Minnesota’s “Carbon-Free Future” & the Myth of Cleaner Fossil Fuels
In October, CURE hosted a convening for environmental organizations and activists in Saint Paul entitled “Carbon Capture and Minnesota’s ‘Carbon-Free’ Future.” Joined by experts from across the country, CURE staff delved into the issues of a rapidly expanding carbon capture industry, providing insight as to the risks of an unrestrained, profit-driven expansion of carbon capture projects, and unpacking the myth of the “cleaner fossil fuel” future being offered by carbon capture proponents.
The issue of Carbon Capture is not just a theoretical one in Minnesota. CURE is entering into our third year of working on the ground and in the regulatory arena with community members who are opposed to the development of major new CO2 pipeline infrastructure in southern and west central Minnesota. And in 2024, we’ll be showing up at the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) which is in the process of defining what “carbon free” means for MN’s 2023 100% Carbon Free Energy Law. We need them to hear that Minnesota’s carbon-free future can’t rely on questionable technologies like Carbon Capture and the false promise of “cleaner fossil fuels.”
Stay tuned for how to get involved at the PUC, and in the meantime, get up to speed on these pressing issues with bite-sized but in-depth presentations from “Carbon Capture and Minnesota’s ‘Carbon-Free’ Future” HERE.
What’s in the water? Don’t hold your breath waiting for MPCA to tell you…
In November 2023, KSTP broke the story that the community of Raymond, MN had not been informed by the company or the MN Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) that carcinogenic benzene leaked due to the BNSF train derailment in March 2023. As CURE’s Anne Borgendale told KSTP, “When they do have reports saying there are findings of benzene, a cancer-causing chemical nearby, it worries people. We want MPCA to be open and transparent.”
MPCA for turning a blind eye to polluters and public health dangers, putting both rural and urban frontline communities at risk. CURE is working to increase agency accountability and transparency to restore public trust these public servants need to change course.
FWS funds released without evidence of DNR compliance
CURE has worked in coalition with groups and experts to push the DNR to stop over-logging public lands, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to cut off DNR’s funding until it protects designated wildlife areas from this destructive practice. Although FWS cut off $26 million DNR’s funding, a few months later it unblocked that money for a promise that DNR would eventually comply with laws and show how it did so. Any evidence of such compliance is still hypothetical, and the logging continues. CURE is seeking more information from FWS on how it has/hasn’t followed the law in giving out this money.
“It is not appropriate or legal to rush to undo what was a prudent hold on mismanaged federal funds.” – Hudson Kingston, CURE Legal Director
IRA Fact Sheets | Save Money & Improve your Home or Business
The Inflation Reduction Act invests in helping Minnesotans have more comfortable homes and lower utility bills through upgrades in energy efficiency, weatherization, and ownership of reliable, clean energy generation in addition to helping make everyday transportation costs more affordable. Rural Small Business owners and farmers can access expanded REAP grants and loans. Upgrade to save! LEARN MORE HERE.
Electric School Bus Rebates!
Solar on Schools | Apply Now!
The Solar on Schools grant program is now open! Schools across Minnesota have the opportunity to “Go Solar” and save money on their electricity bills—while also helping students learn more about renewable energy! Learn more about how to apply here.
No Carbon Dumping in National Forests!
The US Forest Service is proposing to change its permitting rules in order to allow carbon dumping companies (largely the oil and gas industries) to use national forests for carbon capture, carbon transportation in pipelines, and carbon injection underground.
In partnership with CBD and nearly 200 other grassroots environmental organizations, CURE submitted this comment to the agency.CURE will be watching closely for the agency’s response to the countless negative comments, and will continue urging the agency to abandon this rule change until it has fully consulted with all potentially impacted rural communities and Tribal Nations.
This is the first time the agency would ever allow *permanent* permits to occupy and use these public lands, and CURE is leading the groups pushing back against this reckless destruction of the natural landscapes we need now more than ever for real climate solutions.
CURE’s Hudson Kingston named a 2023 Minnesota Attorney of the Year
Join us in congratulating CURE’s Legal Director, Hudson Kingston, and the legal team that represented the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute against polluting industrial development in the overburdened Minneapolis community of East Phillips. The lawsuit was part of an expansive and innovative multi-year campaign that combined legal pressure tactics with strong community-led organizing, culminating in a major victory for the community this summer!
Hudson is being honored for his work on E. Phillips Neighborhood Inst. v. City of Minneapolis along with Elizabeth Royal, Miles Ringsred, Jessica L. Blome of Greenfire Law, and Jordan Hughes.
Upcoming Events:
Zero Waste Policy Action Night – Wed, January 10, 6:00-7:30pm (in-person and online)
Join the MN Zero Waste Coalition for an evening of storytelling and a deeper dive into the coalition’s policy agenda. This will be an opportunity for community members to learn more and share ideas about how to advance Minnesota’s Zero Waste future. More info and RSVP here. (And while we’re on the topic, our thanks to CURE’s Misty Butler for helping the coalition design our Brand New Logo!
The Mitchell Hamline School of Law’s Journal of Public Policy and Practice (JPPP) presents Climate Change, Public Health & the Law | February 2, 8:30am-12:30pm (online only)
CURE is sponsoring JPPP’s annual Symposium on climate change and public health, and CURE Legal Director Hudson Kingston is moderating the discussion titled: “How can communities take legal action in response to climate-change-implicated public health crises?” Representatives of overburdened communities and Tribal Nations, as well as public health legal experts, will share their experiences and answer questions posed by the audience.
More information will be available soon through the Journal’s website and their social media accounts, accessible through that link. This event is free and open to the public; lawyers should be able to obtain CLEs for attendance.
Northern Exposure: Winter EV Ride & Drive | Feb 3, 1:30pm-4:30pm (in-person only)
Minnesota winters, rural roads, and electric vehicles are made for each other and will be showcased at the Ely EV Ride & Drive Event on Saturday, February 3, 1-4pm as part of Ely’s Winter Fest! Learn more here.
This free in-person event will allow folks to test-drive new EVs in winter conditions during Ely’s annual winter extravaganza. Come see the area’s newest and fastest charging stations, experience first-hand how safe and reliable electric vehicles perform in the winter, meet with local electric vehicle owners to hear about their experiences navigating rural roads, and learn about utility programs that reduce the cost of electric vehicle ownership.
**A valid driver’s license is required for anyone seeking to test drive vehicles.
