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Prairie Watchdogs Podcast

Prairie Watchdogs Podcast

By: DRC
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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.

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Episodes
  • Grassroots in Mercer County: Unpacking the Reality of Hyperscale Data Centers

    Grassroots in Mercer County: Unpacking the Reality of Hyperscale Data Centers
    Aug 18 2026

    In this episode, DRC Rural Energy and Data Center Organizer Ishauna Jacobberger sits down with Mercer County resident and retired educator Linette Irwin to discuss the massive data center developments proposed in central North Dakota.

    Linette shares how she and a dedicated group of neighbors formed Mercer County Concerned Citizens to dig into public records, map lease options, and uncover the true scale of proposed projects in their backyard. Together, they talk through the reality of 1.7-gigawatt facilities, the pressure on local farmland and infrastructure, the ongoing fight for meaningful zoning setbacks, and what it takes to build grassroots power across rural communities.

    Whether you are navigating new energy developments in your own county or looking to get involved at the local level, Linette offers practical insights on finding your voice, showing up to public meetings, and protecting the rural way of life for the next generation.

    Dakota Resource Council

    drcinfo.org

    info@drcinfo.org

    (701) 224-8587

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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • 103: DRC's Mission & Impact (Scott Skokos Interview)

    103: DRC's Mission & Impact (Scott Skokos Interview)
    Feb 19 2025

    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!

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    26 mins
  • 102: Empowering Native Voices (Nicole Donaghy Interview)

    102: Empowering Native Voices (Nicole Donaghy Interview)
    Feb 19 2025

    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!

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    16 mins
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