Organizations
The following organizations are working on coal bed methane issues.
List arranged by state and province.
ALASKA
Alaska Center for the Environment, Anchorage OGN MEMBER
907-274-3621 / http://www.akcenter.org
Alaska Center for the Environment (ACE) is a home-grown citizens group working for the sensible stewardship of Alaska's natural environment. With 7,000 dues-paying members from around the state, ACE is a voice for public lands conservation, clean air, clean water, and livable places.
Cook Inletkeeper, Homer
907-235-4068 / http://www.inletkeeper.org
Cook Inletkeeper is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the vast Cook Inlet watershed and the life it sustains. Inletkeeper's programs unite individuals and groups through water quality monitoring, environmental education, and effective advocacy, to give citizens the tools they need to promote clean water in the 47,000-square-mile Cook Inlet watershed.
Denali Citizens Council, Denali Park
907-683-3396 / http://www.denalicitizens.org
Denali Citizens Council works to promote the integrity of Denali National Park and Preserve by supporting the ecological and wilderness values for which the Park was established and by fostering responsible planning in the greater Denali community.
Friends of Mat-Su, Palmer
907-746-0130 / http://www.foms.net
Friends of Mat-Su is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education and information on land use planning to promote responsible development in the Mat-Su valley.
Northern Alaska Environmental Center, Fairbanks
907-452-5021 / http://www.northern.org/artman/publish/coalBed.shtml
The Northern Alaska Environmental Center promotes conservation of the environment interior and Arctic Alaska through advocacy, education, and sustainable resource stewardship.
REDOIL Network, Fairbanks
907-750-0188 / redoil1@acsalaska.net
The REDOIL Network (Resisting Environmental Destruction on Indigenous Lands), consists of grassroots Alaska natives of the Inupiat, Yupik, Aleut, Tlingit, Gwich'in, Eyak and Denaiana Athabascan tribes who have formed a network to address the human and ecological health impacts of the unsustainable development practices of the fossil fuel industry in Alaska. The REDOIL Network strongly supports self-determination rights of tribes in Alaska as well as a just transition from fossil fuel development, and promotes the implementation of sustainable development on or near Indigenous lands. The REDOIL Network is a project of the Indigenous Environmental Network.
ARIZONA
Native Movement, Flagstaff
928-213-9063 / http://www.nativemovement.org/
Native Movement is dedicated to healing relations between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples as well as between human beings and mother earth. Native Movement works to implement projects that support the transition to sustainable and healthy livelihoods while helping to protect sacred sites and raise awareness about related issues.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Citizens Concerned about Coal Bed Methane, Fernie
http://cccbm.org
Citizens Concerned about Coal Bed Methane consists of many citizens and citizens groups that share a common concern about the development of coal bed methane mining in the East Kootenays of British Columbia, Canada.
Dogwood Initiative, Victoria
250-370-9930 / http://staging3.onenw.org/DogwoodInitiative
Dogwood Initiative helps British Columbians exercise local control to create healthy and prosperous communities.
Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition
http://www.skeenawatershed.com/projects/sacredheadwaters/
Royal Dutch Shell holds the development tenure for a large coalbed methane deposit in the Sacred Headwaters area (Klappan). The company obtained these rights in 2003, and to date has drilled three exploratory wells to assess the extent of the gas deposit. In 2006, Shell canceled its drilling program in the face of extensive Tahltan opposition. The Skeena Coalition is playing a central role.
West Coast Environmental Law
604-684-7378 / http://www.wcel.org
West Coast Environmental Law is BC's legal
champion for the environment. Through legal
advice, education and advocacy, West Coast
provides citizens and organizations with the
knowledge, tools and innovative solutions needed
to protect our environment and build
sustainability locally, nationally and
internationally.
Wildsight, Kimberley
250-427-9325 / http://www.wildsight.ca/
Wildsight works to maintain biodiversity and healthy human communities in Canada's Columbia and Rocky Mountains ecoregion.
COLORADO
East of Huajatolla Citizens Alliance
719-941-4740 / http://www.ehcitizens.org/cbmgas/index.htm
East of Huajatolla Citizens Alliance (EHCA) is a concerned citizens group focusing on coal bed methane development in Southern Colorado, including the Raton Basin, which encompasses parts of Huerfano and Las Animas Counties in Colorado, and Colfax County in New Mexico. EHCA is particularly interested in the central part of the basin east of the Spanish Peaks, also known by its native name, the Huajatolla.
