Talking Big, Moving Slow: A Mid‑Session Legislative Check

minnesota state capitol superimposed over the state flag

This week, Legislators returned from their spring break, marking the unofficial start to the second half of the session. First and second deadlines—the day by which a bill is supposed to be through its necessary committees—have passed, and attention will start turning to fiscal priorities and omnibus bills.  

Check out our Legislative Preview for more information!  

Here’s how CURE’s top policy priorities for the 2026 Session are faring so far:  

Demanding Responsible Data Center Development 

CURE has been advocating for the following data center bills:  

  • S.F. 4298/H.F. 4888: Temporary moratorium on all hyperscale data center development and report on potential impacts
  • S.F. 3968/H.F. 2928: Establish a data center-specific permit and require all hyperscale data centers to undergo an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), bring their own clean energy from the start, and make investments in grid resilience.
  • S.F. 3852/H.F. 3793: Create an independent water appropriation permit and enforceable water use and efficiency requirements
  • S.F. 4203/H.F. 4173: Eliminate the existing sales tax exemption for qualified large-scale data centers.  

The bills concerning large water users and NDA restrictions have received hearings in their respective committees. We are encouraged by the robust discussions around the large water user bill and the bipartisan support for the NDA bill. Still, each of these bills deserves to be heard, and we are concerned with the lack of engagement from leadership in both bodies and across the political spectrum on many of these issues.

The legislature’s work on data centers is not finished. These bills would allow Minnesota to chart its own course when it comes to hyperscale data centers.

Have more questions? Check out our webinar series!  

Promoting Better Pipeline Planning  

The Consumer Demand Forecast bill (S.F.4554/H.F.4377) received a favorable hearing from the House Energy Committee and has been laid over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill. Listen to CURE’s Senior Organizer, Andy Pearson, provide testimony in support of the bill here!

CURE continues to support the Landowner Choice bill (H.F. 1073/S.F. 733) and remains hopeful that the bill will be discussed in future committee hearings.

Defending Bedrock Laws 

While several bills have been introduced that attempt to weaken Minnesota’s 100% carbon-free by 2040 law, net metering, and environmental review, they have so far failed to gain traction. CURE will continue to speak out against detrimental bills and ensure our laws remain strong.

Supporting Zero Waste Initiatives  

CURE is a member of the Minnesota Zero Waste Coalition and strongly supports the policies put forward by that coalition, including S.F.1690/H.F.1426, which would establish a system for recycling electronic waste and batteries. The bill received hearings in the House and Senate and was laid over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill. We look forward to continued discussions and hearings about this and other zero-waste bills.

The 2026 Legislative Session ends on May 18. Stay up to date with the latest information about these and other issues by following CURE on social media and subscribing to our emails.

By Sarah Mooradian, Government Relations & Policy Director 

What’s on your mind? Let us know! 

Scroll to Top

⚠️ Action Alert: Pause Hyperscale Data Centers in MN

See How

Commit to Caucus with CURE

See How
Kelsey Olson

Kelsey Olson

Director of Environmental Stewardship

Envelope Linkedin

Kelsey Olson (she/her) joined CURE in 2025 as its Director of Environmental Stewardship. As a skilled environmental naturalist, Kelsey’s work focuses broadly on environmental education and advocacy with a keen focus on rural land use and how that use impacts our environment and climate. Working Lands, how land is used to support agriculture and forestry, is a key focus of her work. She brings 15 years’ experience in public communication, environmental education, and rural community engagement – strong communication strategies are core in her work. This includes two terms of service with AmeriCorps in the VISTA program in Oregon and Maryland and a nearly 10-year career as a naturalist followed. She recently worked on communications and marketing for rural economic development.

Kelsey lives in New London, MN, with her young children, husband, dog, and two cats. They enjoy spending time together outside and finding small treasures in nature. Visits to Minneapolis often include visits to one of their favorite historical museums, the American Swedish Institute. Kelsey enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, canning local produce, and making kombucha.