Carbon County Resource Council
Leaders
Chair & Northern Plains Board Representative
Susann BeugVice-Chair
Tom TschidaSecretary
Julie HolzerTreasurer
Necia DeGrootNorthern Plains Board Representative
Bill DeGroot
Becky GreyNorthern Plains field organizer
Sydney Ausen, (406) 248-1154
Carbon County Resource Council
About us
Students installing solar panels on Gardiner School
Carbon County Resource Council, based in Red Lodge, Montana, is a group of concerned citizens advocating responsible use of resources and finding solutions to problems that affect our unique quality of life since 1997.
Issues
Oil and Gas
Currently, Carbon County Resource Council (CCRC) is working hard to protect Carbon County residents and their water. The Energy Corporation of America (ECA), a company from Pennsylvania had big plans to start drilling for oil along the Beartooth and Bighorn mountains: Click here to see the article from the Billings Gazette.
In May 2014, ECA began drilling an exploratory well outside of Belfry, Montan
a, in the middle of active farms and ranches. We have worked in the legislature and with the County Commissioners to get baseline water testing, setback limits, and other safety measures in place for surrounding landowners with limited success.
We are continuing to work with local decision makers to ensure protections are in place for local residents and their water and soil. We will also continue to work with the Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to get appropriate reforms for landowners and residents.
Clean Energy
Solar Panels at Red Lodge Wastewater Plant
CCRC is working to promote clean energy in Carbon County. Not only did we succeed in getting the City of Red Lodge to agree to the Mayor’s Climate Commitment, we successfully got a solar array installed at the second-largest user of energy in the city: the wastewater treatment facility. We are currently reforming our solar committees, so let us know if you’d like to be part!
Events
The Sustainability Revolution Tour will be Saturday, September 19th
CCRC is hosting the first Sustainability Revolution Tour in Red Lodge on Saturday, September 19. We will begin at 1:00pm at the Yodeler Hotel, one of the oldest buildings in Red Lodge, followed by a tour of the LEED certified Boys and Girls Club, and then Café Regis for a sustainable meal. Buy tickets online for only $25.
CCRC will also be a part of the annual Red Lodge Fun Run for Charities. Make sure to find us at the finishing line and say hi!
CCRC generally meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 6:30 at the Red Lodge Area Community Foundation.
Please visit our events calendar for other Northern Plains and affiliates events and meetings.
History
CCRC was formed in 1997 by citizens concerned about an airport expansion. Working hard to protect the unique quality of life in Red Lodge, CCRC has ensured smart growth in town to maintain the character and lifestyles in Carbon County.
CCRC has helped county residents develop solutions to problems that affect our quality of life, including:
- Getting baseline water testing on wells surrounding nearby oil and gas development;
- Securing a public survey and countywide vote on a proposed airport for Red Lodge;
- Working with county officials to expand recycling opportunities in Carbon County;
- Monitoring development projects in the county to ensure compliance with local growth policies and other state and federal natural resource protection laws;
- Testifying before the Montana Legislature for a variety of successful bills to protect Montana’s natural resources and preserve the viability of Montana’s family farms and ranches;
- Working with the Climate Protection Group to develop strategy and mobilize citizens, to encourage the Red Lodge City Council to soundly invest in the region’s largest solar panel array;
- Mobilizing citizens and landowners to compel a gravel pit operator to cut their plans to dewater the West Bench aquifer by three-fourths, as well as educating surrounding landowners on how to protect their water quantity, quality, and rights.
- Monitoring water quantity and the safeguards in place to prevent drought in Carbon County, and requesting a drought committee in the City’s Growth Plan.