Oil and Gas Accountability Project, Durango
970-259-3353 / http://www.ogap.org
The mission of the Oil and Gas Accountability Project (OGAP) is to work with tribal, urban and rural communities to protect their homes and the environment from the devastating impacts of oil and gas development. OGAP coordinates two main program areas: Public Health and Toxics, and Regulatory and Governmental Reform. OGAP maintains a second office in Bozeman, Montana.
San Juan Citizens Alliance, Durango
970-259-3583 / http://www.sanjuancitizens.org
The San Juan Citizens Alliance (SJCA) organizes for the land and people of the San Juan Basin. The SJCA's major priorities include protecting wildlife and wildlands, advocating greater corporate and governmental responsibility in development of oil and gas resources, protecting and restoring rivers, and promoting basic civil rights and civil liberties for all residents.
Western Colorado Congress, Grand Junction
970-256-7650 / http://www.wccongress.org
Western Colorado Congress (WCC) is a grassroots democratic organization dedicated to challenging injustice by organizing people to increase their power over decisions that affect their lives. WCC's community groups and members work together to create healthy, sustainable communities, social and economic justice, environmental stewardship and a truly democratic society.
Western Slope Environmental Resource Council, Paonia OGN MEMBER
970-527-5307 / http://www.wserc.org
Western Slope Environmental Resource Council's long-term goals are to protect, preserve and enhance local natural and human resources, and to build alliances and a shared community vision to safeguard and respect our environmental resources.
MINNESOTA
Indigenous Environmental Network, Bemidji
218-751-4967 / http://www.ienearth.org
The Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN) is comprised of indigenous peoples empowering indigenous nations and communities toward sustainable livelihoods, demanding environmental justice and maintaining the "Sacred Fire" of native traditions.
MONTANA
Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Bozeman
406-586-1593 / http://www.greateryellowstone.org
Greater Yellowstone Coalition (GYC) was founded in 1983 on the premise that an ecosystem will remain healthy and wild only if it is kept whole. GYC engages in a wide variety of efforts to improve land management in the region, with the goal to preserve and protect the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the unique quality of life it sustains.
Native Action, Lame Deer
406-477-6390 / gsmall@rangeweb.net
Native Action is a 22-year-old, nationally renowned grassroots Native American organization based on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in southeastern Montana. Native Action is dedicated to fighting the environmental injustices of energy development on tribal lands, coordinating a statewide nonpartisan Indian voter empowerment project, and confronting anti-Indian racism in federal, state, and local government. Native Action seeks to stem the overall damage of energy development to the environment and the people of the Northern Cheyenne, including coal bed methane development, coal strip mining, and coal-fired power plants.
Northern Plains Resource Council, Billings
406-248-1154 / http://www.northernplains.org
Northern Plains Resource Council (NPRC) organizes Montana citizens to protect their water quality, family farms and ranches, and unique quality of life. NPRC is a grassroots conservation and family agriculture organization working with local individuals and groups to protect the Northern Plains through trainings, workshops and events.
Oil and Gas Accountability Project, Bozeman
406-587-4473 / jennifergoldman@ogap.org
The mission of the Oil and Gas Accountability Project (OGAP) is to work with tribal, urban and rural communities to protect their homes and the environment from the devastating impacts of oil and gas development. OGAP coordinates two main program areas: Public Health and Toxics, and Regulatory and Governmental Reform. OGAP's primary offices are located in Durango, Colorado.
Western Organization of Resource Councils, Billings
406-252-9672 / http://www.worc.org
Western Organization of Resource Councils (WORC) is a regional network of seven grassroots community organizations that include 9,500 members and 45 local chapters. WORC's mission is to advance the vision of a democratic, sustainable, and just society through community action. WORC is committed to building sustainable environmental and economic communities that balance economic growth with the health of people and stewardship of their land, water, and air resources.
