September Partner Highlight: Fort Berthold POWER
To read more about the region-wide work of our partners, check out our September newsletter. This month’s partner highlight features Fort Berthold Protectors of Water and Earth Rights (POWER), who are leading the charge for tribal environmental justice.
Rep. Lisa Finley-DeVille, Vice President and Co-founder of Fort Berthold POWER, pictured with her husband Walter DeVille, meet with Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. Through public awareness campaigns, they are calling for stricter federal rules around flaring
Fort Berthold Protectors of Water and Earth Rights (POWER) is dedicated to ensuring that the voices of tribal communities are heard in the fight against climate change and pollution. Through public awareness campaigns, such as the statewide ads calling on President Biden to strengthen federal rules on flaring, and continued advocacy for stricter EPA and BLM regulations, Fort Berthold POWER is leading the charge for environmental justice on tribal lands.
After witnessing a decade of devastation brought to their community by the Bakken fracking boom, Rep. Lisa Finley-DeVille (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation) and a coalition of Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation tribal members co-founded Fort Berthold POWER in 2015. They have been committed to fighting for environmental protection, sustainability, and the health and wellbeing of their community through grassroots organizing, federal regulations, and championing local adoption of renewable energy sources and air quality standards.
Fort Berthold POWER recently achieved a landmark victory with the historic $242 million settlement with Marathon Oil, holding the company accountable for Clean Air Act violations on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. The settlement, which includes a $64.5 million fine, is the largest ever imposed for such violations at stationary sources. Marathon is now required to invest $177 million to reduce harmful emissions, potentially cutting over 2.25 million tons of carbon dioxide, a reduction equivalent to taking nearly 500,000 cars off the road.
Fort Berthold POWER members speak with U.S. EPA Administrator Michael Regan
This achievement is the result of years of advocacy, particularly by Fort Berthold POWER co-founder Lisa Finley-DeVille, who also serves as the state representative for Mandaree. In recent years, Lisa and Fort Berthold POWER members have met with key figures, including Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, to demand stronger regulations on oil and gas pollution. The Marathon settlement is a turning point, offering hope for a cleaner, healthier future for the residents of Fort Berthold.
A milestone in this journey came in June 2021, when Dakota Resource Council, Fort Berthold POWER, Badlands Conservation Alliance, North Dakota Wildlife Federation, and State Senator Tim Mathern hosted a listening session with U.S. EPA Administrator Michael Regan. During this session, they discussed crucial issues such as CAFO pollution, clean water and air, curbing methane emissions from oil and gas, clean energy, and tribal concerns. This event strengthened relationships with the EPA, marking a critical step toward improving North Dakota's environment.
POWER member Delvin Rabbit Head, Sr. installing an air monitor at home on the Ft. Berthold Reservation. A public dashboard created by Fort Berthold POWER allows residents to monitor air quality data
Beyond the courtroom, Fort Berthold POWER has taken proactive measures to monitor and combat environmental threats. In June 2023, the organization installed air quality monitors across the reservation, thanks to the efforts of Dakota Resource Council and funding from the REAMP Network. These monitors are providing crucial real-time data on pollutants, helping to track and address the health impacts of methane flaring. A public dashboard, accessible via JustAir, now allows residents to see the air quality data and stay informed about the environment they live in. This community-driven project is a testament to the power of collaboration and grassroots leadership in tackling environmental challenges.
Fort Berthold POWER has been pivotal in securing national standards of protection against harmful methane emissions from gas and oil industries, increasing tribal involvement in environmental policy assessments, and equipping tribal community members with powerful tools to ensure their health when it comes to air quality in and around the reservation.