A clean transportation standard is a technology-neutral, performance-based policy that reduces the use of high-carbon transportation fuels while providing incentives to deploy lower-carbon alternatives such as electricity, hydrogen, and biofuels. We developed this 101 blog to help inform decision makers considering a Midwestern clean transportation standard as well as others that would like to know more about the initiative. Continue reading »
The year 2020 was challenging—we worked hard to stay apart, embraced wearing masks everywhere we went, and rediscovered the outdoors. It was a year of immense pain, and we said goodbye to deeply loved friends and family. Restaurants, movie theaters, and other businesses endured trying economic times, or closed altogether, amidst a pandemic that shut down life as we once knew it. As we reflect on the past year, we’re also recognizing where progress was still able to occur, particularly on transportation electrification in Minnesota, which can deliver economic and environmental benefits for the state.
The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Biofuels released its recommendations to Governor Tim Walz on November 2, 2020, which include a recommendation that Minnesota move forward with a clean fuels policy that “builds on the vision, principles, and considerations of the white paper A Clean Fuels Policy for the Midwest (2020) from the Midwestern Clean Fuels Policy Initiative and on the vision and principles of the Governor’s Council on Biofuels.” The Initiative’s white paper was the result of analysis and discussion among a broad stakeholder group facilitated by the Great Plains Institute. Continue reading »
The Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota, facilitated by the Great Plains Institute, and the Natural Resources Research Institute are partnering to raise the profile of biochar in Minnesota. At its upcoming member meeting on November 23, 12:00-2:00 p.m. central, the Bioeconomy Coalition will feature a “Biochar in Minnesota Roundtable” with a panel of experts to talk about the opportunities and limitations of commercializing biochar in Minnesota. Continue reading »
In advance of the 2020 legislative session, the Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota sent a letter to Governor Tim Walz expressing concern about the funding shortfall in the state’s Bioincentive Program.
On occasion, Great Plains Institute (GPI) staff like to venture into the world of pop culture, especially when that pop culture has to do with our favorite topic—energy. Some GPI staff attended the recent film The Current War, which dives into the origins of our modern electric grid system and the inventors, investors, and engineers that made it happen. Two of our staff members shared some thoughts about that battle over who would create the modern electric grid and the critical work ahead to transform the grid for a low-carbon future.
A new incentive aims to drive more electric vehicle (EV) ownership in Minnesota.
Starting November 1, 2019, residents who purchase or lease a new or used EV will receive a one-time credit of up to $250 for MnPASS, allowing them to drive in the express lane when traffic is heavy.
A national survey conducted by Consumer Reports and the Union of Concerned Scientists finds widespread interest in electric vehicles among prospective car buyers in Minnesota. Continue reading »
I’m pleased to welcome Carly Gelderman as a program assistant with GPI’s Transportation and Fuels Program. Carly will assist with meeting and event coordination, communications, stakeholder outreach, and supporting all areas of our work, including projects related to electric vehicles and biofuels. Continue reading »
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 »
