DRA's Chase Jensen on Amendment L: “We view this third attempt in eight years to make it harder for citizens to change our form of government as disrespectful to South Dakota voters." www.keloland.com/news/local-n... #SouthDakotaelection #L-No #NoonL
keloland.com
Amendment L: Pros and cons
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — South Dakotans will be back at the polls for the general election in less than two months. One of the ballot questions would change the percentage of votes required…
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Dakota Rural Action @dakotarural.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Great to see Big Eagle named to this important South Dakota position as the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Person specialist www.sdpb.org/crime-courts... #MMIW #MMIP
sdpb.org
Longtime DOJ liaison named as South Dakota's MMIP specialist
A woman with decades of experience in the justice system is set to serve as South Dakota's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Person specialist.
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Dakota Rural Action @dakotarural.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
THIS: “This is a pipeline to nowhere." - Kerry King, Iowa farmer. That's exactly right. Why is the Iowa Utilities Commission even considering hearings for Summit's proposed (somewhere) #CO2 #pipeline? insideclimatenews.org/news/1409202...
insideclimatenews.org
What’s Next for Summit’s Carbon ‘Pipeline to Nowhere’? - Inside Climate News
While its Midwest pipeline languishes in legal limbo, Summit Carbon Solutions is urging Iowa regulators to fast-track its next round of hearings.
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Dakota Rural Action @dakotarural.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Mark your calendar for Nov. 6-7 in Pierre for our Annual Meeting! Austin Frericks, author of Barons, will be our keynote speaker on Friday night. Registration coming soon.
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Dakota Rural Action @dakotarural.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Proof that people being engaged with their #localgovernment matters! Rapid City is going to vet updates to the #datacenter ordinance with the public before beginning formal review www.newscenter1.tv/news/local/r... #localcontrol #zoning #peoplepower
newscenter1.tv
Rapid City Planning Commission tables data center ordinance update for 60 days
Two years ago, the City Council approved data centers in light and heavy industrial zones.
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Reposted by Western Organization of Resource Councils
Dakota Rural Action @dakotarural.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Excellent reporting from @kotatv.com on #datacenters & tech in #SouthDakota. Great to see Rapid City working for greater #transparency & public participation www.kotatv.com/video/2026/0...
kotatv.com
Rapid City Data Center backlash: EPA Rules, Meta cash & space tech
The early evening news on KOTA Territory TV.
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Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Colorado shows that county zoning codes can build momentum for responsible renewable energy development while protecting residents and communities. Delta and Mesa counties demonstrate two pathways for shaping local policy around utility-scale #solar. worc.org/the-local-la...
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Reposted by Western Organization of Resource Councils
Dakota Rural Action @dakotarural.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Julie Burgod calls the South Dakota Attorney General's claim that the investigation is a coincidence "absurd." www.agweb.com/coincidence-... #SouthDakota #cafo #corporatecapture #intimidation
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Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Looking for a job that's both fun and meaningful? This might be for you.
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Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Rural communities can garner huge economic benefits when wind projects come to the area—but only if residents come together and demand it. Dakota Resource Council helped New Rockford, North Dakota, get nearly $13M for local economic development. See how: worc.org/incentivizin... #windpower
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Dakota Rural Action @dakotarural.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Very sobering reporting about #water wells drying up West River as aquifer levels drop. Great example of why we shouldn't allow #uraniummining or even exploratory drilling - it wastes millions of gallons of water. We can't afford to lose it.
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Dakota Rural Action @dakotarural.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Why is the state of #SouthDakota wasting #taxpayer dollars on "investigating" an Edmunds County farmer who filed a complaint regarding the county's process in approving an #industrialdairy? www.agweb.com/news/busines... #cafo #intimidation #firstamendment
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Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
The BLM's oil and gas leasing rule changes are a "gut-punch to split-estate landowners." The Missoula Current points out how shutting landowners out of leasing decisions risks harming ranching operations. missoulacurrent.com/split-estate...
Missoula current headline and cover image of a rancher in a field with mountains in the background. Text on the right side reads: "They just want landowners out of the way. Going from 90 days to 10 days is just shutting us out. Burgum, Pearce, BLM taking our voice away from us - that’s a crime.”
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Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Reduced import costs with no country of origin labeling is a huge handout to meatpackers and foreign beef producers looking to get a foothold in US markets. Meatpackers will rake in huge profits while American farmers and ranchers will be driven out of business.
