Supporting local governments in advancing transportation electrification is crucial for GPI’s efforts to drive equitable, data-driven solutions that reduce emissions and offer real community benefits. Continue reading »
The Better Energy Community is constantly growing and evolving.
Read about our latest projects and successes on our blog.
Introducing the Great Lakes Data Center Resource Hub for State and Local Government Officials
April 14, 2026 in Energy Systems Authors: Hallie Turner, Tricia Treece
Across the United States, data centers are reshaping local landscapes. This is attracting economic investment and promising job growth, but also raising urgent questions about energy consumption, grid reliability, electricity affordability, water use, air quality, and community well-being.
Continue reading »
New Atlas Analyzes Nationwide Suitability for Natural Gas Power with Carbon Capture and Storage
April 7, 2026 in Carbon Management Authors: Ryan Kammer, Sangeet Nepal
A new national atlas from GPI provides a comprehensive analysis of the suitability of areas across the United States to support natural gas-fired power generation with carbon capture and storage (NG + CCS), offering insights to help meet rising electricity demand while reducing emissions. Continue reading »
Helping Wisconsin Local Governments Reduce Emissions
March 30, 2026 in Communities Author: Catherine Kemp
Local governments play a crucial role in advancing climate solutions, but knowing where to start or how to scale existing efforts can be challenging. Here at GPI, we are committed to supporting local action that leads to impactful outcomes at the state and national levels. Continue reading »
From Silos to Systems: Washington’s New Approach to Integrated Gas and Electric Planning
March 26, 2026 in Energy Systems Author: Hannah Dobie
Electric and gas utility systems in the US have historically been regulated separately. However, in response to winter storm events and interests in affordability, reliability, and decarbonization, states are increasingly looking to coordinate these systems. The state of Washington has recently become a national leader in this space. Continue reading »
GPI’s Electric Vehicle Charging Station Economics Calculator
March 24, 2026 in Energy Systems, Reports & Whitepapers, Transportation & Fuels Author: Dane McFarlane
This article was originally published on August 15, 2019. The calculator has been updated twice, first in 2023 to include a mechanism that allows users to input EV charging station customer pricing by the kilowatt-hour instead of only by the minute, and again in 2025 to help users estimate the impacts of state policies—such as kilowatt-hour taxes and inspection fees—on charger economics. Please contact the Transportation & Fuels team with any questions about the calculator.
As part of GPI’s research on the economics of DC fast charging, we created a model to calculate the costs and revenue of operating an electric vehicle (EV) charging station. Through our work with the EV industry, we’ve often heard charging operators, community leaders, and EV owners express a desire to explore how station operation impacts costs for both EV charger owners and users.
CO2NNECT 2026: Advancing Clean Firm Power for a Growing Economy and Healthy Climate
March 19, 2026 in Carbon Management Author: Bridget Callaghan
We believe that durable climate solutions are built through collaboration, practical policy, and market-driven innovation. That’s why we’re excited to announce that registration is now open for CO2NNECT 2026, a flagship convening focused on creating trusted, solutions-oriented spaces where decision makers collaborate across sectors to accelerate the deployment of technologies that reduce emissions while ensuring reliable, affordable energy. Continue reading »
Carbon Capture Deployment Analysis for Key US Regions
March 10, 2026 in Carbon Management Author: Ryan Kammer
As carbon management projects move from concept to development, one question is becoming increasingly urgent for policy makers, industry leaders, and communities alike: Where can carbon capture and storage be deployed most effectively, and what infrastructure will it require? Continue reading »
GPI’s Bikeshare Equity Study Examines Barriers and Opportunities in Shared Mobility
March 9, 2026 in Reports & Whitepapers, Transportation & Fuels Author: Aaron Westling
A new report from the Great Plains Institute draws on interviews with local stakeholders to examine transportation challenges in the Twin Cities region and offers solutions for building a reliable, affordable bikeshare system that could help address similar challenges across the country. Continue reading »
Survey Results: Key Findings from Local Planner and Sustainability Staff on Needs for Advancing Climate Work
March 6, 2026 in Communities Author: Jem Thompson
Local planners and sustainability staff are being asked to address complex climate issues faster than ever, often while juggling other responsibilities, limited capacity, and a growing set of expectations.
To better understand what is needed at the local level to support this work, GPI partnered with the American Planning Association Sustainable Communities Division (APA-SCD) and the Esther A. & Joseph Klingenstein Fund to survey practitioners across the country. Continue reading »
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