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John Lee, Former CEO of Barr Engineering, Joins GPI’s Board of Directors

November 12, 2025 in News & Press Author: Drew Henry

National leader in infrastructure development adds technical and executive leadership to advancing the clean energy transition 

The Great Plains Institute (GPI) announced today that John Lee, retired president and CEO of Barr Engineering Co., has joined its board of directors. Lee brings more than four decades of leadership and engineering experience, including overseeing Barr’s transformation into a 1,000-person firm known for its technical excellence, collaborative culture, and commitment to sustainable infrastructure and environmental innovation.   Continue reading »

It’s Electric! E-Bike Usage Takes Off in the United States: Part Two

October 22, 2025 in Transportation & Fuels Author: M. Moaz Uddin

In part one of this blog series, we explored the rapid rise in electric bike (e-bike) usage and the public investments fueling this trend. E-bikes can play a key role in building a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable transportation system that reduces dependence on personal vehicles, an important part of GPI’s work to decarbonize transportation. State rebate programs and local incentives have made e-bikes more accessible than ever. Continue reading »

Emerald Ash Borer Threatens Minnesota’s Forest Carbon Stocks

October 10, 2025 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Matt Creasy

Climate change in the Midwest could degrade one of our forest’s primary defenses—cold weather—against an invasive beetle known as the emerald ash borer. As the tiny invader continues its spread in the Midwest, GPI is examining its impact in our home state of Minnesota. The beetle eventually kills a large number of trees in its path, generating large volumes of biomass in the form of wood waste. Continue reading »

Local Planner and Sustainability Staff Survey on Needs for Advancing Climate Work

October 8, 2025 in Communities, News & Press Author: Mackenzie Love

What tools and resources do local planners and sustainability staff need to address pressing climate issues in their day-to-day work? A new survey from GPI, in partnership with the American Planning Association Sustainable Communities Division and the Esther A. & Joseph Klingenstein Fund, aims to answer that and other questions to help guide the development of future tools and resources. Continue reading »

Central Arkansas Action Plan Models Southern Leadership in Sustainable Development, Healthy Communities, and Environmental Stewardship

September 23, 2025 in Energy Systems Author: Tricia Treece

 

In the heart of the South, Central Arkansas is stepping up to tackle environmental challenges while promoting economic and social benefits. The recently published Central Arkansas Energy and Environment Innovation Comprehensive Action Plan provides a strategic framework for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improving air and water quality, and enhancing community resilience through five voluntary measures. Continue reading »

Colorado Regulators Update Cost Recovery Practices to Reflect a Changing Gas System

September 16, 2025 in Energy Systems Author: Hannah Dobie

State utility commissions are being asked to make decisions today that will shape the future of the natural gas system for decades to come. As states adopt clean energy and climate goals and advance policies to reduce gas use, regulators must weigh how to maintain safe, reliable gas service while protecting customers from financial risk in a system that may shrink over time. Continue reading »

It’s Electric! E-Bike Usage Takes Off in the United States: Part One

August 27, 2025 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Aaron Westling

Electric bikes (e-bikes) have taken the United States by storm. Whether using a traditional e-bike to commute up a particularly daunting hill, an e-cargo bike to get a child to school, or an e-bikeshare bike to meet friends for dinner, the comfort and convenience provided by a small electric motor allow folks of a broad range of ages and abilities to hit the streets. Continue reading »

State Leadership in Action: Colorado’s New Law Supports Long-Term CO₂ Stewardship

August 15, 2025 in Carbon Management Author: Kelley Reierson

Tackling emissions from sectors that are hard to decarbonize—like heavy industry and manufacturing—is one of the biggest challenges to accelerating decarbonization. That’s why it’s a core part of GPI’s strategy. Central to this work is collaborating with partners across the country to ensure the right tools and technologies, including carbon management solutions, can be deployed responsibly, equitably, and at scale. Continue reading »

New Major Study Identifies Community-Driven Solutions to Speed Up Transmission Expansion

July 31, 2025 in News & Press, Reports & Whitepapers Author: Drew Henry

One of the most comprehensive field studies of its kind reveals overlooked drivers of resistance—and practical tools to accelerate grid buildout

A new report from GPI presents the most in-depth analysis to date of local perspectives on high-voltage transmission, focused on the Great Plains region. It sheds light on why rural opposition emerges and how it can be addressed. Continue reading »

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