The 2015 legislative session was a disaster for those passionate about clean water, clean air, and renewable energy in greater Minnesota. While CURE focused on increasing both the renewable energy standard & the energy efficiency standard through the Minnesota Clean Energy and Jobs Campaign, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed a complete repeal of the state’s […]
Governor Dayton’s Clean Energy Leadership Read More »
Over the past 4 months, the CURE Energy Program has been hard at work organizing support for increasing the state’s Renewable Energy Standard. In February, we brought grassroots supporters from western Minnesota to the state capitol. We invited citizens to town hall meetings with state lawmakers in Morris, Granite Falls, Moorhead, and Willmar. Farmers, business
State Lawmakers Attack Clean Energy On Earth Day Read More »
Last Thursday, the Senate Environment and Energy Committee passed two significant components of a responsible Minnesota Clean Energy Plan—policy improving the state’s Renewable Energy Standard to 40 percent by 2030 and the yearly energy savings goal from 1.5 to 2 percent—as part of their omnibus bill (Senate File 1431).
Minnesota’s Clean Energy Plan’s First Victory Read More »
On Monday, February 2nd, vans packed full of community members from Marshall to Moorhead, each with a hot cup of coffee, began their drive to the Minnesota State Capitol as the sun began to peak over the horizon. Blog post by Kristian Nyberg, Energy Program Coordinator.
Over 400 Minnesotans Stand Up for Clean Energy and Jobs at State Capitol Read More »
Over the coming months CURE will be working in partnership with the Clean Energy and Jobs Campaign to push the state legislature to transition our state to clean, renewable energy like wind and solar and to improve energy efficiency. A transition to clean energy will create and keep good jobs, spur investment in communities across
CURE Promotes Local Clean Energy in Legislative Session Read More »
Last month the National Audubon Society released its fifth State of the Birds Report. The report includes both good and bad news – all of it related directly to how we are caring for our land and water.
State of the Birds Report’s Sobering Conclusion Read More »
CURE and MPIRG sponsored 13 University of MN, Morris students and Erik Hatlestad, CURE’s Public Interest Fellow and MPIRG Campus Organizer, to travel from Morris, MN to New York City and join 400 other Minnesotans to walk in the largest climate march in history, the People’s Climate March.
Turning of the Tide in the Battle Against Climate Change Read More »
“People need electricity; we realize this,” Florence Minar said. “But it’s just a matter of fairness. And if you have to buy a farmer out, give them a fair payment so he can go set up somewhere else without fighting about it, or without telling him he doesn’t deserve it.” Post by Duane Ninneman, Executive Director and the Director of Climate & Energy.
Cedar Summit Farm Prevails in CapX2020 Transmission Battle Read More »
Growing up on a farm in Western Minnesota, Dan Handeen, now a Research Fellow at the University of Minnesota’s Center of Sustainable Building Research, spent plenty of time running around in the woods like a wild child. Post by Ariel Herrod, CURE Watershed Sustainability Program Coordinator.
Dan Handeen on Thinking Systemically and Net Zero Energy Homes Read More »
In 2013, the number of solar jobs increased by 73% in Minnesota according to a report released by the Solar Foundation this month. That is good news for renewable energy advocates who worked hard in 2013 to pass new solar laws for Minnesota to ensure the health of our environment, people, and economy. Post by Sarina Otaibi, CURE Director of Communications & Engagement.
3 MN River Valley Counties May Host Solar Farms 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!
