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, […]
Webinar Series: Data Centers Read More »
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
Gov. Walz: Protect Minnesota Families from LIHEAP Suspension Read More »
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
We all need access to clean water, and it is essential to our rural MN communities. Currently, Minnesota is in a water quality crisis due to runoff pollutants and increased erosion as a result of unregulated land management practices. But we know Minnesota can do better. CURE, as part of a coalition of nine state-based groups
Ag Drainage Should Require a Permit Read More »
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
MN PUC Greenlights Private Equity Takeover of Minnesota Power Read More »
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 »
Back in April, we reported the big news out of South Dakota that would seem to strike a fatal blow to Summit Carbon Solutions’ multi-state, 2,500+ mile CO2 pipeline network. At yet, throughout the summer, Summit lumbered on across the prairie landscape like a zombie, not quite dead yet certainly not fully alive.  Much of
What’s the deal with the Summit CO2 pipeline? Read More »
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.
