Throughout the previous posts in our series on renewable natural gas (RNG) produced from anaerobic digestion (AD), we explored opportunities and challenges for the technologies. This post concludes the series by examining the policy framework for RNG produced from AD in Minnesota and recommending potential next steps.
The Justice 40 Initiative will direct a groundbreaking amount of federal funding for disadvantaged communities historically burdened by industrial waste in the United States. This initiative and voices from the environmental justice movement have inspired companies to focus on equity in their carbon management projects. LanzaTech, a carbon transformation company that recycles carbon oxide emissions (e.g., carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide) to create everyday products, is prioritizing environmental justice in their projects and mission. Continue reading »
In our continuing quest to gather perspectives on renewable natural gas (RNG) from anaerobic digestion and the role it plays in decarbonizing transportation, we interviewed Fresh Energy’s Joe Dammel, who weighed in on the challenges and opportunities associated with this technology. Dammel is the director of Gas Decarbonization and Energy Transition at Fresh Energy and a previous staff attorney at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. He holds a bachelor of science in environmental engineering, a law degree, and a master of science in science, technology, and environmental policy. Continue reading »
This week, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) appointed Matt Fry to serve on its Committee on Carbon Utilization, Infrastructure, Markets, Research, and Development. Fry is the state and regional policy manager for the Great Plains Institute’s carbon management program and will work with other committee members to assess carbon utilization infrastructure, research, and development needs. Continue reading »
As we close out the end of 2021, you can find out what made GPI’s list of most-read stories from the year. Reflecting on these stories energizes us for what we can accomplish together with our many collaborators, partners, and colleagues as we head into the new year. Continue reading »
As US and world leaders engage on climate change and carbon reduction efforts, leaders in the American ethanol industry have announced pledges and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The country’s largest ethanol producer, POET LLC, and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), representing another large portion of the industry, have separately pledged GHG reductions of 70 percent within a decade and goals of net neutrality by 2050. The American Coalition for Ethanol also supports state and federal policies that aid in ethanol reaching net neutrality by midcentury. Continue reading »
Electric vehicles reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and reduce fuel and maintenance costs compared to conventional vehicles. Despite these benefits, the percentage of electric vehicles on roads in the Midwest is still relatively low. Clean fuels policies can spur electric vehicle deployment, as demonstrated in A Clean Fuels Policy for the Midwest: A White Paper from the Midwestern Clean Fuels Policy Initiative, which was published last year. Continue reading »
In November, President Biden signed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the single largest infrastructure investment in American history. The bill includes significant funding at the federal and state levels for electric vehicles (EVs) and the infrastructure needed to support EV deployment. As state and local governments look to increase transportation electrification, this bill provides investment in several critical areas for deployment. Continue reading »
New electricity market rule changes will help hybrid resource projects advance in the Midcontinent region. The changes provide methods to determine hybrid resources’ capacity value, a vital metric for maintaining the reliability of the region’s electric grid. Since hybrid resources can combine multiple electricity generation technologies and storage devices, they are an important opportunity to increase carbon-free energy in the region. Continue reading »
The medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicle (EV) market is growing. However, mass electrification of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles will require charging infrastructure and standards tailored to meet their high energy needs. Leaders have an opportunity to increase electrification of these vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by closing this infrastructure gap. Continue reading »
