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Statement on Minnesota’s Climate Action Framework

September 19, 2022 in Communities, News & Press Author: Darren Goode

Graphic of a stack of papers on a blue backgroundMINNEAPOLIS—The Great Plains Institute shared the following statement by President and CEO Rolf Nordstrom on the State of Minnesota’s Climate Action Framework, released on  September 16, 2022:

“GPI is grateful for the leadership Minnesota is taking to make all our communities more resilient against the growing and immediate threat of climate change. We are proud to have had the opportunity to support the stakeholder engagement process that informed the development of the framework. We look forward to continuing to partner with Minnesota policy makers and tribal, business, nonprofit, and community leaders in pursuing its successful implementation in all corners of the state. This framework is as much about Minnesota’s economic and community health as it is about dramatically reducing emissions. Our long-term prosperity is at stake.” Continue reading »

Q&A: Blackout Risks Underscore Resilience & Reliability Investment Needs for US Power Grid

August 31, 2022 in Energy Systems, Renewable Energy Authors: Brian Ross, Jennifer Christensen, Matt Prorok

Power lines at sunset

The US power grid faces a perfect storm—aging, underfunded infrastructure, extreme weather fueled by climate change, and a changing electricity generation portfolio. Experts warned earlier this year that huge regions of the US could have shortfalls in the power supply during times of high demand, which could lead to rolling blackouts. While blackouts haven’t occurred thus far, the system remains vulnerable to extreme weather events. Continue reading »

Understanding the US Supreme Court’s Decision in West Virginia v. EPA

August 11, 2022 in Carbon Management Author: Grace Olson

Picture of the Supreme Court on a sunny dayThe US Supreme Court issued its highly anticipated ruling on West Virginia v. EPA earlier this summer. At issue was whether the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) could consider “generation shifting”—from higher carbon resources (i.e., coal and natural gas) to lower carbon resources (i.e., natural gas and renewables)—when determining the “best system of emissions reduction” under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. In the majority opinion, the Supreme Court ruled that EPA cannot set the existing source standard based on generation shifting, but otherwise affirmed the agency’s ability to regulate carbon dioxide emissions at new and existing power plants. Continue reading »

PV-SMaRT Solar Site Demonstrates National Implications for Stormwater Management: Medford, OR

August 2, 2022 in Communities Author: Rebecca Heisel

The third case study is now available from a groundbreaking project to establish the first science-based stormwater and water quality standards for solar farms. The Great Plains Institute is helping lead the Photovoltaic Stormwater Management Research and Testing (PV-SMaRT) project along with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Fresh Energy, and the University of Minnesota. PV-SMaRT is funded by the US Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technology office. Continue reading »

The Race to Expand Electric Transmission in America Has Finally Begun

August 1, 2022 in Energy Systems Author: Matt Prorok

Power lines during a sunsetThe recent approval of a slate of long-range transmission lines in the Midwest moves the US closer to realizing a reliable, resilient grid for a net-zero carbon economy. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) Board of Directors unanimously approved the $10.3 billion grid expansion that will increase grid reliability, lower system costs, and remove barriers to renewable energy projects waiting for grid interconnection. Continue reading »

Moaz Uddin Answers WCCO’s Good Question: “Does Getting an Electric Vehicle Make Financial Sense?”

July 12, 2022 in News & Press, Transportation & Fuels Author: Jennifer Christensen

electric vehicle charging

GPI Electric Vehicle Policy Specialist Moaz Uddin recently answered WCCO 4 News’s question, “Does getting an electric vehicle make financial sense?” Part of the CBS station’s “Good Question” series, the show helped answer this common question for people looking at electric vehicles in the face of high gas prices. Uddin breaks down the numbers for how electric vehicles can save consumers money over time. Continue reading »

Hydrogen 101

July 5, 2022 in Carbon Management Authors: Emma Thomley, Grace Olson, Kate Sullivan

hydrogen molecules

Hydrogen has the potential to play a vital role in the clean energy transition. Due to its versatility, hydrogen can help tackle critical energy challenges and meet midcentury climate goals. It can reduce emissions in areas where other solutions like electrification, energy efficiency, or renewables are infeasible. This post will explain basic facts about hydrogen, including its important role in decarbonization and different production methods. Continue reading »

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