we hope you enjoy reading CURE's October RiverVoice.
October RIVERVOICE
     
Upcoming Events

When: Thursday, Nov. 12th, from 12 AM to 11:59 PM
Where: On CURE's GiveMN Page and on CURE's Facebook and Twitter pages.

  

Hello, I'm Otto the Otter. This year, I am helping CURE, my favorite environmental nonprofit organization, reach its fundraising goal of $5,000 for Give to the Max Day on Thursday, Nov. 12th. Since they began advocating on my behalf over 23 years ago, I have had a lot more fish and mussels to eat, but there's still work to be done.
 
"I am an otter, and I want clean water and clean energy."
 
Consider making a donation to CURE on Thursday, Nov. 12th, Give to the Max Day, to help CURE help me. Beginning on Sunday, Nov. 1st, you can schedule your CURE Give to the Max Day donation. This is an easy and convenient way to make sure you help CURE reach its goal of $5,000 on Nov. 12th.
 
Sincerely,
Otto the Otter

 P.S. Because the CURE staff believes in my ability to reach the $5,000 fundraising goal on Give to the Max Day, they've decided to help by providing a match of $2,500! So each dollar you donate will be doubled up to $5,000!
  

We received the first bid on the Pram on Monday morning increasing the current bid to $2,600. The online bidding ends on Saturday, October 31. 


The winning bid will be announced on Monday, November 2, 2015!

This Norse Pram was donated by Joseph Amato with the expressed intent that it be sold to raise money for CURE programs.
 
Water Program
  
Photo by Brian Mark Peterson, Star Tribune.
The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) has a long history of using the legal system to push for better environmental outcomes.  Especially since the Des Moines Water Works lawsuit has generated so much public conversation, more and more advocates and citizens are considering the pros and cons of legal action.  We have yet to see how this case will shape the difficult issue of relying on the Clean Water Act to create healthy bodies of water, despite its lack of regulatory authority over agricultural runoff.  It is clear, however, that this suit will generate conversation about our regional struggles to respect a commonly-held Minnesota value: clean water.

 In this suit, MCEA presents two arguments challenging a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). 

 1.       The NPDES permit sets a limit for phosphorus discharge from five metro area wastewater treatment plants with an assumption that additional phosphorus reductions will come from upstream agricultural sources in the Minnesota River Basin.  Only together will these limits meet the phosphorus standards for Lake Pepin, yet there is no evidence that we can expect any such reductions from the notoriously runoff-laden Minnesota Basin.


2.       Even with both sources meeting the phosphorus levels set in the permit, the MPCA calculates that Lake Pepin will only meet the standard about half the time.  The MPCA contends that the standard need only be maintained as a long-term average over many years, rather than met every year.  MCEA is challenging this reading of Clean Water Act requirements for water quality standards.  While this half of the argument is not discussed in the article, you can read more about it in the MCEA press release.

 
Energy Program
  
Minnesota's Transition from Coal to Clean Energy
Thank you to our members who invest in our work and to everyone who spoke in support of our vision for a clean energy economy

Photo by Fresh Energy.

In 2005, CURE joined with Minnesotan's opposed to the construction of the Big Stone II coal-fired power plant at the headwaters of the Minnesota River.  In 2007 CURE testified to strictly regulate mercury emissions from coal-fired plants to protect Minnesota's lakes and rivers and protect the health of every Minnesotan.  That same year, CURE staff and members rallied in support of the Next Generation Energy Act to establish the state's first renewable energy standard and energy efficiency standard.  In 2013, our efforts helped pass Minnesota's first solar standard and pass the state's community solar legislation.  All along the way we have turned to our members to advance smart policies that promote a clean energy economy and reduce carbon.
 
This year, our members and supporters came forward to tell Xcel Energy that future generations were counting on us: retire your coal plants and invest in wind, solar, and efficiency.  Below, read about Xcel's announcement to do just that.  Thank you to our members who invest in our work and to everyone who spoke in support of our vision for a clean energy economy.
Events and Adventures

There is only one thing better than a beautiful fall weekend where the air is crisp and the sun warms your face, it is the opportunity to get your feet wet while hunting for the jewels of the Minnesota River.


Blog post and photos by Peg Furshong, Director of Operations & Constituent Relations and Events & Adventures Program Coordinator. 


For nearly two years, CURE has developed curriculum in watershed education and exploring ways to disseminate those resources. With 12 Major Watersheds in the Minnesota River Basin, and a total of 81 watersheds state wide, CURE has a vested interest in providing opportunities for constituents to learn more about this precious natural resource. Because we believe that well-educated everyday citizens will make better choices for cleaner water.


Blog post and photos by Peg Furshong, Director of Operations & Constituent Relations and Events & Adventures Program Coordinator. 

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