NEW MEXICO
Amigos Bravos: Friends of the Wild Rivers OGN MEMBER
505-758-3874 / http://www.amigosbravos.org
Founded in 1988, Amigos Bravos is a nonprofit river advocacy group in New Mexico dedicated to preserving both the ecological and cultural richness of the Rio Grande watershed. The mission of Amigos Bravos is to return New Mexico's rivers and the Rio Grande watershed to drinkable quality wherever possible, and to swimmable quality everywhere else; to see that natural flows are maintained, regulated and protected; and to preserve and restore the native riparian and riverine biodiversity.
Coalition for Otero Mesa
505-843-8696 / http://www.oteromesa.org
The Greater Otero Mesa Area contains over 520,000 acres suitable for wilderness designation. However, if opened to full-scale oil and gas production as has been proposed, the wilderness and its wildlife may be lost forever. In recent months, a coalition of local businesses, sportsman and conservation groups have joined forces to help protect this part of New Mexico's conservation heritage.
Coalition for the Valle Vidal, Taos OGN MEMBER
505-758-3874 / http://www.vallevidal.org
The Valle Vidal is a lush mountain basin located in the heart of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northern New Mexico, and is managed by the Carson National Forest, which is under heavy pressure from the current Administration's Energy Task Force and the oil and gas industry to "fast track" the opening of the Valle Vidal for energy development. The Coalition for the Valle Vidal is made up of sportsmen, ranchers, outfitters and guides, local businesses, concerned citizens, outdoor enthusiasts and conservation groups united in opposition to developing the Valle Vidal for coal bed methane.
New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, Albuquerque OGN MEMBER
505-843-8696 / http://www.nmwild.org
Founded in 1997, the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance (NMWA) is a grassroots environmental organization dedicated to the protection, restoration, and continued enjoyment of New Mexico's wildlands and wilderness areas. NMWA's primary goal is to ensure the protection and restoration of all remaining wildlands in New Mexico through administrative designations, federal wilderness designation, and ongoing advocacy.
New Mexico Wildlife Federation, Albuquerque
505-299-5404 / http://www.nmwildlife.org
The New Mexico Wildlife Federation is a practical and solutions-oriented conservation organization dedicated to finding common ground with landowners and land management agencies to promote win-win solutions that benefit the average outdoor enthusiast and help wildlife thrive.
Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter, Albuquerque
505-243-7767 / http://www.sierraclub.org/community/newmexico
The Sierra Club has launched a campaign to mobilize New Mexico citizens to demand that the Carson Forest Service and the oil and gas industry preserve the Valle Vidal and other public lands in New Mexico from natural gas leasing, industrial development and future mineral extraction.
Southwest Environmental Center, Las Cruces
505-522-5552 / http://www.wildmesquite.org/otero.htm
The Southwest Environmental Center is dedicated to protecting and restoring the unique natural heritage of the Southwestern borderlands.
Western Environmental Law Center, Taos OGN MEMBER
505-751-0351 / http://www.westernlaw.org
The Western Environmental Law Center (WELC) is a nonprofit, public interest law firm dedicated to protecting the land, sky, water, wildlife and culture of the West. WELC grew out of the Environmental Law Clinic at the University of Oregon and is headquartered in Eugene. It now also has offices in Taos, New Mexico and Durango, Colorado.
NEW YORK
Natural Resources Defense Council, New York
212-727-2700 / http://www.nrdc.org
The Natural Resources Defense Council's (NRDC) purpose is to safeguard the Earth: its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. NRDC uses law, science and the support of members and online activists to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places, and to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all living things.
NORTH DAKOTA
Dakota Resource Council, Dickinson
701-483-2851 / http://www.drcinfo.com
The Dakota Resource Council (DRC) was formed in 1978 to protect North Dakota's land, air, water, rural communities and agricultural economy. DRC works toward the preservation of family farms, enforcement of corporate farming laws, soil and water conservation, regulation of coal mining and oil and gas development, protection of groundwater and clean air, renewable energy, and sound management of solid and toxic wastes.
PENNSYLVANIA
Allegheny Defense Project, Clarion
814-223-4996 / http://www.alleghenydefense.org
The Allegheny Defense Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of forest communities and diversification of the economies of the Allegheny bioregion.
Mountain Watershed Association, Melcroft OGN MEMBER
724-455-4200 / http://www.mtwatershed.com
The major purposes of MWA are to bring about remediation of the numerous abandoned mine discharges resulting from over 125 years of mining in the Indian Creek Watershed, to develop community awareness, to promote cooperative community efforts for remediation, and to encourage sound environmental practices.
