Erik Hatlestad, Energy Democracy Organizer

In July of 2016, Erik Hatlestad became CURE’s new Program Associate continuing his work on policy issues surrounding renewable energy, rural electric cooperatives, and sustainable agriculture.  Previously, Erik worked as CURE’s Public Interest Fellow, where he galvanized support in Western Minnesota for CURE’s policy initiatives with the students from the University of Minnesota Moorhead and the University of Minnesota Morris’ MPIRG (Minnesota Public Interest Research Group) Chapters.

Growing up on a farm taught him the delicate balance between nature and humanity and that protecting the environment is just as important for our society as it is for the Earth.  As a lifelong resident of Western Minnesota, he is inspired by the activists of the Farmer’s Holiday Association and holds them as proof that the people of Western Minnesota can change the course of history. Erik holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Concordia College and while he’s not working against climate change, he enjoys biking, canoeing, and sitting around campfires.

Erik may be reached at Erik@cureriver.org