GPI President and CEO Rolf Nordstrom was asked to share a virtual commencement address for graduate students from the University of Minnesota’s famed Humphrey School for Public Affairs who focused their studies on science, technology, and environmental policy (STEP). Rolf shared some thoughts about the challenges before us, leadership, and pursuits beyond happiness. You can watch and read his remarks below. Continue reading »
Midcontinent Industrial Emissions Present Challenge & Opportunity
May 12, 2020 in Carbon Management Author: Jill Syvrud
Industry is the third highest-emitting sector in the US economy and has less obvious carbon reduction pathways in comparison to electricity and transportation, where the vast majority of decarbonization discussions have focused. This post introduces the current landscape of emissions in the US industrial heartland, the Midcontinent region, to inform discussions of carbon reduction pathways. While industry poses a challenge for decarbonization given its diversity of subsectors, unique emissions sources, and complex solution sets, it also holds a high potential for low-cost strategies, opportunities for collaboration between subsectors, and could drive investment in innovative decarbonization technologies. Continue reading »
A Collaborative Approach to Building Energy Benchmarking Policies
May 6, 2020 in Communities Author: Abby Finis
Minnesota cities are collaborating on standards and tools for measuring and tracking energy consumption in buildings to increase energy efficiency, lower costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Efficient Buildings Collaborative, an initiative of Hennepin County (GPI is a partner), is a new program to standardize policies for building energy benchmarking in Minnesota cities and develop a shared platform for cities to use. Continue reading »
Coalition Welcomes IRS Inspector General Report, Calls for Agency to Follow Coalition Recommendations to Safeguard Integrity of New 45Q Tax Credit
May 6, 2020 in Carbon Management, News & Press Author: Jennifer Christensen
Great Plains Institute Vice President and Director of the Carbon Capture Coalition Brad Crabtree issued a statement responding to the release of a letter from the Internal Revenue Service Inspector General regarding tax credit claims under the old 45Q tax credit program. The statement was originally posted on the Carbon Capture Coalition website:
GreenStep Cities Celebrates 10 Years
May 4, 2020 in Communities Authors: Diana McKeown, Lola Schoenrich
GPI is thrilled to mark the 10-year anniversary of GreenStep Cities, a voluntary challenge, assistance, and recognition program that helps Minnesota cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. GPI is proud to be a GreenStep Cities partner and take part in supporting and recognizing cities’ progress on sustainability and quality of life. Continue reading »
Given the toll the current pandemic is having on our families, friends, and people around the globe, it’s hard to contemplate what the world could be like after COVID-19. However, as those on the front lines of this crisis work with such strength, resolve, and self-sacrifice, those of us working on the climate challenge have the obligation to continue our work toward a better world on the other side of this tragedy. Continue reading »
Why an Ethanol Advocacy Group Supports a Midwestern Clean Fuels Policy
April 10, 2020 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Brendan Jordan
The Midwestern Clean Fuels Policy Initiative, facilitated by the Great Plains Institute (GPI), recently released a report detailing how a successful clean fuels policy should be designed. The initiative brings together fuel producers and marketers, nonprofit and research organizations, scientists and engineers, and agriculture and industry stakeholders.
Minnesota’s Forests have Untapped Economic and Environmental Potential
April 7, 2020 in News & Press, Reports & Whitepapers, Transportation & Fuels Author: Gail Nosek
A new analysis by the Great Plains Institute shows the challenges as well as the vast untapped opportunities for Minnesota’s forestry industry. Full press release is below. Continue reading »
We send our deepest thanks and appreciation to all those on the front lines of addressing the devastating COVID-19 pandemic and our thoughts are with all those affected as this crisis impacts our families, friends, colleagues, and people around the globe. As those on the front lines of this crisis work with such strength, resolve, and self-sacrifice, those of us working on the climate challenge have the obligation to continue our work toward a better world on the other side of this tragedy. Continue reading »
Great Plains Institute Earns Highest Possible Recognition from GuideStar
April 6, 2020 in News & Press Author: Deborah Karasov
We are pleased to announce that the Great Plains Institute (GPI) has achieved the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar! Continue reading »
