Bioincentive Program Contributes $1.2 Billion of Economic Activity in Minnesota in 2019

September 2, 2020 in News & Press, Transportation & Fuels Author: Gail Nosek

A new report finds the Bioincentive Program contributed to $1.2 billion dollars of economic activity through construction and $601.7 million from operations, including employment for more than 8,300 Minnesotans.

The full press release, which is available below, was originally posted on the Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota website (the Great Plains Institute facilitates the coalition). You can also access the Economic Contribution of the Biobased Industrial Products Industry: Minnesota 2019 report online. The report was prepared by the University of Minnesota Extension’s Center for Community Vitality and the Great Plains Institute. 
Continue reading »

Regional Industrial Initiative Releases Federal Policy Recommendations for U.S. Economic Recovery and Long-Term Emissions Reductions in American Industry

July 23, 2020 in Carbon Management, News & Press Authors: Brad Crabtree, Jill Syvrud, Patrice Lahlum

Picture of the capital building framed by trees

(Washington, D.C.) – The Industrial Innovation Initiative, an ambitious coalition of key industrial and power companies, environmental organizations, and state officials from Midwestern and Gulf Coast states focused on decarbonization solutions for the region’s most important industrial sectors, submitted recommendations to Congress today outlining measures for consideration in COVID-19-related federal economic recovery legislation. Continue reading »

New Analysis: Carbon Capture and Storage Infrastructure for Midcentury Decarbonization

June 30, 2020 in Carbon Management, News & Press, Reports & Whitepapers Author: Dane McFarlane

The Great Plains Institute (GPI) is excited to announce the final results of more than two years of research and modeling on carbon capture and storage opportunities throughout the US. The white paper, Transport Infrastructure for Carbon Capture and Storage: Regional Infrastructure for Midcentury Decarbonization, summarizes our findings and details our analytical approach. The analysis identifies near-term capture and storage opportunities, then designs and plans the regional transport infrastructure required to maximize CO2 abatement while minimizing cost and land use impact.  Continue reading »

US Cities Step Up to Join a New Clean Energy Challenge

June 15, 2020 in Communities, News & Press Author: Lola Schoenrich

sustainable states network

 

US Cities Step Up to Join a New Clean Energy Challenge

 Initiative supports local clean energy action by 30 cities in 5 states

 

For Immediate Release:  Contact: Lola Schoenrich, Sustainable States Network, Cell: 612-720-9558,  Email: [email protected]

Minneapolis, MN—How well do small and mid-sized US cities stack up when it comes to clean energy goals? That’s what the Sustainable States Community Energy Challenge aims to show with tools and support for 30 communities in five states to assess their clean energy goals and initiatives. The challenge will compare clean energy achievements across similarly-sized cities, assess future initiatives, and provide project implementation assistance. Additionally, participating communities will be a part of an in-state peer cohort and will receive technical assistance to completing a pressing clean energy initiative.

Continue reading »

Words of Thanks and Inspiration for the Class of 2020

May 15, 2020 in News & Press Author: Rolf Nordstrom

rolf nordstromGPI 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 »

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

treasury department

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:

Continue reading »

COVID-19: A Chance to Build Back Better

April 30, 2020 in News & Press Author: Rolf Nordstrom

build back better

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 »