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 »
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) just released an issue brief on Minnesota electric cooperatives (“co-ops”) and the role of out-of-state coal-fired power plants. While Minnesota-based coal plants are being phased out, local electric cooperatives in the state remain tied to memberships in larger generation and transmission cooperatives (G&T’s) that own coal plants in North
UCS Report links MN Electric Cooperatives to Coal Contracts Read More »
Clean Cars Minnesota means reduced climate pollution from cars and trucks, healthier air across the state, more vehicle choice, saving money at the gas pump, and economic opportunities in rural Minnesota. Join CURE and let the MN Pollution Control Agency know— I want Minnesota to adopt a strong Clean Cars MN Standard! Adopting Clean Cars
Say YES to Clean Cars MN Read More »
In September, Governor Walz announced that Minnesota will adopt Clean Car Standards. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is now responsible for writing the rule to make this happen. Throughout late October and early November, MPCA travelled around Minnesota to hear from you and to answer your questions about a Clean Car Stand for Minnesota.
Clean Cars Minnesota | MPCA holds meetings & seeks comment Read More »
You have until September 20th to stand up for WATER in Minnesota! The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is asking for feedback on the health of the Minnesota River Basin. The request is specific, and the links to the reports are below. Change only happens when concerned citizens engage and give feedback. We are asking
ACTION ALERT – Be a Voice for the Minnesota River! Read More »
Tallgrass Prairie BioBlitz 2019 Rhyan Schicker, CURE Board of Directors, Member-at-Large To wander through the prairie on a Saturday is already my idea of perfect, but nothing can beat walking through a prairie alongside a group of botanically talented people, overflowing with a passion for plants. The 2019 Tallgrass Bioblitz provided this opportunity, among many
Two views on connecting with nature this summer Read More »
To know the prairie is to love the prairie and at the 2019 Tallgrass Prairie BioBlitz on Saturday, June 22nd, 150 people from across the state got to know one of the largest prairie reserves in Minnesota a lot better. “We wanted people to learn more about the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, that it’s right HERE
“It’s right HERE” — Getting to know the Tallgrass Prairie at the 2019 BioBlitz Read More »
Rural electric cooperatives’ loyalty to coal is holding rural America back. That’s according to a new report authored by CURE, We Own It, and the Center for Rural Affairs. During the 1970s, the country’s electric co-ops made significant investments to build coal-burning power plants; this was done in the interest of providing low-cost electricity to
“Rural Electrification 2.0” is the path to a clean energy future 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!
