Free Technical Assistance Now Available to Local Governments in All 50 States
Washington, D.C. (Jan. 14, 2025) — Charging Smart, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-funded technical assistance and designation program, is now available in all fifty U.S. states. Charging Smart offers free technical assistance to help local governments accelerate the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure. Continue reading »
MINNEAPOLIS – The Great Plains Institute (GPI) announced today that Christa Velasquez, a distinguished pioneer in philanthropic impact investing, has joined its board of directors. Velasquez brings over 25 years of experience in impact investing and philanthropic grantmaking to underinvested communities. She is currently consulting with Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors and is also a lecturer at the University of Chicago, educating the next generation of talent devoted to the common good. Continue reading »
The Great Plains Institute announced today that Charles Hua, founder and executive director of PowerLines and former U.S. Department of Energy advisor, has joined its board. With roots in the Midwest, Hua is a rising star in energy and the clean energy transition, internationally recognized for his leadership on grid modernization, clean energy policy and sustainability. Continue reading »
Fall is a beautiful time of change and transition, and in that spirit, we have exciting news of change and opportunity to share ourselves!
It is with gratitude and celebration that we share Lola Schoenrich is evolving her leadership role at GPI, stepping back from serving as vice president of Communities and into a part-time senior fellow role where she will continue to contribute her considerable experience and expertise. Continue reading »
If there’s anything the last decade has shown, it’s that the clean energy transition is a powerful force. The increase in optimism, opportunity, and investment is building momentum toward a net-zero carbon economy. Here at GPI, we truly are positioned to create the market conditions to accelerate the clean energy transition. Continue reading »
La Crescent is the first city in Minnesota and the fourth municipality nationwide to achieve SolSmart Platinum designation. To achieve Platinum, La Crescent took action to increase solar readiness in their community and adopted an automated solar permitting platform. Continue reading »
The Great Plains Institute is collaborating with Iowa State University (ISU) Extension & Outreach, recipients of a $1.7 million grant from the US Department of Energy through the R-STEP program, to guide Iowa communities in making informed decisions on large-scale renewable energy projects. Continue reading »
MINNEAPOLIS — The Great Plains Institute announced today that Christian Mitchell, vice president for civic engagement at the University of Chicago, has joined its board. Mitchell’s rich experience in state government as both an elected and appointed official and his roots as a community organizer bring valuable perspectives to GPI’s board as the organization works to accelerate the transition to net-zero carbon emissions for the benefit of people, the economy, and the environment. Continue reading »
The annual Environmental Initiative Awards were recently announced, with the Energy and Climate award going to the Food Group’s Solar Farmland Access – Emerging Farmers project, which seeks to increase land access for emerging, BIPOC, and immigrant farmers by utilizing spaces under and around solar farms. Continue reading »
MINNEAPOLIS — Today, the Great Plains Institute (GPI) and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) announced the launch of Charging Smart designation program that prepares and recognizes communities for electric vehicle (EV) readiness. Charging Smart is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office. Continue reading »
