A recently formed governors’ group aimed at advancing the development and deployment of carbon capture projects and CO2 pipeline infrastructure across the United States sent a letter to Congressional leaders today urging passage this year of the bipartisan Utilizing Significant Emissions with Innovative Technologies (USE IT) Act, S. 2602. Continue reading »
GPI Receives 2018 Nonprofit Partner Award from the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association
November 14, 2018 in Communities, Energy Systems, News & Press Author: Gail Nosek
The Great Plains Institute (GPI) is proud to be recognized by the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA) with the 2018 MnSEIA Nonprofit Partner Award. GPI President and CEO Rolf Nordstrom accepted the award at MnSEIA’s annual conference this week. Continue reading »
New Series on Electric Vehicle Progress in the Central US – Part One: Utility Programs
November 7, 2018 in Transportation & Fuels Authors: Brendan Jordan, Charles Griffith, Nick Nigro
When we talk about the parts of the US that have most enthusiastically embraced electric vehicles (EVs), most experts will point to California, and for good reason. Nearly half of all the EVs on the road today are in California and nearly four out of every 100 cars that are sold in the state are EVs. Given the broad benefits of EVs, including lower emissions, lower fuel and maintenance costs, and a great consumer experience, it begs the question: Are there efforts to promote and expand EV adoption throughout the rest of the country? [hint: yes, as we’ll describe] Continue reading »
Dedicated City Staff Crucial to Setting and Implementing Energy Goals
November 6, 2018 in Communities Author: Jenna Greene
Sustainability issues such as energy, water quality, and climate mitigation and resiliency are becoming increasingly important to cities in Minnesota and across the country. At the same time, it is challenging for city staff to focus on improving citywide sustainability given the daily needs and priorities of government service delivery and operations. Continue reading »
GPI Welcomes Jenna Greene to Communities Program
October 28, 2018 in Communities Author: Lola Schoenrich
I am excited to welcome Jenna Greene to GPI’s Communities Program. Jenna joins us as a program assistant working on GPI’s efforts to expand solar deployment, increase energy efficiency and solar deployment opportunities for small businesses, and support community energy and climate planning. Continue reading »
Planning Tools Boost Cities’ Capacity to Tackle Emissions Reduction & Energy Savings Goals in Minnesota
October 19, 2018 in Communities Author: Abby Finis
Tracking greenhouse gas emissions, understanding where emissions come from, and determining strategies to reduce them are all relatively new concepts for cities. Continue reading »
GPI hosts GreenCorps member to work on electric vehicle readiness in Minnesota communities
October 17, 2018 in News & Press Author: Katelyn Bocklund
We are fortunate to serve as a Minnesota GreenCorps host site for another year and to welcome Joe Cella, who is now serving as GPI’s GreenCorps member. Continue reading »
GreenStep Cities October Workshop: Climate Smart Municipalities
October 10, 2018 in Communities Author: Abby Finis
GreenStep Cities hosted a workshop on Climate Smart Municipalities with presenters from both Minnesota and Germany. For the past three years, five Minnesota GreenStep Cities communities have partnered with five communities from the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia to advance climate action. At this October workshop, presenters discussed this partnership and innovative electric vehicle practices in both states. Continue reading »
Assisting States and Stakeholders in the Complicated Work of Grid Modernization
September 19, 2018 in Energy Systems Author: Doug Scott
The e21 Initiative has not only provided valuable leadership in shaping a 21st century electric system in Minnesota, it’s created opportunities for utilities in the Midwest and both US coasts to learn from the process. Continue reading »
GPI Ranked a Top Nonprofit in the US by Charity Navigator
September 12, 2018 in News & Press Author: Eric Schroeder
The Great Plains Institute was recognized for the fourth consecutive year as a top nonprofit in the United States for financial health, accountability, and transparency by the nation’s largest charity evaluator, Charity Navigator. Continue reading »
