CURE News

water tower overlaid with industrial image

No More Piggyback Rides: The Loophole That Lets Big Water Users Avoid Accountability 

CURE News, Energy & Innovation, Land & Water

A loophole called “piggybacking” lets large industrial water users rely on municipal permits instead of getting their own, shifting liability and consequences onto local communities. Hyperscale data centers are the latest industry trying this maneuver. As Elko New Market shows, the impacts don’t go away—someone else just gets stuck paying the price. 

No More Piggyback Rides: The Loophole That Lets Big Water Users Avoid Accountability  Read More »

No pipeline near the Pipestone National Monument

Action Alert, CURE News, People & Communities

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is currently accepting public comments on the Magellan / ONEOK Pipestone pipeline project (PUC Docket No. IP-7109/PPL-23-109), a proposed reroute of an 8-inch diameter gasoline and refined petroleum products pipeline that has been shut off since 2022. The reroute skirts the Pipestone National Monument, a site of importance to

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minnesota state capitol superimposed over the state flag

They Didn’t Get It Done. We’re Just Getting Started.

CURE News, Energy & Innovation, People & Communities

2026 Minnesota Legislative Session Review Minnesota Legislators just wrapped up the session, marking the end of an at-times contentious 2025-2026 biennium. Despite strong efforts from advocates, the legislature was ultimately unable to come to agreement on almost any energy and environmental proposals. “If we don’t fight hard enough for the things we stand for, at

They Didn’t Get It Done. We’re Just Getting Started. Read More »

marcell experimental forest

Only You Can Prevent the U.S. Forest Service Reorganization Dumpster Fire 

Action Alert, CURE News, Land & Water

In late March, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a plan to reorganize the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). The proposal would shut down research labs, break the Forest Service into a disjointed state‑by‑state system, and move its headquarters to Utah — far away from Congressional oversight and other science-based agencies it’s supposed to work with.

Only You Can Prevent the U.S. Forest Service Reorganization Dumpster Fire  Read More »

holstein cows in a barn

“How Big Is Too Big?” Minnesotans Demand Environmental Review of Mega Dairy 

CURE News, CURE Press Releases, Land & Water Press Releases

Community encouraged to attend MPCA Public Hearing in Morris on April 28   The push to “get big or get out” in farming has left its mark on rural Minnesota. In the last two years alone, 1,300 farms have gone out of business across the state, while large corporate operations have continued to expand. Now, Riverview LLP, one of

“How Big Is Too Big?” Minnesotans Demand Environmental Review of Mega Dairy  Read More »

minnesota state capitol superimposed over the state flag

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

CURE News

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

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

Washed out rapidan dam on the Blue Earth River - photo by Rob Levine

Environmental Groups & Rural Minnesotans Say State Must Protect Water for Everyone 

CURE News, CURE Press Releases, Land & Water Press Releases

CURE and four other environmental organizations sue the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency under the Minnesota Environmental Rights Act  Across southern Minnesota, people are watching rivers creep closer to homes, roads wash out after heavy rains, and drinking water bills climb while the state agency charged with protecting Minnesotans’ water has declined to take action. That’s

Environmental Groups & Rural Minnesotans Say State Must Protect Water for Everyone  Read More »

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 

2026 Minnesota Legislative Preview 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 American Swedish Institute. Kelsey enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, canning local produce, and making kombucha.