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 »
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GPI Again Ranked a Top Nonprofit in the US by Charity Navigator
October 22, 2019 in News & Press Author: Rolf NordstromWe are pleased to announce that the Great Plains Institute (GPI) has earned the coveted four-star rating from Charity Navigator for the fifth year in a row. The rating demonstrates strong financial responsibility and a commitment to accountability and transparency. Continue reading »
GPI to Manage National Sustainable States Network
October 17, 2019 in Communities, News & Press Author: Gail NosekGreat Plains Institute (GPI) will now manage the national Sustainable States Network, which is working to make action on climate mitigation, resilience, and sustainability the norm for every community. The network connects efforts across 12 states to allow members to share resources, best practices, and collaborate on projects that advance shared goals. Continue reading »
GPI Urges US Senate to Prioritize Clean Energy and Climate Legislation
October 14, 2019 in Carbon Management, News & Press Author: Rolf NordstromThe federal government has a window of opportunity to advance clean energy legislation on a scale that could transform the nation’s ability to meet critical emissions reduction goals and lead energy innovation globally. That’s why the Great Plains Institute (GPI) joined a diverse group of 26 other national organizations in urging congressional leaders to prioritize energy and climate technology and innovation legislation this fall. Continue reading »
Solar Potential Just Got Brighter in the Upper Midwest
October 10, 2019 in Communities Authors: Brian Ross, Jenna GreeneMore communities than ever are using solar energy thanks in part to a program that makes it easier for local governments to make the switch to sun. The Great Plains Institute (GPI) led the Upper Midwest cohort of communities seeking SolSmart designation, the largest in the nation. Continue reading »
Carbon Capture is Ready—Here’s How Proposed Federal Policy Can Increase Deployment
October 8, 2019 in Carbon Management Author: Jennifer ChristensenReaching decarbonization goals by 2050 will require large-scale deployment of carbon capture. Fortunately, carbon capture has been demonstrated at commercial scale for use in electric power and key industries, with successful commercial experience dating back decades in some sectors. Continue reading »
Engaging Communities on Utility-Scale Wind & Solar Development in the Midwest: Part II, Local Considerations
October 7, 2019 in Communities, Energy Systems Authors: Jenna Greene, Jessi WyattThe lowering cost of wind and solar energy generation has a local impact: communities are going to see more wind and solar development projects, more often. Communities see many of the direct impacts from these developments, from tax revenues to opportunities for co-beneficial land uses to managing resident feedback on such development. Many local considerations and indicators can help communities understand opportunities for maximizing local co-benefits as the market continues to increase for utility-scale solar and wind development. Continue reading »
Q&A: Home Efficiency Upgrades Bring Savings & Unexpected Benefits
October 2, 2019 in Energy Systems Author: Lola SchoenrichImproving the energy efficiency of your home is a win-win-win. It makes your living space more comfortable, saves you money, and is good for the environment. Leading analysis shows that energy efficiency can significantly reduce energy use and is a critical tool for reaching emissions reduction targets. In the US, the residential and commercial sectors account for about 30 percent of energy use (which represents almost all of energy use in buildings), with the residential sector accounting for about 16 percent of that total. Continue reading »
GPI Testifies Before US House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis
September 26, 2019 in Carbon Management Author: Gail NosekCarbon capture is a pillar of the Great Plains Institute’s (GPI’s) work. Our carbon management team is focused on realizing the full potential of this suite of technologies as a national energy security, economic, and environmental strategy. To achieve mid-century decarbonization goals, carbon capture projects and infrastructure must be built at a large scale, and in an accelerated timeframe. Continue reading »
Minnesota Department of Transportation Releases Pathways to Decarbonizing Transportation Report
September 18, 2019 in News & Press, Reports & Whitepapers, Transportation & Fuels Author: Gail NosekA new report from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) shows routes to a lower-carbon future for the largest greenhouse gas emitting sector in the state. The Pathways to Decarbonizing Transportation report was created through public input and modeling and outlines recommendations and next steps toward reducing emissions. Continue reading »
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