A recent report summarizes initial stakeholder perspectives around what should be measured to assess Xcel Energy’s electric utility performance in the 21st century. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is accepting initial comments on this matter until May 6.
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The Carbon Capture Coalition, which is co-convened by GPI, recently sent a letter asking members of Congress to support continued robust federal funding for research, development, and demonstration of carbon capture, utilization, storage, and removal technologies and applications as they consider appropriations for the FY 2020 Omnibus. The letter to congressional appropriators was sent on behalf of the more than 60 companies, unions, and energy and agricultural organizations in the Coalition together with their partners.
Over the last year, the Great Plains Institute (GPI) celebrated our 20th anniversary as an organization dedicated to transforming the energy system to benefit the economy and environment. As GPI staff, partners, and supporters reflect on the progress we’ve made together and look ahead to future opportunities for even greater impact in 2019 and beyond, we’re sharing a Q&A series we’ve created with our CEO and program leadership team. Continue reading »
I’m pleased to welcome Carly Gelderman as a program assistant with GPI’s Transportation and Fuels Program. Carly will assist with meeting and event coordination, communications, stakeholder outreach, and supporting all areas of our work, including projects related to electric vehicles and biofuels. Continue reading »
Electric vehicles (EVs) are an essential part of the effort to decarbonize the transportation sector by midcentury. Recently, a diverse coalition of stakeholders released analysis, findings, and recommendations on how to accelerate EV adoption in “A Road Map to Decarbonization in the Midcontinent: Transportation Electrification.” This post highlights the findings from the road map, which were developed to help inform decision-making by state and local leaders, policy makers and private sector actors. Continue reading »
My name is Aime Bita, and I am the Capitol Pathways intern for the 2019 legislative session at the Great Plains Institute. As GPI’s Capitol Pathways intern I am working at the Minnesota State Capitol and at GPI’s office with a focus on transportation policy. This internship is a continuation of my interest in making a positive impact and pursuing new experiences. Continue reading »
Over the last year, the Great Plains Institute (GPI) celebrated our 20th anniversary as an organization dedicated to transforming the energy system to benefit the economy and environment. As GPI staff, partners, and supporters reflect on the progress we’ve made together and look ahead to future opportunities for even greater impact in 2019 and beyond, we’re sharing a Q&A series we’ve created with our CEO and program leadership team. Continue reading »
Proper implementation of the 45Q tax credit is crucial to realizing the significant carbon emission reduction, energy and industrial production, and job creation benefits that will come from economy-wide deployment of carbon capture technology. Congress enacted the reformed and strengthened 45Q tax credit—which is for the geologic storage and beneficial use of carbon captured from industrial facilities and power plants—more than a year ago as part of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018.
Beginning in 2019, Minnesota’s three investor-owned utilities will file resource plans that will chart a path into a time period of significant change and opportunity. With nearly all the state’s power sector CO2 emissions coming from fossil-fuel plants that are retiring or potentially retiring in the next 20 years, the state has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a transformation towards decarbonized electricity generation. Continue reading »
At the end of January, the polar vortex brought bitter cold temperatures to the Upper Midwest of the United States. Some parts of northern Minnesota hit -45°F temperatures with wind chills down to -65°F. The record-setting low temperatures and frigid wind chills posed a safety and reliability threat to the region’s people and infrastructure alike. Continue reading »
