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Charging Up the Midwest

March 29, 2017 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Katelyn Bocklund

EV Vehicle Graphic

It’s no lie that electric vehicles (EVs) have taken off along the east and west coasts, especially in California. However, EV adoption in other parts of the country is happening at a slower pace. This includes the Midwest, which is home to roughly one-fifth of the population of the United States. An increase in EV deployment in Midwest has the potential to significantly reduce national transportation emissions, in addition to increasing opportunities for more Midwestern consumers to realize the many benefits of driving an electric vehicle. Continue reading »

Dutcher to Lead GPI Development Efforts

March 14, 2017 in News & Press Author: Rolf Nordstrom

Amanda Dutcher

Over our nearly twenty year history, the Great Plains Institute has been extremely fortunate to be supported by a diverse group of philanthropic foundations—which today provide some 95% of GPI’s revenue—along with a small but growing group of committed individuals and institutions who believe in GPI’s nonpartisan, consensus-based approach to crafting effective, broadly-shared energy and climate solutions: now more urgent than ever. Continue reading »

Report Documents First-Ever Collaborative Procurement of Solar Garden Subscriptions by Group of Local Governments

March 13, 2017 in Communities Author: Trevor Drake

Community solar programs are gaining increasing interest from electric utility customers across the nation. Unlike individual solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, community shared solar systems, also known as Solar Gardens, create an opportunity for multiple individuals and organizations to receive the benefit of a larger solar installation without requiring it to be located on-site. For local government entities, these benefits include supporting clean energy and its positive local economic impacts, saving on energy bills for public facilities, and hedging against the future price volatility of electricity. Continue reading »

Analysis: Electric Vehicles Pay Their Fair Share in State Taxes

March 9, 2017 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Dane McFarlane

Recent tax policy analysis by the Great Plains Institute (GPI) for Drive Electric Minnesota found that electric cars pay just as much or more taxes as comparable gasoline vehicles. Like most other states, Minnesota uses a tax on the sale of gasoline and other motor fuel to pay for transportation infrastructure like highways and bridges, among other uses. Continue reading »

21st Century Energy Infrastructure: Policy Recommendations for Development of American CO2 Pipeline Networks

February 22, 2017 in Carbon Management, Reports & Whitepapers

21st Century Energy Infrastructure Cover

The State CO2-EOR Deployment Work Group recommends that President Trump and Congress incorporate the development of long-distance, large-volume carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines as a priority component of a broader national infrastructure agenda. The state officials, industry leaders and other experts in the Work Group launched their work in 2015 with the development and deployment of carbon capture and CO2 pipeline infrastructure as a top priority. Thus, Work Group members and participating states support the Administration and Congress’ new focus on our nations’ infrastructure, and they would welcome the opportunity to be partners in this effort. Continue reading »

MISO Energy Storage Market Reforms Possible with Utility Complaint to FERC

February 8, 2017 in Energy Systems Author: Matt Prorok

*This is an update of a post that was originally published in December*

On October 21, 2016, Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL), an Indianapolis based, vertically integrated utility, filed a formal complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) against the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) under Section 206 of the Federal Power Act over what it perceives as the mistreatment of its Harding Street Station Battery Energy Storage System (HSS BESS) (Docket EL17-8). Essentially, IPL’s complaint boils down to three “asks,” with plenty of details surrounding timing, ongoing proceedings, and stakeholder input left for FERC to figure out. Continue reading »

GreenStep Cities Evaluation Finds Excellent Value to Cities and Program Partners

February 8, 2017 in Carbon Management Author: Lola Schoenrich

Industry and Projects

GreenStep Cities, a voluntary challenge, assistance, and recognition program in Minnesota that helps cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals, periodically gathers feedback from the cities and tribal nations it works with. A recently completed GreenStep Cities evaluation found that the program delivers real value to both participating cities and to the public and private program partners. Continue reading »

How Duluth’s New Mapping Tool Helps Predict Solar Energy Potential

February 8, 2017 in Energy Systems Authors: Brian Ross, Dane McFarlane

The City of Duluth, Minnesota recently launched a new web-based solar energy mapping tool for its residents and businesses that will help lower the barriers to solar development in the city. The app, called “Duluth Shines,” helps users evaluate their rooftop’s solar potential and estimate the size and cost of a solar installation. The tool is generating new interest in solar opportunities and has received coverage in local and regional news. Continue reading »

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