There are many misconceptions about Clean Cars Standards and who will benefit from them. In reality, Minnesota Clean Cars Standards are straight forward measures that will reduce annual climate pollution in Minnesota by up to 2 million tons, help clean up our air, improve our health, increase vehicle choice, and help all Minnesotans be part […]
Rural Minnesotans Say “Yes” to Clean Cars Read More »
To nonprofit leaders, community organizers, advocacy groups, and elected officials, We are leaders of faith, justice, agriculture, cooperative, rural and environmental organizations that share an understanding of the significance that rural electric cooperatives hold for resilience and economic relief and recovery during this time of crisis. With this open letter, we are calling on you
An Open Letter: Electric Co-ops Must Lead in the COVID Crisis Read More »
By Merrill Piepkorn, North Dakota State Senator, District 44 — North Fargo Great River Energy is a Minnesota-based cooperative that serves 700,000 members through 28 electric cooperatives. The lignite coal burning Coal Creek Station electric generation plant near Washburn, N.D., has been one of Great River’s major sources of electricity since it began operating in
The future of coal is dim Read More »
Now that the warmer weather is here, Minnesotans want to get out and connect with nature. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, many are wondering if it is safe and what should they expect now that restrictions are being lifted for recreating and camping outdoors. Several agencies and collaborating partners have come together to provide support and
Connecting with the outdoors safely in Minnesota Read More »
As the legislative session wraps up it is important to take a moment and update you on the issues that impact the heart of the work we do at CURE. Despite the challenges of working through the session in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic – we made some forward progress. This work requires coordination
End of MN Legislative Session Update 2020 Read More »
It’s election season for Minnesota’s electric co-ops, and member-owners across the state are casting votes. They are making their voices heard on the future of their utility and its energy system. During a global pandemic and corresponding economic crisis, electric co-op elections carry a new significance. Essential workers and services are finally getting the recognition
It’s Electric Co-op election season and YOUR VOTE is needed! Read More »
On March 31, 2020, the Trump administration released an updated and much weaker version of the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule. The Trump administration’s version of this rule increases greenhouse gas emissions and decreases improvements in fuel economy standards. This move will increase air pollution in our communities, force drivers to spend more at
Trump tailpipe emissions rollback hurts all Minnesotans Read More »
The COVID-19 pandemic is exposing a myriad of weaknesses in our world’s economic, political, and social systems. Millions of people will be impacted worldwide, and the virus has already driven a major collapse on Wall Street. Times are going to be very tough for people across the U.S., across Minnesota–and especially in rural communities. During
Electric Co-ops need to be bold leaders in a time of crisis Read More »
A shortened version of this op-ed piece was originally published in the Minnesota Reformer. Last week, some state senators on the Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Legacy Finance Committee met to introduce a bill that revokes the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) authority to set standards for auto emissions. This specifically targets MPCA’s ability to adopt the
We want Clean Cars too! Read More »
Today, the Minnesota State Senate’s Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Legacy Finance Committee is meeting to introduce a bill that revokes the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) authority to set standards for auto emissions. This specifically targets MPCA’s ability to adopt a Clean Cars Standard. Minnesotans for Clean Cars, a statewide coalition, is advocating
Rural citizens say “Yes” to Clean Cars 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!
