DRC's Podcast

Since 2018, Scott Skokos has led the Dakota Resource Council (DRC) in its fight for North Dakota's land, water, and communities. In this episode, host Sean Erickson sits down with Scott to discuss the history of DRC, how it empowers local voices against corporate and government overreach, and its role in shaping policies that protect farmers, ranchers, and the environment. From coal mining reform to tackling oil and gas issues, Scott shares insights into DRC's biggest challenges, victories, and what's next for grassroots advocacy in North Dakota with host Sean Erickson (Communications Coordinator at the Dakota Resource Council). To learn more, get involved, or support the work of Dakota Resource Council, visit DRCinfo.org to connect and donate today!Support the show

In this episode of the Dakota Resource Council Podcast, we sit down with Nicole Donaghy, Executive Director of North Dakota Native Vote, to discuss the challenges and opportunities Indigenous communities face in North Dakota. From her early days as a field organizer with DRC to leading advocacy efforts on voting rights and environmental justice, Nicole shares her journey and the vital role of grassroots organizing in creating systemic change.Tune in to hear how community organizing empowers Native voices, the ongoing fight against corporate and governmental overreach, and how you can get involved in shaping a fairer, more sustainable future.To learn more, get involved, or support the work of Dakota Resource Council, visit DRCinfo.org to connect and donate today!Support the show

In this premiere episode, host Sean Arithson (Communications Coordinator at Dakota Resource Council) catches up with Don Morrison, former Executive Director of DRC (2012–2018). Don reflects on the organization's deep roots in grassroots organizing, from pushing for responsible oil regulations to safeguarding farmland and ranching communities across North Dakota. To learn more, get involved, or support the work of Dakota Resource Council, visit DRCinfo.org to connect and donate today!Support the show

Welcome to the Dakota Resource Council (DRC) podcast. In this episode, we have a special guest, Liz Anderson, DRC's lead organizer, joining us to discuss the urgent methane fight.Liz takes us on a journey as she recounts DRC's recent Eco Flight over Ft. Berthold?Bakken, providing a firsthand account of the alarming flaring situation. We explore the statistics surrounding flared gas and its far-reaching environmental, health, and economic impacts. Liz shares how DRC is at the forefront of monitoring and addressing the current flaring crisis in the Bakken region.Tune in to gain invaluable insights into the methane fight and discover how DRC is working tirelessly to protect our environment, promote sustainable energy solutions, and advocate for a cleaner and healthier future. Join us in this eye-opening conversation as we delve into the urgent issue of flaring and the critical steps we must take to effect positive change.Support the show

DRC Executive Director, Scott Skokos and DRC organizer, Eliot Huggins, discuss Some legislative bills that DRC members need to keep an eye on.Support the show

We've got it all! Ag issues, methane issues and carbon pipeline issues...take a listen to what DRC staff and members have been up to this summer.Support the show

DRC Executive Director, Scott Skokos, along with DRC organizer, Eliot Huggins, discuss the past three DRC landowner meetings and legal options for effected landowners along the proposed Summit Carbon Pipeline route.Support the show (http://drcinfo.org/join-renew/)

Dakota Resource Council will be having a landowner meeting on Tuesday, March 8th from 6-8pm at the Oakes Community Center in Oakes, ND. DRC has received many calls from area landowners in the area about the proposed Summit Carbon Pipeline. DRC will be discussing legal options, safety concerns and a collective strategy. For more information, call Eliot at DRC (701) 997-5181.Support the show (http://drcinfo.org/join-renew/)

This week, we are talking to DRC Executive Director, Scott Skokos, about the proposed Summit Carbon Pipeline. Why are they wanting this pipeline? What do you do if you're contacted and offered a lease agreement? What are the next steps? Hopefully this podcast will give you some insight of what is happening and what the next steps are.If you or somebody else that you know has been contacted with a lease agreement offer and would like more information or get involved, please contact Scott Skokos at (701) 314-5933 or by e-mail at scott@drcinfo.com. You can also call DRC organizer Eliot Huggins at (701) 997-5181 or by e-mail at eliot@drcinfo.com.Support the show (http://drcinfo.org/join-renew/)

Momentum is building to reinstate Mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling (MCOOL) for beef! The American Beef Labeling Act (S.2716) is a bipartisan bill that will bring back MCOOL. Reinstating MCOOL will help North Dakotans by promoting a safe and affordable supply of wholesome beef for America's consumers; and help foster a fairer, more competitive market for North Dakota's ranchers and consumers. Email Senator CramerAlso Call Senator Cramer's office at the number below and state the following:Contact: (202) 224-2043 Washington Office, or (701) 699-7020 North Dakota OfficeThank you to Senators Tester (MT), Rounds (SD), Thune (SD), Hoeven (ND), Booker (NJ), Lummis (WY), Barrasso (WY), Gillebrand (NY), Heinrich (NM), and Lujan (NM) for their leadership and being on board as cosponsors!David Schwalbe from DRC and Kerry Dockter from I-Band discuss COOL with Joel Heitkamp on KFGO's News and ViewsSupport the show (http://drcinfo.org/join-renew/)

