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 »
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 »
Nancy Pfund, Founder and Managing Partner of DBL Partners, answers GPI’s “Eight Questions on Energy,” sharing her insights on innovation, what she calls the “mobility trifecta,” and what makes her optimistic about the future of energy. Continue reading »
*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, 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 »
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 »
A new report on siting and regulating carbon capture, carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines, and other associated infrastructure needed for deployment of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and other geologic storage was recently published week by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Continue reading »
Since electric vehicles became widely available in 2011 the market has been somewhat limited. Consumers throughout the world faced a choice among three distinct options: 1) a vehicle like the Nissan Leaf, a relatively low cost and low range battery electric vehicle (BEV), 2) a higher cost, higher range BEV like the Tesla Model S, 3) or the all-around utility of a Chevy Volt or another plug in hybrid (PHEV). This paradigm may soon fall apart, and that’s a good thing. Continue reading »
On January 13th, the Great Plains Institute staff participated in our first day of service, a chance to give back to our community, enjoy some time away from the office, and get to know each other a little better. We partnered with Open Arms Minnesota, an organization that prepares and delivers meals to Twin Cities residents living with cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and ALS. Founded in 1986, Open Arms now delivers to over 1,000 clients each week with the help of over 5,000 volunteers annually. Continue reading »
A new Great Plains Institute report concludes that the launch of the Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO) market in 2005 led to an increase of average capacity factors for wind turbines in the region by more than five percent. Continue reading »
