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, victo...

Dakota Resource Council podcast is a weekly update with organization news, events and member profiles. Formed in 1978, Dakota Resource Council grew out of existing organizing efforts responding to impacts from coal development. Each year brings new threats to our members and their communities. Local residents often have to play defense when it comes to rapid energy and agriculture policies and infrastructure. But – they have power when they come together as a community.Responsible development requires local short-term and long-term concerns from constituents to be taken into account when decisions are being made. We owe it to our neighbors, our communities, and our future generations to protect our state’s resources and local voices.DRC works with communities across the state to organize around common goals of securing a thriving North Dakota and putting people first. Members take action to create public awareness and shape public policy to ensure safe and responsible development, to protect North Dakota’s agricultural economy, and to establish a foundation for a just transition to a diverse energy economy.