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Whether you’re a longtime supporter of our work or only know a little about GPI, we hope you enjoy our new look and more user-friendly design. Continue reading »
The March GreenStep Cities workshop focused on invasive species and kicked off with introductions from Kristin Mroz (EQB), followed by an overview of terrestrial invasive species by Angie Ambourn of MDA (2:15). Next, Michael Orange (Orange Environmental, LLC) discussed management plans for Emerald Ash Borer, particularly the strategy of “Save the Best, Replace the Rest.” (34:35) After some time for questions, Tina Wolbers’ (DNR) talked about Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and DNR AIS Prevention Planners & Local AIS Plan Framework. Finally, Kristin Mroz (EQB) touched on helpful resources related to invasive species. Continue reading »
It’s Time for Long-Term Planning for North Dakota’s Legacy Fund
March 19, 2018 in Carbon Management Author: Patrice Lahlum
A handful of North Dakota state legislators recently put forth a proposal to tap into the principal of the state’s constitutionally-established Legacy Fund to establish a loan program for infrastructure projects. The plan is expected to come before the 2019 State Legislature and will likely be one of many ideas and proposals that surface in the coming months which aim to utilize either the earnings or a portion of the principal of the Fund. Continue reading »
Improving Standby Rate Design Would Help Industries Increase Efficiency, Reduce Emissions, and Save Money
March 13, 2018 in Energy Systems Authors: Anna Dirkswager, Jamie Scripps
What is Combined Heat and Power?
Combined heat and power (CHP) is a system that not only generates electricity, but also harnesses the thermal energy from power generation for heating and cooling applications (typically burning natural gas for electricity and capturing the exhaust for steam heat). By combining these two processes, some CHP systems can achieve thermal efficiencies of 60-80 percent, which is up to twice the efficiency of traditional power generation. Continue reading »
As part of the Grow Solar Partnership, toolkits have been assembled to equip local governments in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois with information regarding solar development as it relates to planning, zoning, and permitting. The toolkits were created in 2016, then model ordinances are being updated in 2020 to reflect new best practices and lessons learned since 2016. Minnesota and Iowa are updated and Illinois and Wisconsin are in process, with ordinance for Indiana and Michigan under development. The purpose of these toolkits is to provide resources that will assist communities in addressing barriers to solar energy installations in a manner tailored to each community’s needs. Continue reading »
Three Things to Know About Changes to the 45Q Tax Credit for Carbon Capture and Storage Projects
March 5, 2018 in Carbon Management Author: Jennifer Christensen
As part of the recent budget bill, Congress passed legislation to expand and reform a key tax credit called 45Q for deployment of carbon capture and storage projects in the United States. Continue reading »
Before & After: How the FUTURE Act Reformed the 45Q Carbon Capture and Storage Tax Credit
March 5, 2018 in Carbon Management Author: Jennifer Christensen
As part of a larger budget bill earlier this year, Congress passed legislation to expand and reform a key tax credit called 45Q for deployment of carbon capture and storage projects in the United States. The legislation, introduced in 2017 as the FUTURE Act, received broad bipartisan support in Congress and was supported by state leaders and by an unprecedented coalition called the Carbon Capture Coalition. Continue reading »
Minnesota Cities Charging Ahead Around Electric Vehicles
February 20, 2018 in Communities Author: Diana McKeown
There has been a growing interest from cities in Minnesota to explore options for adding electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure in their communities. Continue reading »
St. Louis Park Climate Action Plan: City Lays Out Roadmap for Carbon Neutrality by 2040
February 16, 2018 in Communities Author: Abby Finis
With the adoption of the St. Louis Park Climate Action Plan in early February, the Minnesota city became a leading example of a community moving from setting ambitious energy and carbon emission goals to laying out a roadmap for implementation. Continue reading »
Broad Coalition, Bipartisan Leadership Key to Passage of Landmark Carbon Capture Legislation
February 15, 2018 in Carbon Management Author: Brad Crabtree
The wide-ranging budget bill passed by Congress and signed by the President includes the FUTURE Act; legislation introduced last year in the U.S. Senate to reform the federal Section 45Q tax credit for capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) from power plants and industrial facilities. Continue reading »
