Field Notes

Proposed sale of MN Power to BlackRock

The BlackRock Situation Just Got Worse...

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 [email protected] and tell them to reject the takeover of MN Power by BlackRock (include PUC docket # 24-198). Contact Gov. Walz and tell him not to sell out Minnesotans to BlackRock. Read more here.


Corn Field Silhouetted at Sunset

Summit Carbon Solutions’ CO2 pipeline project continues to lumber along in fits & starts, embattled but not defeated. This spring, South Dakotans blocked eminent domain for CO2 pipelines, and now North Dakota is threatening to sue them. This summer, Summit changed its leadership team and how it talks about its project, and its lobbying team won an expansion of the 45Q tax credit. We break it all down here.


Solar Panels being installed on a roof

A clean energy future that improves daily life is still possible, but the OBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) cut key benefits for everyday Americans. Tax credits for energy efficiency & clean energy are available until the end of the year. Minnesotans are eager to save on energy bills, enjoy more comfortable homes & boost energy independence. Read more

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Kelsey Olson

Kelsey Olson

Director of Environmental Stewardship

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!