minnesota state capitol superimposed over the state flag

2026 Minnesota Legislative Preview

We’re in the second year of the 2025-2026 Biennium, and while there’s a lot of public momentum for decisive action on many issues, what the legislature ultimately achieves remains to be seen. CURE remains steadfast in our mission to advocate for rural communities and their vital interests at the state legislature.  Here are CURE’s top policy priorities for the 2026 Session:   Demanding Responsible Data Center Development  […]

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CURE Field Notes

Hot Garbage 🔥 + MN Leg 🏛️ + Petition for Reconsideration 🤔 + Caucus Night 🇺🇸

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

Hot Garbage 🔥 + MN Leg 🏛️ + Petition for Reconsideration 🤔 + Caucus Night 🇺🇸 Read More »

ICE Out of MN - Day of Truth & Freedom - Friday, January 23

Day of Truth and Freedom

CURE is pausing our normal order of business on Friday, January 23rd, and we want to share why.    ICE’s dangerous operations have surged across Minnesota. Federal agents are inciting fear and violence and putting our families and neighbors at risk. Last year, 32 people died in ICE custody. And on January 7th, ICE agent Jonathan

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PUC hearing on MN Power sale in October 2025.

CURE petitions for reconsideration of Minnesota Power private equity takeover 

Revelations about undisclosed data center project in utility’s territory raises community concerns  On December 30, 2025, CURE formally petitioned the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to reassess its approval of the sale of ALLETE, the parent company of Minnesota Power, to two private equity investors—the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP) and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP/BackRock), a subsidiary of BlackRock, the world’s

CURE petitions for reconsideration of Minnesota Power private equity takeover  Read More »

CURE Field Notes

In the Know 🏢 + What Now? ⚡+ What can you do? 🤍 + It’s a Wrap

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.

In the Know 🏢 + What Now? ⚡+ What can you do? 🤍 + It’s a Wrap Read More »

CURE Field Notes

Keep Minnesota Families Safe & Warm

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

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Gov. Walz: Protect Minnesota Families from LIHEAP Suspension

Winter is setting in across Minnesota.  At the same time, thousands of Minnesotans are at risk of not being able to afford to keep the heat on because the federal government shutdown has halted funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  A CURE-led coalition of 18 organizations from around Minnesota, have sent

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Small red house in the woods with lots of snow

CURE-led coalition calls on Gov. Walz to shield Minnesotans from harms of LIHEAP suspension

Today, eighteen organizations from across Minnesota that advocate for equity and justice in our energy system sent a letter to the administration of Governor Walz asking it to take action to protect the tens of thousands of Minnesotan households who will be severely impacted by the suspension of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Normally, LIHEAP funds would be distributed to

CURE-led coalition calls on Gov. Walz to shield Minnesotans from harms of LIHEAP suspension 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 American Swedish Institute. Kelsey enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, canning local produce, and making kombucha.