Sign in

Western Organization of Resource Councils

@worcaction.bsky.social
314 followers 51 following 229 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

PostsRepliesMedia
Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Residents of Harwood, ND, were shocked to learn a $3B hyperscale #datacenter project was coming to their town, and it was already a ‘done deal.’ Within weeks, the project went from public announcement to final approval to groundbreaking. worc.org/the-done-deal/
A group of leaders stand together, united in their work to save their rural community from a hyperscale data center. Text reads: After city officials raced to approve a hyperscale data center in their town without public input, a small community in North Dakota didn’t roll over. They organized.
000
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
076
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.”
022
Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Have you ever gone to Farm Aid? What was your experience?
000
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!
100
Reposted by Western Organization of Resource Councils
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.
011
Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
A big part of Farm Aid is telling farmer stories. Check out these stories of WORC members on Farm Aid's website. www.farmaid.org/tag/homegrow...
farmaid.org
Homegrown Stories Archives – Farm Aid
000
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.
121
Reposted by Western Organization of Resource Councils
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
031
Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Do you think this would work if a data center were sited in your community?
000
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...
100
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.
021
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…
022
Reposted by Western Organization of Resource Councils
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.
021
Reposted by Western Organization of Resource Councils
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.
031
Reposted by Western Organization of Resource Councils
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.
031
Reposted by Western Organization of Resource Councils
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.
041
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.
031
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...
010
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
031
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.
000
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
031
Reposted by Western Organization of Resource Councils
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.
043
Reposted by Western Organization of Resource Councils
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
031
Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Standard extraction industry play. People have seen it all before.
000
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.”
000
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.
000
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
011
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...
030
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."
000
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...
011
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...
000
Reposted by Western Organization of Resource Councils
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
13715
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...
022
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
021
Reposted by Western Organization of Resource Councils
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
032
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...
001
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
021
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.
000
Reposted by Western Organization of Resource Councils
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.
021
Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Do you have a plan to vote? Check out our guide to election protection before, during, and after Election Day. Follow us for more ways to protect your communitiy's elections. worc.org/how-to-prote...
000
Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
6. Create your action plan Now put your strategy on paper.
100
Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
5. Have a plan to vote The most effective way to strengthen democracy is to vote—and help others vote.
100
Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
4. Prepare before challenges arise Preparation prevents confusion. Organizations respond more effectively when they understand how elections work in their communities and have clear roles in place before voting begins.
100
Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
3. Participate in the Election Process Strong elections depend on community participation.
100
Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
2. Educate your community Confusion creates opportunities for misinformation. Trusted local voices, including yours, remain the strongest source of accurate election information and countering misinformation.
100
Western Organization of Resource Councils @worcaction.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
1. Build relationships before you need them Election protection begins long before Election Day and largely depends on building relationships and trust with those involved in running elections, which can only be done over time—not during a crisis.
100
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.
100
Reposted by Western Organization of Resource Councils
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…
021
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.
010