Apr 2 2009
Consumers Energy and the Greater Lansing Area Clean Cities Coalition (GLACC) are working together to spread the news that adding a touch of green to your vehicle fleet is good for Michigan's economy and the environment.
Consumers Energy is hosting tomorrow's "Green Fleet Workshop" at its Lansing service center. The workshop will include displays of General Motor's biofuel vehicles, as well as a plug-in utility bucket truck. Workshop presenters include national representatives from the National Biodiesel Board, the American Coalition for Ethanol, and Lansing area fleet vehicle managers.
"We're pleased to host today's workshop and endorse the GLACC's goal of supporting Michigan's economy by increasing the use of environmentally friendly vehicles. We think it's important to support Michigan automakers and auto workers," said Scott Weber, Consumers Energy's director of fleet services.
Consumers Energy added a touch of green recently to its vehicle fleet with the purchase of five Chevrolet Malibu gasoline-electric hybrids. The utility also has bought 150 new cars and trucks with flex-fuel capacity, as part of its ongoing vehicle fleet replacement process.
The utility is spending nearly $30 million in 2009 to replace more than 600 vehicles and equipment that are beyond their economic life cycle. The new vehicles will be American made, with more than 40 percent coming from General Motors and built in Michigan.
"Public and private fleets can have a significant impact on reducing petroleum consumption and vehicle emissions without compromising productivity. Through our workshop series, GLACC is informing fleets of the various technologies, fuels, and vehicles available to help them reduce their impact. We also share information about funding opportunities to help implement these solutions," said GLACC Executive Director, Rachel Kuntzsch. "As a GLACC member, Consumers Energy is demonstrating its commitment to embracing clean transportation option, and we're pleased to work with the company to share its story with other fleets in the region."
Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), provides natural gas and electricity to nearly 6.5 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.