A new academic paper on biofuels was released this week, and some media outlets have reached sweeping conclusions. “Fuels from corn waste not better than gas,” claimed the AP. The Daily Caller one-upped them with “Study: Corn Ethanol is Nature’s Enemy”. A careful reading of the paper doesn’t in any way support these conclusions. Continue reading »
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Solar Conference Draws 350 to Bring Ideas to Action!
April 15, 2014 in Communities Author: Diana McKeown
On March 7th, the Great Plains Institute was a sponsor of the Solar Powering Minnesota conference that brought together over 350 folks to bring their solar ideas to action. Continue reading »
This report is by Kathy Kuntz of Cool Choices and was produced in conjunction with the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council and the Great Plains Institute.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ENERGY STAR certified buildings average 35 percent less energy use than typical buildings and cumulatively achieve over $2 billion in annual cost savings. More than 300,000 buildings across the country—over 40 percent of the commercial market—measure and track their energy use with ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, a tool that helps identify their eligibility for certification. Continue reading »
Taking Recycling Efforts to the Next Level
April 9, 2014 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Amanda Bilek
Many cities across the U.S.—even large cities like New York City—are stepping up recycling efforts by offering curbside collection of source separated organics, or food scraps and nonrecyclable papers. City and county governments are looking to collect household and institutional organic waste to boost recycling efforts. Continue reading »
Amanda Bilek Recognized by Biomass Magazine as a ‘Biogas Bolsterer’
April 1, 2014 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Rolf Nordstrom
GPI congratulates our own Amanda Bilek, who manages GPI’s government affairs and has a deep background in bioenergy, for being recognized as a ‘Biogas Bolsterer’ by Biomass Magazine. The magazine has recognized four exceptional business leaders who have made notable contributions to the evolving biogas industry. Continue reading »
Demand Response: An Underutilized Asset in the Midwest
March 19, 2014 in Energy Systems Author: Steve Dahlke
Imagine yourself lying on a warm beach, maybe in Hawaii, a Mai Tai in one hand and a good book in the other. Once you’ve caught enough rays you take a stroll back to your comfortable air-conditioned hotel where you relax some more. Continue reading »
Bioeconomy Bill Introduced in the Minnesota Legislature
March 5, 2014 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Brendan Jordan
Senator Tom Saxhaug, and Representative Jeanne Poppe have introduced a bill in the Minnesota legislature to help establish an advanced biofuel and renewable chemicals industry in Minnesota. The Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota, a multi-stakeholder partnership, is strongly supportive and will be working closely with Sen. Saxhaug and Rep. Poppe to advance the bill during the 2014 legislative session.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy visits North Dakota today at the request of U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp. Administrator McCarthy will meet with leaders from North Dakota’s many energy sectors and see firsthand our state’s rich energy resources and economic opportunity. Continue reading »
Making Connections: Energy Trends and Our Vital Local Economy
February 18, 2014 in Communities Author: Diana McKeown
On February 6, 2014 The Metropolitan Energy Policy Coalition (MEPC) hosted an all day energy summit titled, Making Connections – Energy Trends and Our Vital Local Economy. The summit brought together over 140 decision makers and other stakeholders from local government to uncover trends in the way we produce, distribute, and use energy. Continue reading »
GPI Joins Partners GRE and the Brattle Group in Presenting Innovative Approach for Compliance with EPA GHG Regulations
February 5, 2014 in News & Press
Cambridge, MA, February 5, 2014. Working with Minnesota-based Great River Energy, Brattle Group economists developed a regional market-based approach to implement EPA’s forthcoming rule under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from existing power generating sources (“Existing Source Rule”). The approach uses existing energy market infrastructure to achieve emission reduction targets while ensuring reliability and minimizing cost impacts. Continue reading »
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