As we’re nearing the end of the first quarter of 2022, we wanted to let you know about some of the exciting work we’ve been doing here at CURE and the news stories we’ve been generating. Of course, we can’t do this work without the support of our members like you.
There’s been a lot of attention in the media about Great River Energy’s sale of its Coal Creek Station to Rainbow Energy, and rightfully so—it’s a bad deal for Rural Electric Co-op members and for GRE’s own climate goals. CURE mobilized hundreds of co-op members to come out to oppose the sale and this Washington Post article noted our skepticism regarding Rainbow’s claim that they’re going to install carbon capture tech at the facility. Meanwhile, we’re continuing to work with our allies at Connexus Energy and other forward-looking electric co-ops that are showing that the transition to real renewable energy is the right path into the future for both rate-payers and the climate.
This month, we also had an original commentary piece in the West Central Tribune about our newest area of work: fighting the development of (at least) two new CO2 pipelines in Southwest and West Central Minnesota. In November, many CURE members and allies signed our Citizens Petitions to the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board. This petition demanded that state agencies better regulate these projects and conduct a real environmental assessment. You can read about the state of Minnesota’s regulation around CO2 pipelines in this Star Tribune article that quoted CURE’s submission to the Public Utilities Commission.
CURE was also quoted in Agweek twice. In the first article, we talked about the information deficit around these projects and how farmers, landowners, and all communities in the path of these pipelines need an ally if we’re going to stand up against these risky projects. In the second piece, CURE’s Director of Programs, Peg Furshong, highlighted the need for a different type of negotiation with pipeline companies.
As we head into spring, keep your eyes open for more stories about the legal battle over Limbo Creek. This case is headed to the MN Supreme Court in April. CURE is a co-litigant in this fight which will have huge implications for the fate of our public waters across all of Minnesota now and for future generations.
On March 10th, our friends at MN350 hosted Bus Back Better Symposium——talking about why electrifying our school bus fleet is the next crucial step in cleaning up our transportation system. As a member of the Coalition for Clean Transportation, CURE has been working to make sure that our rural communities share in the benefits that will come with more investment and resources for electric vehicles.
Finally, don’t miss this fun and informative read about “The Guardians of the Minnesota River Valley” — bald eagles.
