Field Notes

Public Need! Not Big Oil Greed! 🛢️  CURE is working with MN allies to improve laws around big oil pipelines in our state. This bill (HF 4377/SF 4554) would add needed clarity to our existing policies so that any company seeking a Certificate of Need in Minnesota for an oil pipeline would provide a forecast of demand […]

MN Legislative Session is in Full Swing Minnesota’s 2026 legislative session kicked off last week. As always, CURE remains steadfast in our mission to advocate for rural communities and their vital interests at the state legislature. CURE’s 2026 MN Legislative priorities: READ about them and WATCH our preview webinar. Remember: your voice is critical to remind lawmakers why their action (or inaction) matters to Minnesotans across

Minnesota Regulators Trash 100% Law 🏭🔥🌲 Earlier this month, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) decided that burning trash and wood to generate electricity can now be considered as a carbon-free energy source. This controversial decision goes against the plain wording of MN’s 100% carbon-free energy law and the legislature’s vision. This is a huge step backwards for Minnesota’s energy

Be in the Know: Data Centers Webinar Series  Hyperscale data centers are a major concern for Minnesotans. CURE’s Data Center webinar series will help you get up to speed on key issues, including Nondisclosure Agreements (NDAs), energy, water, environmental review, community benefit agreements, and more, so you can speak up for yourself and your neighbors.

As temperatures drop, many vulnerable Minnesotans face rising heating bills. Meanwhile, a major source of assistance, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), was halted by the federal government shutdown. CURE took decisive action to call on the Walz administration to act—building an alliance of organizations and asking you to use your voice too! Now, the administration is listening. And CURE

On October 3rd, the MN Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved the sale of ALLETE/Minnesota Power to private equity interests. This decision went against the recommendation of an Administrative Law Judge, the PUC’s own staff analysis, CURE testimony, and pleas of Minnesota residents.  CURE is thankful to everyone who shared this story, showed support, and submitted comments to

Today, the MN Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is hearing parties on the proposed sale of ALLETE/Minnesota Power to private equity interests. The PUC will make its decision on whether to approve or reject this deal next Friday, October 3rd. Your voice still matters. Email the PUC at consumer.puc@state.mn.us and tell them to reject the takeover of MN Power by BlackRock (include

Minnesota Power is violating federal coal ash rules! And, now, CURE has joined with Sierra Club and the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) in letting the utility know. In July 2024, Minnesota Power’s Boswell coal plant suffered a 5.5 million gallon coal ash water spill, and the company has still not come clean about how bad the

 A critical battle for our energy future and the role of private equity in our essential services is playing out in northern Minnesota. And CURE, along with our allies, had a significant victory along the way to a final decision.  ALLETE/Minnesota Power is the target of a proposed acquisition by powerful private equity interests, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and the Canadian