Anne Borgendale

minnesota state capitol superimposed over the state flag

2026 Minnesota Legislative Preview

CURE News

We’re in the second year of the 2025-2026 Biennium, and while there’s a lot of public momentum for decisive action on many issues, what the legislature ultimately achieves remains to be seen. CURE remains steadfast in our mission to advocate for rural communities and their vital interests at the state legislature.  Here are CURE’s top policy priorities for the 2026 Session:   Demanding Responsible Data Center Development  […]

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ICE Out of MN - Day of Truth & Freedom - Friday, January 23

Day of Truth and Freedom

People & Communities

CURE is pausing our normal order of business on Friday, January 23rd, and we want to share why.    ICE’s dangerous operations have surged across Minnesota. Federal agents are inciting fear and violence and putting our families and neighbors at risk. Last year, 32 people died in ICE custody. And on January 7th, ICE agent Jonathan

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PUC hearing on MN Power sale in October 2025.

CURE petitions for reconsideration of Minnesota Power private equity takeover 

CURE Press Releases, Energy & Innovation Press Releases

Revelations about undisclosed data center project in utility’s territory raises community concerns  On December 30, 2025, CURE formally petitioned the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to reassess its approval of the sale of ALLETE, the parent company of Minnesota Power, to two private equity investors—the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP) and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP/BackRock), a subsidiary of BlackRock, the world’s

CURE petitions for reconsideration of Minnesota Power private equity takeover  Read More »

Webinar series: Data Centers – The 800 Megawatt Gorilla in the Room

CURE News, Energy & Innovation Press Releases

Hyperscale data centers are a major concern for Minnesotans across the state. Whether or not a hyperscale data center is proposed for your community, people still have questions and concerns. CURE’s upcoming webinar series will help you get up to speed on key issues, including Nondisclosure Agreements (NDAs), energy, water, environmental review, community benefit agreements,

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Gov. Walz: Protect Minnesota Families from LIHEAP Suspension

Energy & Innovation, People & Communities

Winter is setting in across Minnesota.  At the same time, thousands of Minnesotans are at risk of not being able to afford to keep the heat on because the federal government shutdown has halted funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  A CURE-led coalition of 18 organizations from around Minnesota, have sent

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Small red house in the woods with lots of snow

CURE-led coalition calls on Gov. Walz to shield Minnesotans from harms of LIHEAP suspension

CURE News, People & Communities Press Releases

Today, eighteen organizations from across Minnesota that advocate for equity and justice in our energy system sent a letter to the administration of Governor Walz asking it to take action to protect the tens of thousands of Minnesotan households who will be severely impacted by the suspension of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Normally, LIHEAP funds would be distributed to

CURE-led coalition calls on Gov. Walz to shield Minnesotans from harms of LIHEAP suspension Read More »

MN PUC Greenlights Private Equity Takeover of Minnesota Power

Energy & Innovation Press Releases

Today, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) unanimously approved the sale of ALLETE, the parent company of Minnesota Power, to two private equity investors, the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP) and Global Infrastructure Partners, a subsidiary of BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager. This decision concludes a lengthy regulatory, legal, and public battle which

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Erik Hatlestad honored for vital work on rural clean energy & electric co-ops 

CURE Press Releases, Energy & Innovation Press Releases

Last week, CURE’s Director of Rural Cooperative Energy, Erik Hatlestad, was named to the 2025 Grist50 list for his work on rural clean energy and electric cooperatives. This honor reflects Erik’s efforts helping design and pass the New ERA program that provides the largest investment in rural electrification in U.S. history. New ERA funding enables

Erik Hatlestad honored for vital work on rural clean energy & electric co-ops  Read More »

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Kelsey Olson

Kelsey Olson

Director of Environmental Stewardship

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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 Minnesota Swedish Institute. Kelsey enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, whether this is canning local produce, making kombucha, or other treats!