TL;DR: CURE continues to pursue democracy-driven solutions to solve big problems—because the places we love the most and call home aren’t somewhere over the rainbow; they are right here. But—because you did take the time to open this jam-packed blog—stick with us for the next 4 minutes and learn more about historic rural clean energy […]
Somewhere over the rainbow Read More »
Now is the time to invest in carbon-free electricity, energy efficiency, demand-side flexibility, and other innovations for the 21st century, NOT dirty diesel power. It is 2023. Minnesota, the country, and the world are experiencing the impacts of the growing climate crisis. In recognition of the urgency of the moment, this year, the Minnesota legislature
GRE’s Cambridge 2 Peaker Plant Proposal: A blast from the past Read More »
The Land Back movement, a decentralized effort to return control of ancestral lands to Indigenous communities, gained widespread visibility in recent years, but it has existed in different forms since colonial powers first seized land. Land Back is a part of Indigenous people’s and allies’ efforts to address the ongoing legacy of colonialism. Indigenous communities
Land Back opportunity in Minnesota Read More »
Rise & Repair Rally brings 200+ people to the Minnesota State Capitol on February 15th 200+ activists ask their legislators to center indigenous rights and climate justice in the transition to renewable energy What does a clean energy future look like to you? Affordable electricity with no more mass shut-offs right before winter? Smog-fee skies
Marching for the 2023 Indigenous Rights and Climate Justice platform Read More »
CURE is fighting for a bright rural future and against false climate solutions on the ground in our rural Minnesota communities, through the media, and in the halls of power at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and in the legislature. “The Biggest Energy story you don’t know about” CURE took to the pages of MinnPost
Everything Everywhere All at Once Read More »
The 100% Clean Energy Act sets Minnesota on the path of clean and renewable energy that will save Minnesotans money, increase electric grid reliability, and create good rural jobs. We are protecting and preserving what we love most about Minnesota and looking out for our kids and grandkids. 100% Clean Electricity from the sun and
100% Clean Energy MN Read More »
For many, November can feel dreary and drab as we slide toward the darkest time of the year. During the past few years, the news and mood have held that same tone and we collectively have borne a weariness. Yet we still do all that needs to be done. We donate to the food shelf
Together our light shines brighter Read More »
Over the last two months, there have been major developments and milestones in CURE work in rural communities and the energy future of the state and country–and we’ve been making headlines. Historic wins for Rural Electric Co-ops in the Inflation Reduction Act CURE’s work around Rural Electric Co-ops had a huge win in August with
Historic Wins and Hot Debates Read More »
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its final ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case overturning the nearly 50-year precedent of Roe v. Wade. In Minnesota, abortion rights remain protected through the state’s 1995 Supreme Court ruling in Doe v. Gomez. In Iowa and Wisconsin abortion rights are uncertain at best. In North
CURE Statement on Supreme Court Overturning Roe v. Wade with Dobbs Ruling Read More »
Great River Energy (GRE) has proposed to the Public Utilities Commission a “minor alteration” to its existing permit for its gas-fired power plant in Cambridge, Minnesota. Hardly “minor,” the company plans to change it to an oil-and-gas-burning “dual fuel” plant while evading full environmental review. Environmental review for a new power plant would normally have
The Cycle Continues – Great River Energy Attempts to Evade Environmental Review 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 Minnesota Swedish Institute. Kelsey enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, whether this is canning local produce, making kombucha, or other treats!