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Reposted by Western Organization of Resource Councils
Dakota Rural Action @dakotarural.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
The #SouthDakota legislature's repeated attempts to reduce the strength of our #directdemocracy tools is insult to voters. Another amendment to constrain citizen power is on the November ballot boltsmag.org/measures-to-... @boltsmag.org
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Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Great write-up in the North Dakota Monitor about how Sec. Burgum's rollback of oil and gas leasing protections is a gift to the industry borne on the backs of taxpayers and landowners. #corporatewelfare northdakotamonitor.com/2026/08/24/i...
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Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
LAST CHANCE to tell Sec. Burgum not to roll back #oilandgas safeguards that protect landowners, communities and taxpayers. BLM’s Rule revision could devastate the rural West and worsen the orphaned well crisis. The comment period closes TODAY (12p Mtn Time). secure.everyaction.com/F53Fp8Bl9U2f...
Cattle graze near and blue and yellow oil pump jack illustrating the disruption of oil and gas infrastructure on agriculture poerations. Text reading, "Last chance to tell Secretary Burgum: stop selling out rural communities to the oil and gas industry."
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Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
When a crisis arises during the #election cycle, it’s too late to build the kinds of relationships that can weather the potential chaos. So who do you need to reach out to? How? And what are the shared values to lead with? Find out with our #democracy protection guide: worc.org/how-to-prote...
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Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Interior's proposed revision to the #oilandgas rule makes it clear that Sec. Doug Burgum wants to block the public from weighing in on leasing decisions that threaten communities and livelihoods. We put together a petition calling on Burgum to give us a say: secure.everyaction.com/b15JZAZ3rE6C...
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Food & Water Watch @foodandwater.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Don't listen to excuses from the AI industry! Hyperscale data centers still increase electric bills for nearby communities. It's just one of many reasons why we need a moratorium on AI data centers!
foodandwaterwatch.org
False Promises, Deceitful Accounting of Data Centers’ “Bring Your Own Power” Pledges
As Congress Considers So-Called “Ratepayer Protection Act,” Fallacies of Off-Grid Power Come to Light
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Reposted by Western Organization of Resource Councils
Dakota Rural Action @dakotarural.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
This is interesting. We keep hearing how the new #datacenters use less water & electricity than old ones, but this directly contradicts that. So continue to proceed with caution & make a plan in your community. seekingalpha.com/news/4633608...
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Reposted by Western Organization of Resource Councils
Dakota Rural Action @dakotarural.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Great reporting from @insideclimatenews.org on Riverview's rapid #dairy expansion around the Midwest. SD should be wary of #industrialag on this scale. Communities are wise to push back & demand more #transparency. insideclimatenews.org/news/0708202... @georginagustin.bsky.social
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Dakota Rural Action @dakotarural.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Scorching oped from DRA member & Edmunds County farmer Julie Burgod in the Dakota Scout. She raised questions about a proposed 25K head #dairy. Then a DCI agent showed up at her door. The SD Attorney General was investigating her for fraud. #CAFO #intimidation #FirstAmendment
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Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Rural communities can garner huge economic benefits when wind projects come to the area—but only if residents come together and demand it. Here’s how Dakota Resource Council helped New Rockford, North Dakota, get millions of dollars for local economic development. worc.org/incentivizin...
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Reposted by Western Organization of Resource Councils
Dakota Rural Action @dakotarural.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
So now this company, which promised all sorts of monetary gain for people & communities, is now being sued for not paying their vendors. Shows their hollow promises! #carbonpipeline #ccs
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Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Sec. Burgum’s proposed revision of the 2024 Onshore Oil & Gas Rule robs split-estate ranchers of their say over what happens to their land, livelihoods & the places they call home. Read Donnie’s opinion piece to see how this could affect him & others like him. www.northernag.net/op-ed-dont-l...
North Dakota rancher Donald Nelson stands with a jean jacket and carhardt cap in a snowy field with the text, “This isn’t about stopping responsible energy development. It’s about basic fairness. Landowners deserve to know what’s happening on their own property before decisions are made—not after.“ on the lst side.
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Dakota Rural Action @dakotarural.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
An interesting development in McPherson County - county commission holds off on Leola #datacenter vote. Hopefully this means they are taking residents' concerns into consideration & being responsive #localcontrol #transparency www.dakotanewsnow.com/2026/08/11/l...
dakotanewsnow.com
Leola data center vote postponed after executive session
The McPherson County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to postpone a decision on a proposed data center in Leola following an executive session at a special meeting Tuesday morning.
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Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Election officials, civic orgs, and voters have faced increasing intimidation, misinformation, harassment, and other efforts to undermine confidence in election results and the election process. Here’s a practical guide to election protection before, during, and after Election Day.
