As Minnesota’s political landscape faces uncertainty, CURE remains steadfast in our mission to advocate for rural communities and their vital interests at the state legislature. Here are the top issues CURE will be working on this year at the legislature: Defending our Wins: In 2023, Minnesota passed the “100% Law,” which requires all utilities* to […]
Keeping it Rural and Real amid Capitol Chaos Read More »
CURE and community members express anger and disappointment at the decision On Thursday, December 12th, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) granted the route permit for Summit Carbon Solutions’ proposed carbon dioxide (CO2) pipeline in Otter Tail and Wilkin Counties. However, the PUC placed a number of conditions on the permit, including prohibiting Summit from
PUC approves first CO2 pipeline permit in MN, with conditions Read More »
Montevideo, MN, November 12, 2024—Last week saw two important if contradictory decisions related to Summit Carbon Solutions LLC’s controversial $8.9-billion carbon-capture pipeline project. One moves the CO2 pipeline one step forward in securing the permit for its proposed 28-mile segment in Minnesota. At the same time, the other is a major electoral setback in South
The 2024 election results are in, and they’ll have big impacts for all of us. Despite the uncertainty we can promise one thing: our work to protect Minnesota’s outdoors and our rural communities moves forward with fortitude and urgency. For 33 years, CURE has served Minnesota, and we’re not going anywhere. We’ve faced tough times
Moving Forward Together Read More »
2024 Minnesota Legislative Session There were so many wins for Minnesotans and our landscapes this year—see CURE’s 2024 Legislative Wrap Up here! From stronger water protections and distributed clean energy support to stopping the Clean Transportation Standard (CTS) yet again and securing critical safeguards within a challenging permitting reform bill, CURE made sure rural communities’
CURE’s Wins and Work in 2024 Read More »
Minnesotans love and care about the great outdoors. Year-round outdoor recreation is vital for happy, healthy communities and, luckily, Minnesota ranks among the best states in the nation for outdoor recreation investment. This is in part due to the investment Minnesotans make in our outdoor heritage. In 1988 (and twice since then), Minnesota voters approved
Building a Strong Outdoor Future–The Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund Read More »
Recent leaks at carbon dioxide sequestration wells in Illinois operated by Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) have drawn attention from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and caused the company to pause carbon injections at one of its wells in Decatur, IL. ADM operates multiple carbon injection wells in the area, part of its foray into
The poster child for carbon capture plants has leaked… Twice. Read More »
A new report from Empower lays out how billions in carbon capture tax credits – the result of intense industry lobbying–shifts the high costs of enhanced oil recovery onto taxpayers. It’s a waste of money that drives climate change while putting our environment, health and safety at risk. Read more about the report’s troubling findings
Carbon capture is making climate change worse at taxpayer expense. Read More »
September 19, 2024—By more than a 100-to-1 ratio, Minnesotans have submitted public comments opposing the proposed Summit Carbon Solutions carbon dioxide (CO2) pipeline. The comment period, which closed on Sept 11, was regarding the 28-mile Otter Tail to Wilkin Counties segment of a proposed 240+ mile CO2 pipeline network planned for Minnesota. Of the more
Westby, WI, September 5, 2024 – Today, President Biden announced the first round of finalists for the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) Program, the largest investment in rural electrification in U.S. history. CURE, an organization with deep roots in rural Minnesota and a driving force behind this program, was present to witness this historic moment.
Biden Announces Historic Investments in Rural Electric Cooperatives 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!
