Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers unveiled the state’s comprehensive clean energy plan this week. The Great Plains Institute played a key role in assisting the Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy in developing the plan. Continue reading »
Clean Energy and Equity Recommendations See Major Federal Support
December 21, 2021 in Energy Systems Author: Kate Sullivan
At the end of 2020, the Great Plains Institute and BlueGreen Alliance convened stakeholders across Minnesota to address the interrelated challenges of the economic impact of a global pandemic, longstanding racial disparities, and the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The group, Building Economic Resilience Through Clean Energy and Equity in Minnesota (BERCEE), brought together representatives from labor, energy, business, environmental organizations, tribal nations, and state and local governments. Continue reading »
An equitable energy transition is a moral necessity. Implementing equitable climate solutions is not just the right thing to do; it is essential to achieving our goals. Climate change and racial inequities often are discussed as if they were separate issues. In truth, they are deeply intertwined. Continue reading »
GPI Releases Statement on US Carbon Emissions Reduction Target
April 22, 2021 in News & Press Author: Rebecca Lentz
MINNEAPOLIS—The Great Plains Institute released the following statement today, which can be attributed to GPI President and CEO Rolf Nordstrom, on the newly announced target to cut US carbon emissions in half by 2030:
“The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere today is higher than ever in human history, making it all the more urgent for nations of the world to act with urgency to usher in a prosperous net-zero carbon economy that benefits all. More and more people, businesses, cities, states, and countries that account for 70 percent of global GDP, know we must cut emissions in half by the end of the decade if there is any hope of protecting both our environment and economy. Continue reading »
Clean Energy Proves It’s Still Possible to Bridge Our Divides
February 4, 2021 in News & Press Author: Rolf Nordstrom
It is hard to find words to capture 2020 and yet the year’s tragic features are now seared into our national psyche: images of the US Capitol under siege, the pandemic‘s staggering human and economic toll, long-standing racial disparities and injustices that can no longer be ignored, and a fractured political system and populace, all stressing the foundations of our democratic system of government.
Energy Act of 2020 will Advance Technologies Key to 2050 Net-Zero Carbon Goal
January 12, 2021 in News & Press Author: Jennifer Christensen
Congress passed an expansive bipartisan energy package in a year-end omnibus spending bill that will drive emissions reductions, increase jobs, support economic competitiveness, and result in the development and deployment of technologies essential to meeting 2050 climate goals. Passage of the Energy Act of 2020—the first major energy package in over a decade—signals broad support for building a net-zero carbon economy, which requires an all-hands-on-deck approach over the next decade.
The Clean Energy Revolution Your Business Might Be Missing
January 4, 2021 in Energy Systems Author: Rolf Nordstrom
GPI President and CEO Rolf Nordstrom wrote “The Clean Energy Revolution Your Business Might Be Missing” for the Forbes Business Council website where it was originally published. Nordstrom recently became a council member.
If the quiet energy revolution taking place, particularly in the electric sector, has gone unnoticed by you, your company is likely missing out on critical economic and consumer benefits.
GPI Earns Charity Navigator’s Highest Rating for the Sixth Consecutive Year
December 4, 2020 in News & Press Author: Gail Nosek
GPI’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. This is the sixth consecutive time that GPI has earned this top distinction. Only 11 percent of the nonprofits Charity Navigator evaluates have received at least six consecutive four-star evaluations, indicating that GPI outperforms most other nonprofits in America. Continue reading »
Words of Thanks and Inspiration for the Class of 2020
May 15, 2020 in News & Press Author: Rolf Nordstrom
GPI President and CEO Rolf Nordstrom was asked to share a virtual commencement address for graduate students from the University of Minnesota’s famed Humphrey School for Public Affairs who focused their studies on science, technology, and environmental policy (STEP). Rolf shared some thoughts about the challenges before us, leadership, and pursuits beyond happiness. You can watch and read his remarks below. Continue reading »
GPI Urges US Senate to Prioritize Clean Energy and Climate Legislation
October 14, 2019 in Carbon Management, News & Press Author: Rolf Nordstrom
The federal government has a window of opportunity to advance clean energy legislation on a scale that could transform the nation’s ability to meet critical emissions reduction goals and lead energy innovation globally. That’s why the Great Plains Institute (GPI) joined a diverse group of 26 other national organizations in urging congressional leaders to prioritize energy and climate technology and innovation legislation this fall. Continue reading »