SOUTH DAKOTA
Dakota Rural Action, Brookings
605-697-5204 / http://www.dakotarural.org
Dakota Rural Action (DRA) strives to build grassroots leadership through community organizing by giving people a strong voice in decisions affecting their quality of life. In keeping with this mission, DRA is structured and operates as a grassroots membership organization of family farmers, ranchers, workers, educators, church and small business people who are dedicated to social and economic justice for South Dakota.
UTAH
Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, Salt Lake City OGN MEMBER
801-486-3161 / http://www.suwa.org
The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) builds strong and lasting public support for wilderness preservation by focusing its attention on grassroots activists and public outreach campaigns. SUWA has worked for twenty years to build personal relationships and empower the citizens who love Utah's wild lands. SUWA supports the Redrock Wilderness Act and works to defeat anti-wilderness proposals.
WASHINGTON, DC
Earthworks
202-887-1872 / http://www.earthworksaction.org
Earthworks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting communities and the environment from the destructive impacts of mineral development in the U.S. and worldwide. Earthworks assists communities and grassroots groups in reforming government policies, improving corporate practices, influencing investment decisions, encouraging responsible materials sourcing and consumption, and exposing the full environmental and social impacts of mining through work informed by sound science.
The Wilderness Society
1-800-THE-WILD / http://www.wilderness.org
The Wilderness Society has worked to protect America's Wilderness since 1935 through the combination of science, advocacy and education. The Society's programs include protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil and gas drilling, staving off logging and road building on 58 million acres of roadless lands, curbing the abuse of American lands by off-road vehicle users, and protecting wild places within the lower 48 states from rampant oil development.
Environmental Working Group
202-667-6982 / http://www.ewg.org/oil_and_gas/
Environmental investigations have been our specialty at the Environmental Working Group
since 1993. Our team of scientists, engineers,
policy experts, lawyers and computer programmers
pores over government data, legal documents,
scientific studies and our own laboratory tests
to expose threats to your health and the
environment, and to find solutions.
WYOMING
Biodiversity Conservation Alliance, Laramie
307-742-7978 / http://www.voiceforthewild.org/
The mission of the Biodiversity Conservation Alliance (BCA) is to protect and restore biological diversity, habitat for wildlife and fish, rare plants, and roadless lands in Wyoming and surrounding states. BCA's focus is on entire ecosystems and on individual species, particularly those in need of immediate conservation help but which lack a constituency and high public profile.
Clark Resource Council, Powell
http://www.clarkresourcecouncil.org
The Clark Resource Council (CRC) was formed in 2004 in response to threats to the Clark area from the oil and gas industry. CRC's goal is to alert citizens of any threats to the natural treasures of the Eastern Front of the Beartooth Mountains. CRC is dedicated to preserving the natural splendor, wildlife, recreational opportunities and quality of life on the Beartooth Front.
Powder River Basin Resource Council, Sheridan
307-672-5809 / http://www.powderriverbasin.org/
Powder River Basin Resource Council (PRBRC) stands for the preservation and enrichment of regional agricultural heritage and rural lifestyles, and the conservation of unique land, mineral, water and clean air in a manner consistent with responsible use of these resources to sustain the livelihood of present and future generations. PRBRC also supports the education and empowerment of citizens to raise a coherent voice in the decisions that will impact Wyoming residents' environment and lifestyle.
Upper Green River Valley Coalition, Pinedale
307-367-3670 / http://www.uppergreen.org/
The Upper Green River Valley Coalition (UGRVC) is a group of citizens, sportsmen, businesses and conservation organizations dedicated to responsible, sustainable management of the wildlife, waters and air quality of Wyoming's Upper Green River Valley. This vital portion of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is under intense pressure from the oil and gas industry. UGRVCÕs mission is therefore to ensure that energy extraction is balanced with the valley's supreme natural values.
Wyoming Outdoor Council, Lander
307-332-7031 / http://www.wyomingoutdoorcouncil.org
The Wyoming Outdoor Council (WOC) is Wyoming's largest statewide conservation organization and a leading advocate for natural resources conservation and environmental protection. WOC works to safeguard the state's national parks, protected areas, and other public lands, as well as its wildlife, blue-ribbon fisheries and enviable air and water quality by promoting sound natural resource policies.