Minnesota cities have been working hard to prepare for transportation electrification, and GPI is proud that nine of them are the first in the nation to be designated as Charging Smart communities! Continue reading »
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MINNEAPOLIS — The Great Plains Institute announced today that Christian Mitchell, vice president for civic engagement at the University of Chicago, has joined its board. Mitchell’s rich experience in state government as both an elected and appointed official and his roots as a community organizer bring valuable perspectives to GPI’s board as the organization works to accelerate the transition to net-zero carbon emissions for the benefit of people, the economy, and the environment. Continue reading »
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of AmeriCorps during AmeriCorps Week 2024, Director of AmeriCorps State and National Sonali Nijhawan visited GPI while touring host sites across the country. GPI was selected as a site visit during this tour for its long commitment to supporting AmeriCorps members through the Climate Impact Corps and Minnesota GreenCorps. Continue reading »
Unpacking the New EPA Light- and Medium-Duty Vehicle Emissions Rule
April 9, 2024 in Transportation & Fuels Author: M. Moaz Uddin
On March 20, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the final vehicle standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles. These rules are meant to reduce air pollution by limiting vehicle tailpipe emissions. The regulations will allow American consumers to choose more cost-effective, eco-friendly vehicles, resulting in annual savings on fuel and upkeep expenses. Continue reading »
Statement: Solar Farmland Access for Emerging Farmers Project Recognized with Award
April 8, 2024 in News & Press, Renewable Energy Author: Drew Henry
The annual Environmental Initiative Awards were recently announced, with the Energy and Climate award going to the Food Group’s Solar Farmland Access – Emerging Farmers project, which seeks to increase land access for emerging, BIPOC, and immigrant farmers by utilizing spaces under and around solar farms. Continue reading »
Minnesota and Illinois Clean Transportation Standard Bills Receive Committee Hearings
April 5, 2024 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Mariem Zaghdoudi
Important progress to establish the first clean transportation standard (CTS) program in the Midwest continues, with Minnesota and Illinois currently taking the lead. In both states, legislative committees recently held hearings to discuss CTS bills. Here is what you need to know: Continue reading »
Solar Energy and Agriculture: New Analysis Shows Why Local Context is Key for Planning
April 3, 2024 in Renewable Energy Author: Brian Ross
Land use issues surrounding solar energy and agriculture have the potential to create conflict and slow permitting processes—or they can be an opportunity for designing projects to deliver broad benefits for communities and achieve energy and climate goals. Continue reading »
National Electric Vehicle Community Readiness Program Launches
March 12, 2024 in Communities, News & Press Author: Drew Henry
Pilot in select states and regions kicks off a national DOE-funded initiative with Upper Midwest roots
MINNEAPOLIS — Today, the Great Plains Institute (GPI) and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) announced the launch of Charging Smart designation program that prepares and recognizes communities for electric vehicle (EV) readiness. Charging Smart is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office. Continue reading »
Analyses Show Economic and Air Quality Benefits of a Clean Fuel Standard in Michigan
March 11, 2024 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Mariem Zaghdoudi
New analyses commissioned by the Great Plains Institute project that adopting a clean fuel standard would bring about economic and air quality benefits for Michiganders while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. Michigan is one of several Midwestern states working to pass legislation to implement the technology-neutral, market-based policy, also known as a low-carbon fuel standard, clean transportation standard, or clean fuels policy. Continue reading »
GPI Names Louise Miltich as Organization’s First Executive Vice President
February 28, 2024 in News & Press Author: Rolf Nordstrom
In an exciting new evolution of the Great Plains Institute, I am pleased to announce that Louise Miltich will join us as the organization’s first executive vice president starting April 1. Continue reading »
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