The Great Plains Institute announced today that Charles Hua, founder and executive director of PowerLines and former U.S. Department of Energy advisor, has joined its board. With roots in the Midwest, Hua is a rising star in energy and the clean energy transition, internationally recognized for his leadership on grid modernization, clean energy policy and sustainability. Continue reading »
Rapid development of distributed (small-scale) and large-scale solar energy projects is essential to accelerating the transition to net-zero carbon emissions in a way that delivers equitable, broad benefits to communities. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory and others have demonstrated there are ample suitable lands to achieve ambitious large-scale solar deployment goals, enough to power millions of homes annually. Continue reading »
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 »
Round 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 »
Transportation 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 »
GPI 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 »
Fall 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 »
DENVER—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 »
On 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 »
If 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 »