Today, we discuss Mandatory COOL (Country of Origin Labeling) for local ranchers. We have Bill Bullard, Chief Executive Officer of R-CALF USA. We also have DRC leader, David Schwalbe who is one of many DRC members fighting for COOL.For years, beef producers have been getting the short end of the stick and consumers have been deceived on the beef that they are buying. We can change that so that ranchers can survive and prosper and the American consumer can be protected and buy American beef!To support producers and consumers, please CLICK HERE to take action!You can also call Sen. Cramer, (701) 699-7020, and urge him to support the American Beef Labeling Act (S.2716) today!Support the show (http://drcinfo.org/join-renew/)

Today, we introduce DRC's new Coal Country Organizer, Eliot Huggins.Support the show (http://drcinfo.org/join-renew/)

We talk to Ed and Paul from CLEAN as they tell us how their first ever annual meeting went and talk about upcoming meetings and events.Support the show (http://drcinfo.org/join-renew/)

DRC member, Paul Jensen talks about DRC's meeting with EPA Administrator, Michael Regan. Support the show (http://drcinfo.org/join-renew/)

Dakota Resource Council has a new affiliate group! CLEAN in the F/M area has joined DRC and we have CLEAN's chairperson, Ed Gruchalla to talk about it.Support the show (http://drcinfo.org/join-renew/)

We talk to DRC member, Sonja Kaye, about her running for the Board of Directors of Cass County Electric CO-OP, getting involved in your CO-OP and Project Tundra.Support the show (http://drcinfo.org/join-renew/)

We take a look at this weeks happenings in the ND Legislature.Support the show (http://drcinfo.org/join-renew/)

This week, DRC gets an update on HB 1115 from one of our leaders, Randy Coon. Executive Director Scott Skokos also joins to talk about a few other bills that DRC and its members are watching.Support the show (http://drcinfo.org/join-renew/)

Farmers and Ranchers in Crisis takes a personal look at the stories of North Dakota agricultural producers across the state that have been affected by multiple economic crises including the trade war with China, droughts, flooding, low commodity prices, ranching issues, COVID-19, and the subsequent fallout of all of the events combined.On this episode, we talk to Bill Hejl, a recently retired farmer that lives near Amenia, ND.Support the show (http://drcinfo.org/join-renew/)

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, DRC got the blessing from 'Right to Harm' director, Matt Wechsler, to show his documentary on-line for free with a panel featuring Matt and Dr. John Ikerd. For those that missed the panel, this podcast is the "rebroadcast" of the May 19th Panel.Support the show (http://drcinfo.org/join-renew/)

Jim Brugh and his family were excited to be moving onto some family land in 2014....then, they had to deal with an oil rig 350 yards from their home. This is his story. You can also read his story by Earthworks by Clicking Here.Support the show (http://drcinfo.org/join-renew/)

This past Friday, we talked to Don Nelson, a longtime member of DRC. He's a farmer, rancher and business owner and he talks about the state possibly bailing out oil and gas by tapping into the Legacy Fund and he talks about the tough times in agriculture in today's COVID world.Support the show (http://drcinfo.org/join-renew/)

We are over a month into the COVID-19 pandemic in North Dakota and most of the state is shut down, but, issues are still brewing for DRC members. Even though our office is closed, organizers are working from home and still taking care of business. We also have a couple of future events that will take place online for members.Support the show (http://drcinfo.org/join-renew/)

Executive Director Scott Skokos talks about how DRC is and will function during the COVID-19 pandemic and talk about some future events.Support the show (http://drcinfo.org/join-renew/)

We talk to the director of the documentary film, Right to Harm, Matt Wechsler.You’re invited a screening of the documentary film RIGHT TO HARM, hosted by the Dakota Resource Council and the Barnes County Historical Society. RIGHT TO HARM exposes the devastating public health impact factory farming has on many rural communities throughout the United States. Filmed across the country, the documentary chronicles the failures of state agencies to protect communities against the harms of industrial animal agriculture. Known formally as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations –or CAFOs –these facilities produce millions of gallons of untreated waste that destroys the quality of life for nearby neighbors. Fed up with the lack of safeguards, these citizens band together to demand justice from their legislators. At the screening, North Dakota citizens will host a Q&A session talking about how CAFOs affected their communities. The screening is free and open to the public! Please help us spread the word! For information on the film, please visit righttoharm.film The first showing will be Thursday, February 20, 2020 from 7 PM – 9 PM at the Barnes County Historical Society 315 Central Ave N, Valley City, North Dakota 58072.The second showing will be Sunday, February 23, 2020 from 2 PM – 4 PM at the Dr. James Carlson Fargo Public Library 2801 32nd Ave. S., Fargo, North Dakota 58103.Support the show (http://drcinfo.org/join-renew/)

Jim Fuglie, from The Prairie Blog (https://theprairieblog.com/), joins us today to update us on the current situation of the proposed Davis Refinery.Support the show (http://drcinfo.org/join-renew/)

We take a quick look at the upcoming year for DRC and its members....we are all going to be a busy bunch!Support the show (http://drcinfo.org/join-renew/)

On this weeks podcast, we get to talk with former ND Ag Commissioner and DRC member, Sarah Vogel. We discuss her work on the farm crisis in the 1980's and how we can integrate some of the work from the past to help farmers and their families get through tough times today.Support the show (http://drcinfo.org/join-renew/)