Natural and working lands are lands that specifically derive value, either economic or cultural, through their inherent ecosystem services or their economic production when worked through agricultural processes. They can range from protected beaches and wetlands to farms that produce the US’s food supply. Continue reading »
A recent webinar hosted by the Great Plains Institute explored the growing connection between solar energy development and water quality, often called the solar/water nexus. Interest in the webinar spanned the globe, with over 240 people registering from 38 states and 6 countries. State and local government staff made up nearly half of attendees, with the remainder representing solar developers and engineering/construction firms, energy or environmental nonprofits, local or state government officials, educational institutions, and interested community members. Continue reading »
Communities in Minnesota and across the nation are learning how to engage effectively with clean energy development as more projects are proposed. Community benefits agreements (CBAs) are a tool for communities, local governments, and developers to shape how clean energy projects and infrastructure can deliver a multitude of benefits to host communities. Such agreements can help ensure that project development aligns with local goals and that projects deliver equitable benefits to the communities impacted by them. Continue reading »
A new electricity rate in the Midwest is opening a path to save money for industry, lower costs for other customers on the grid, and make better use of existing clean energy. The new rate, or tariff, enables industrial customers to electrify by using thermal storage to capture only the cleanest, lowest-cost hours of electricity via wholesale market pricing. When combined with time-varying and location-based electricity rates, industrial facilities can secure cost-effective clean energy when supply is abundant and use that energy around the clock to produce steam for industrial processes.
The Great Plains Institute (GPI) is excited to invite Midwestern communities to join its upcoming Charging Smart Bronze Cohort!
The cohort will be focused on supporting local governments to earn Bronze designation in the Charging Smart program. Charging Smart is a free-of-charge national technical assistance and recognition program that supports communities working on transportation electrification initiatives. Over 100 communities across the country have already benefited from the program, and as the technical assistance provider in the Midwest, GPI is committed to bringing the same value to our neighbors. Charging Smart has three designation levels for local governments to earn: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Continue reading »
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly common sight on our roads. Yet, for many drivers, the idea of switching to an EV still comes with its fair share of questions and anxieties.
With EVs resulting in fewer emissions over their lifecycle and no tailpipe emissions, they are an important tool for meeting climate goals and improving air quality. Paired with the cost savings over time, many people are interested in EVs. GPI staff get to work in many ways: taking public transit, biking, and driving (and carpooling). Many staff members who drive have switched to EVs over the years. Continue reading »
As President and CEO Rolf Nordstrom nears his retirement date at the end of this month, we wanted to share an important update on the process to select GPI’s next leader. The search continues to attract strong interest from highly qualified candidates, and GPI’s board of directors has determined that additional time is needed to identify the right leader to guide GPI through its next chapter of growth and impact. Continue reading »
This article was originally published on July 9, 2026, and updated on July 30, 2026.
In 2025, the Great Plains Institute conducted a nationwide survey of local planners and sustainability staff to understand their needs for advancing climate work. Respondents said the most useful addition to their toolkits would be real-world examples of efforts to advance climate goals. Continue reading »
Industrial processes currently account for roughly one-quarter of carbon emissions in the United States, with many experts recognizing electrification as an essential step for achieving meaningful decarbonization. Electrifying heating processes at industrial and manufacturing sites, particularly low- and medium‑temperature applications, can directly reduce these industrial emissions. Yet deployment remains stubbornly slow across much of the United States, largely due to a lack of economic viability. Continue reading »
As clean energy projects continue to expand across the United States, state governments are increasingly working on various aspects of such projects, from permitting to community engagement. Yet these officials have had limited opportunities for sharing what they’re learning and discussing strategies with their peers. A new initiative, the States Siting Officials Collaborative, brings together officials from over 20 states in a peer network to accelerate clean energy siting and permitting. Continue reading »
