Blog


The Better Energy Community is constantly growing and evolving.

Read about our latest projects and successes on our blog.

News Release: Great Plains Institute Lauds Passage of New MN Bioenergy Program

June 16, 2015 in News & Press, Transportation & Fuels Author: Amanda Bilek

Press Release Graphic

MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Legislature has established a new program aimed at enabling the commercial construction of Minnesota-based facilities that will produce advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, or biomass thermal energy utilizing agriculture and forestry feedstocks.

“We are pleased that a new bioenergy program has been signed into law. The Bioeconomy Production Incentive Program received $2 million in funding for the next two years, providing a strong foundation for future project development,” said Great Plains Institute (GPI) Government Affairs Manager Amanda Bilek. Continue reading »

Choosing a Policy Pathway for State 111(d) Plans to Meet State Objectives

April 13, 2015 in Reports & Whitepapers

Document GraphicIn mid-summer 2015, EPA is expected to issue its final Clean Power Plan regulations, which aim to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from existing fossil fuel-fired power plants under section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act.  The final rule will require states to develop and submit state plans as early as mid-summer 2016, to achieve the federally prescribed state emissions goals.   Continue reading »

What’s the deal? Environmental and Bioindustry Agreement on Bioeconomy Bill

April 1, 2015 in Transportation & Fuels Authors: Amanda Bilek, Brendan Jordan

As has already been reported here and here, a major deal has been struck that brings the Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota and the Minnesota Environmental Partnership together in support of an amended version of the Bioeconomy bill in Minnesota. The agreement cleared a path in the Senate Energy and Environment Committee, where it had been stalled. The bill (HF 536/ SF 517) was amended on agreed-upon terms in House and Senate committees – the text of the Senate amendment is here. The text of the agreement is here. Continue reading »

Our Newsletter

Sign Up for Better Energy Community News

Sign up to receive the latest news and announcements from the Great Plains Institute.