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State and Federal Leaders to Discuss Energy and Environmental Developments in the PJM Region

April 27, 2018 in Carbon Management, Energy Systems Author: Doug Scott

Utilities and regulators face an increasingly complex task when responding to the changing power generation mix. They must consider the impact of market rules, legislation, reliability, resilience, cost and environmental issues, just to name a few.

With that in mind, it’s vital to gather the key players, stakeholders, and thought leaders in this sector to discuss issues and generate solutions. That’s the purpose of the “Energy and Environmental Developments in the PJM Region,” event taking place in Washington, D.C. on May 2, 2018. Continue reading »

White Paper: Electric Vehicles Have Potential to Transform the Grid with Previously Unrealized Benefits in the Midcontinent

April 23, 2018 in Energy Systems, News & Press, Reports & Whitepapers, Transportation & Fuels Author: Gail Nosek

 

White Paper Electric Vehicles Have Potential to Transform the Grid with Previously Unrealized Benefits in the Midcontinent

The continuing surge in electric vehicle (EV) use has utilities looking to future impacts on the existing grid structure. Now, a unique consortium of stakeholders has released a white paper that shows that grid transformation can not only meet EV demand, but it can simultaneously benefit utility customers, the economy, and the environment. Continue reading »

GreenStep Cities April Workshop

April 18, 2018 in Communities Author: Kristen Peterson

The April GreenStep Cities workshop focused on racial equity. Abby Finis (Great Plains Institute) introduced Gordon Goodwin, the Midwest Region Project Manager for the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE). Gordon gave a presentation about the importance of racial equity, facilitated a discussion with the audience, and described the work of GARE (2:00). Kevin Frazell and Danielle Cabot (League of Minnesota Cities) then gave an overview of LMC’s involvement with GARE and how LMC has begun to incorporate racial equity into its internal and external work (1:07:40 ). Continue reading »

How to Set Renewable Electricity Goals that Align with Community Priorities

March 27, 2018 in Communities Author: Abby Finis

Rooftop solar panels

Communities can forge their own path to achieve a broad range of benefits from renewable electricity and efficiency by setting clear goals at the outset. Across the country cities are setting 100 percent renewable electricity goals. Is that the right goal for every community? It depends. For some communities, setting such a renewable electricity goal may be at odds with what a community actually wants to achieve. Continue reading »

GreenStep Cities March Workshop

March 23, 2018 in Communities Author: Kristen Peterson

The March GreenStep Cities workshop focused on invasive species and kicked off with introductions from Kristin Mroz (EQB), followed by an overview of terrestrial invasive species by Angie Ambourn of MDA (2:15). Next, Michael Orange (Orange Environmental, LLC) discussed management plans for Emerald Ash Borer, particularly the strategy of “Save the Best, Replace the Rest.” (34:35) After some time for questions, Tina Wolbers’ (DNR) talked about Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and DNR AIS Prevention Planners & Local AIS Plan Framework. Finally, Kristin Mroz (EQB) touched on helpful resources related to invasive species. Continue reading »

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