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Dakota Rural Action @dakotarural.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Kudos to Vermillion for setting a good example of how communities can come together to talk about #datacenters. Public participation in considering ordinances, communicating the ideas. This is the process at work www.keloland.com/keloland-com... #localcontrol #transparency
keloland.com
Vermillion takes first steps towards data center ordinance
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)– Vermillion is taking the first steps in setting requirements for data centers within the community, with the City of Vermillion Planning & Zoning proposing sever…
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Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
This move supports American ranchers, farmers, and anyone who wants to know where the beef they feed their family comes from.
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Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
This is the power of grassroots organizing. Hear from organizers and member leaders in the WORC network on how we build people power and bring transformative change to our communities and our country. www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNFm...
A group of community organizers hold up their stickers for the camera in a screenshot of a video.
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Dakota Rural Action @dakotarural.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Reporting from Time Magazine shines a light on the status of today's modern #mines. Lithium, uranium, gold - all are in high demand, but the cost to the environment & communities are high too. time.com/article/2026...
time.com
This Is What the New Rush to Mine America Looks Like
The road to critical minerals runs through communities.
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Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Are you a split estate landowner? If so, read this opinion piece by Montana rancher Terry Punt. New changes to federal oil & gas leasing rules will hit split-estate farms and ranches esp hard. www.northernag.net/doug-burgum-...
Portrait of Montana rancher Terry Punt in a white button-down shirt and grassland behind him. His quote, reading: “If you are a split-estate landowner and think the likelihood of the government selling a lease to the oil or gas under your property is far-fetched, you might want to also consider the skyrocketing demand for power that the onslaught of hyperscale data centers in the rural West has triggered” are displayed to the right of his face.
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Reposted by Western Organization of Resource Councils
Food & Water Watch @foodandwater.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Spoiler alert: The culprit is data centers.
heatmap.news
Electricity Bills Were Higher Than Ever in July
Americans paid $217 on average for electricity last month, according to Heatmap and MIT’s Electricity Price Hub.
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Powder River Basin Resource Council @prbrescouncil.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
On data centers: "They would also produce harmful pollutants including particulate matter, formaldehyde and smog-forming nitrogen oxides that can contribute to heart disease, asthma, lung cancer, strokes and other ailments in people living nearby." www.nytimes.com/2026/08/05/c...
nytimes.com
Trump’s Push for More A.I. Data Centers Will Mean Major Air Pollution (Gift Article)
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Dakota Rural Action @dakotarural.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Riverview is the company proposing the 25,000 head dairy in Edmunds County. Lots of holes in their permit application, state & county not taking any action to address these concerns. #cafos #industrialdairy #water
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Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
WE'RE HIRING: Montana Rural Voters is building a field team for the 2026 election season. We're seeking a CANVASSER in western Montana's Flathead Valley! Be a part of building a stronger voice for rural Montana. mtruralvoters.org/wp-content/u...
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Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
BREAKING: The Seante Agriculture committee just voted to include MCOOL in the Farm Bill, and all of our WORC region senators voted in favor! This is a huge win for U.S. farmers & ranchers 11 years in the making. The fight isn’t over, but the message is clear #nofarmbillwithoutCOOL
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Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
WE'RE HIRING: Montana Rural Voters is building a field team for the 2026 election season. We're seeking a CANVASS DIRECTOR in western Montana's Flathead Valley! Be a part of building a stronger voice for rural Montana. mtruralvoters.org/wp-content/u...
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Dakota Rural Action @dakotarural.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Math ➕ matters! Edmunds County #SouthDakota needs to check Riverview's math with their proposed 25K head #dairy - it actually equals over 35,000 animal units. #CAFOs
A graphic with Counting Cows in a milk cow design. Photos of a dairy cow next to a beef cow with the not equal sign between them. 1 dairy cow = 1.43 beef cows. Numbers matter in permitting industrial dairies.
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Powder River Basin Resource Council @prbrescouncil.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
"'It certainly does not appear that there's much of a market right now,' said Donna Birkholz, executive director of the Powder River Basin Resource Council, a nonprofit that represents residents in northeast Wyoming and statewide." www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/natural-reso...
wyomingpublicmedia.org
There are 360 billion tons of coal under federal land, new report says
The Trump administration created a new report showing how much coal lies under public acres. It’s part of its initiative to reinvigorate the industry.
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Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Comment now on the BLM’s dangerous rule revision that would allow oil and gas companies to walk away from their toxic messes after the drilling is done and the profits banked. secure.everyaction.com/b15JZAZ3rE6C...
oil well sitting abandoned in a farmer's wheat field with the words, "Take action" and, "Tell the Federal Government: Give Us A Say on Leasing Decisions"
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