Blog

The Better Energy Community is constantly growing and evolving.

Read about our latest projects and successes on our blog.

PHMSA Releases Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Enhance Safety of Carbon Dioxide Pipelines

January 22, 2025 in Carbon Management Authors: Kelley Reierson, Ryan Kammer

As of January 23, 2025, the unofficial pre-publication rules are no longer available to view online and have not been published in the Federal Register. As the rules were not finalized prior to the administration change, it is yet to be determined whether they will be published as-is or revised.

The US Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to enhance safety standards for carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines. Given the important and complementary role that carbon management technologies will play in meeting net-zero emissions targets and the expected expansion of CO2 pipeline infrastructure, this notice is a welcome development for safe and responsible deployment. Continue reading »

Scaling Local Climate Action through Peer Networks: Part One

January 16, 2025 in Communities Authors: Ava Thompson, Catherine Kemp

“In the 50-year history of the Minnesota Regional Development Commission’s network, until now, we have never collectively realized the authentic relationships with state agencies and philanthropy partners in the space of climate mitigation,” shares Cheryal Hills, executive director of the Region Five Development Commission in Central Minnesota and member of a GPI-led peer network. Continue reading »

Department of Energy-Funded Charging Smart Program Expands Across U.S.

January 14, 2025 in Communities, News & Press Author: Drew Henry

Free Technical Assistance Now Available to Local Governments in All 50 States

Washington, D.C. (Jan. 14, 2025) — Charging Smart, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-funded technical assistance and designation program is now available in all fifty U.S. states. Charging Smart offers free technical assistance to help local governments accelerate the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure. Continue reading »

Impact Investing Pioneer, Christa Velasquez, Joins GPI’s Board of Directors

December 11, 2024 in News & Press Author: Drew Henry

Experienced nonprofit and philanthropic executive adds unique leadership to the board

MINNEAPOLIS – The Great Plains Institute (GPI) announced today that Christa Velasquez, a distinguished pioneer in philanthropic impact investing, has joined its board of directors. Velasquez brings over 25 years of experience in impact investing and philanthropic grantmaking to underinvested communities. She is currently consulting with Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors and is also a lecturer at the University of Chicago, educating the next generation of talent devoted to the common good. Continue reading »

Overcoming Barriers to Electric Vehicle Adoption in Underserved Communities

December 10, 2024 in Communities Author: Mackenzie Love

As electric vehicles become a vital part of the transportation landscape, it is crucial to ensure that communities are equipped to effectively implement electric vehicle infrastructure. For communities with fewer resources, especially those that are smaller and rural, additional support is essential to ensure they have the capacity to develop this infrastructure. Continue reading »

Navigating Change: How GPI Facilitated Collaborative Solutions for Craig Station’s Retirement

December 9, 2024 in Energy Systems Authors: Amy Ward, Trevor Drake

A successful and equitable energy transition cannot be achieved without supporting the communities that have powered our economy for over a century by hosting essential fossil fuel infrastructure. Across the United States, dozens of coal-fired power plants have been retired in the shift to cleaner, more affordable sources of energy, and dozens more are scheduled to retire by the end of the decade. Continue reading »

Minnesota Adopts Gas Utility Integrated Resource Planning

November 7, 2024 in Energy Systems Authors: Hannah Dobie, Trevor Drake

On October 28, 2024, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MN PUC) approved a new framework that requires the state’s three largest gas utilities to conduct long-term planning with public participation and commission approval. The approved framework adds to Minnesota’s status as a state that is leading the effort in in making gas utility system planning more robust and transparent. Continue reading »

Charles Hua Joins GPI’s Board of Directors

October 24, 2024 in News & Press Author: Drew Henry

The Great Plains Institute announced today that Charles Hua, founder and executive director of PowerLines and former U.S. Department of Energy advisor, has joined its board. With roots in the Midwest, Hua is a rising star in energy and the clean energy transition, internationally recognized for his leadership on grid modernization, clean energy policy and sustainability. Continue reading »

Our Newsletter

Sign Up for Better Energy Community News

Sign up to receive the latest news and announcements from the Great Plains Institute.

*By submitting this form, you agree to receive email marketing from the Great Plains Institute.