Minnesota is one of a few Midwestern states considering clean transportation standard (CTS) legislation to reduce the carbon intensity of fuels used in the transportation sector. Similar bills are also under consideration in Michigan and Illinois. If passed, a CTS would build upon Minnesota’s recent commitment to 100 percent clean electricity and secure the state’s position as a regional and national clean energy leader. Recent analysis shows how such a policy could drive investment in and adoption of clean fuels in Minnesota, including by supporting the deployment of more electric vehicles. Continue reading »
The Better Energy Community is constantly growing and evolving.
Read about our latest projects and successes on our blog.
Gearing Up for Round 2 of the Transmission Siting and Economic Development (TSED) Grant Program
October 8, 2024 in Energy Systems Author: Matt ProrokRound two of the federal Transmission Siting and Economic Development (TSED) Grant Program is approaching. This fall, GPI is gearing up to support communities with their applications, building on our work with successful applicants in round one. Continue reading »
Clean Transportation Standards: A Win-Win for Electric Vehicle Adoption and Climate
October 3, 2024 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Carolyn BerningerTransportation emissions remain the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions nationwide. Regulatory actions and policy proposals at the federal and state levels aim to reduce these emissions. The federal government recently announced updated regulations requiring vehicle manufacturers to reduce emissions from the vehicles they produce, and automakers can meet these requirements by producing cleaner gas cars and more electric vehicles. Although meaningful, vehicle regulations alone will not be sufficient to achieve necessary reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollution. Continue reading »
First Communities in Michigan and Ohio Earn Charging Smart Designations
October 2, 2024 in Communities Authors: Muntaas Farah, Rebecca HeiselGPI is thrilled to announce that Southfield, Michigan, and Dayton, Ohio, are the first cities in their states to earn designations as Charging Smart communities! These designations recognize these cities’ work to become ready for the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging equipment. Both Southfield and Dayton earned a Bronze designation. Continue reading »
Lola Schoenrich Stepping into New Leadership Role at GPI
September 27, 2024 in Communities, News & Press Author: Louise MiltichFall 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 »
New Online Tool Provides Key Social and Environmental Data for Colorado Carbon Management Projects
September 25, 2024 in Carbon Management Author: Diana LeaneDENVER—A new, novel interactive mapping tool is now available as a central hub for Colorado decision makers and citizens to consider social, environmental, legal and community data and factors when discussing where to locate carbon management projects in the state. Continue reading »
Things to Know from the First Round of US DOE Transmission and Economic Development Grant Selections
September 10, 2024 in Energy Systems Authors: Diana Gastelum, Matt ProrokOn July 24, 2024, the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Grid Deployment Office (GDO) announced the project selections for the first round of the Transmission Siting and Economic Development (TSED) grant program, awarding over $350 million to states and communities across the country to support timely and equitable transmission infrastructure siting. Continue reading »
Keeping Our Foot on the Clean Energy Accelerator
September 3, 2024 in News & Press Author: Louise MiltichIf 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 »
Shared and Active Transportation is Essential to Decarbonization
August 27, 2024 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Aaron WestlingDecarbonizing the transportation sector will require a multi-pronged approach, and GPI is pursuing various strategies, including promoting electrification and low-carbon fuels. However, to achieve our vision of an equitable net-zero carbon economy, we also must also advance shared and active mobility. Continue reading »
Examining the Safety Record of Carbon Dioxide Pipelines
August 14, 2024 in Carbon Management Author: Kelley ReiersonThe United States must rapidly decarbonize its industrial and energy production sectors to meet its midcentury climate goals. The International Energy Agency and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have assessed that carbon management technologies, including direct air capture (DAC) and carbon capture and storage (CCS), will play an important role in meeting this objective alongside other necessary decarbonization technologies. Continue reading »
Our Newsletter
Sign Up for Better Energy Community News
Sign up to receive the latest news and announcements from the Great Plains Institute.