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 GreeneSustainability 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 SchoenrichI 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 FinisTracking 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 BocklundWe 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 FinisGreenStep 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 ScottThe 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 SchroederThe 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 »
The power of partnerships: Minnesota communities look to collaborate to achieve mutual energy goals
August 29, 2018 in Communities Author: Jessi WyattCommunities across the country can benefit from identifying and prioritizing synergies between energy goals outlined at multiple levels of government — across cities, counties, and the state level. Continue reading »
Update: Momentum Builds on Carbon Capture with Major Announcements on Projects and Leadership Efforts
August 2, 2018 in Carbon Management Author: Jennifer ChristensenEarlier this year, landmark legislation which expands and reforms the 45Q tax credit for carbon capture and storage projects was signed into law. The legislation, titled the FUTURE Act, received broad bipartisan support in Congress from governors and other state leaders and a diverse coalition of industry, labor, and environmental supporters. Continue reading »