Over the last two months, there have been major developments and milestones in CURE work in rural communities and the energy future of the state and country–and we’ve been making headlines. Historic wins for Rural Electric Co-ops in the Inflation Reduction Act CURE’s work around Rural Electric Co-ops had a huge win in August with […]
Historic Wins and Hot Debates Read More »
In a late September ruling, the Minnesota Supreme Court affirmed that Limbo Creek, the last free-flowing stream in Renville County, is a protected public water. This ruling means that any drainage projects for the creek must go through an environmental review. CURE (Clean Up the River Environment), a Montevideo-based rural organization, applauds this ruling as
In mid-September, Iowa-based Summit Carbon Solutions (Summit) submitted its first route permit application to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for the Otter Tail and Wilkin Counties section of its proposed Midwest Carbon Express CO2 pipeline network in Minnesota. This leg of the project is 28.1 miles, a small fraction of the more than 212
Today with the signing of the Inflation Reduction Act, America is making its most significant investment ever in rural electrification, with $9.7 billion available to Rural Electric Cooperatives for new clean energy investments. The USDA Assistance for Rural Electric Cooperatives Program will help rural Americans save money, invest in clean energy, and create 90,000 jobs.
A Win for Rural Electric Cooperatives The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) makes historic investments to help Rural Electric Cooperatives transition to a clean energy future. As a rural Minnesota-based democracy organization, CURE is a long-time champion of Rural Electric Cooperatives. We have led the Rural Power Coalition to help secure this monumental funding that puts
CURE’s Statement on the Inflation Reduction Act Read More »
Concern over a proposed CO2 pipeline in southwest Minnesota and the conduct of pipeline company, Summit Carbon Solutions, spurred nearly 60 landowners and community members from Redwood and Cottonwood Counties to meet on the evening of Friday, July 15th. In Minnesota, sections of Summit’s proposed high pressure CO2 pipeline network will cut through Chippewa, Cottonwood,
Last week, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) ordered an environmental review of Great River Energy’s (GRE) plan to convert the Cambridge 2 natural gas peaking plant into a “dual fuel” facility—one that burns either natural gas or fuel oil. GRE called this proposal a “minor alteration” that was not subject to further review. But
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its final ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case overturning the nearly 50-year precedent of Roe v. Wade. In Minnesota, abortion rights remain protected through the state’s 1995 Supreme Court ruling in Doe v. Gomez. In Iowa and Wisconsin abortion rights are uncertain at best. In North
CURE Statement on Supreme Court Overturning Roe v. Wade with Dobbs Ruling Read More »
Summer is heating up, and so is CURE’s work! We don’t want you to miss out on updates about these issues critical to our rural Minnesota communities and the places we love across the state. Of course, we can’t do this work without the support of members like you. CO2 pipelines At the Minnesota Public
Sizzling & Speaking up! Read More »
In a recent decision, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) unanimously voted that it has existing authority over carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines. Summit Carbon Solutions and Navigator Ventures LLC each have proposed multi-state CO2 pipeline projects that will cross Minnesota. As these pipelines will be transporting highly pressurized CO2 in a hazardous state, the PUC
CURE applauds PUC decision to exert authority over hazardous CO2 pipelines 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!
