Pipeline with Map Overlay

CURE to MN PUC: Halt review of CO2 “pipeline to nowhere”

Energy & Innovation Press Releases, People & Communities

This week, the Minnesota-based organization CURE formally petitioned the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to halt their review of Summit Carbon Solutions’ proposed CO2 pipeline in Otter Tail and Wilkin Counties. CURE’s request comes in response to North Dakota’s recent denial of Summit’s permit application in that state. In their filing, CURE contends that without […]

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Pipeline with Map Overlay

North Dakota Public Service Commission Denies Summit Carbon Solutions’ CO2 Pipeline Application

Energy & Innovation Press Releases

Montevideo, MN, August 7, 2023 — On Friday, August 4th, the North Dakota Public Services Commission (NDPSC) voted 3-0 to deny Summit Carbon Solutions’ (Summit) application to construct a carbon dioxide (CO2) pipeline in the state. The NDPSC’s order stated that Summit: “Failed to meet its burden of proof to show that the location, construction,

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Rainbow sidewalk chalk drawing

Somewhere over the rainbow

CURE News

TL;DR: CURE continues to pursue democracy-driven solutions to solve big problems—because the places we love the most and call home aren’t somewhere over the rainbow; they are right here. But—because you did take the time to open this jam-packed blog—stick with us for the next 4 minutes and learn more about historic rural clean energy

Somewhere over the rainbow Read More »

Solar Panels on Barn

New ERA funding cuts threaten future of Rural America

Energy & Innovation

Following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), there has been growing excitement in rural communities and rural electric cooperative offices around the country about the historic investments in rural electrification contained in the IRA. Specifically, the Empowering Rural America Program (New ERA) and the Powering Affordable Clean Energy Program (PACE) will help leverage

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Pipeline with Map Overlay

CURE says CO2 pipeline construction before completion of new federal standards is a mistake

Energy & Innovation Press Releases

Des Moines, Iowa, June 20, 2023 — Early this month, CURE joined environmental advocates, community members, landowners, and pipeline safety experts from across the Midwest in Des Moines, IA, to attend the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) “Public Meeting on Carbon Dioxide Pipeline Safety.” The Public Meeting focused on

CURE says CO2 pipeline construction before completion of new federal standards is a mistake Read More »

People Celebrating on the Capitol Steps

Highlights from the Historic 2023 Minnesota Legislative Session

People & Communities

The Minnesota legislative session that began in January and ended May 22 is historic and transformative – a session that enacted game-changing investments and policies to benefit the people and families of Minnesotans everywhere. From health care to public safety, climate solutions to education, policymakers in this new legislative landscape came to enact change that

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Power Line and White House

A “New ERA” for MN rural communities & electric co-ops

Energy & Innovation Press Releases

CURE celebrates $9.7 billion in federal funds available for clean energy investments Rural leaders from across the country gathered at the White House last week to mark the release of the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program. The program makes $9.7 billion of federal investment available to rural electric cooperatives that will leverage almost $40

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GRE's Cambridge 2 Peaker Plant

GRE’s Cambridge 2 Peaker Plant Proposal: A blast from the past

CURE News, Energy & Innovation, People & Communities

Now is the time to invest in carbon-free electricity, energy efficiency, demand-side flexibility, and other innovations for the 21st century, NOT dirty diesel power. It is 2023. Minnesota, the country, and the world are experiencing the impacts of the growing climate crisis. In recognition of the urgency of the moment, this year, the Minnesota legislature

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Coal Ash Pond

CURE Supports EPA Decision to Deny Permit for Coal Creek Toxic Ash Disposal

CURE Press Releases

Minnesota-based rural advocacy organization CURE is supporting the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to deny a permit to the Rainbow Energy Center (formally known as Coal Creek Station) in North Dakota that would have allowed the coal-fired power plant to continue to dump toxic coal ash into its aging and failing storage pit. Coal ash

CURE Supports EPA Decision to Deny Permit for Coal Creek Toxic Ash Disposal Read More »

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Kelsey Olson

Kelsey Olson

Director of Environmental Stewardship

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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!