October 30, 2006

Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester officially welcomed the General Motors Pontiac Assembly Center into the Clean Corporate Citizen (C3) program today. The GM facility earned the distinction of becoming Michigan's 138th C3, joining the ranks of the state's top environmental performers in the DEQ's voluntary program recognizing environmental management and stewardship.

"The Pontiac Assembly Center is the eighth General Motors plant to achieve this designation, demonstrating that environmental protection and economic success go hand-in-hand," said Director Chester. "I would like to congratulate the entire GM Pontiac Assembly Center team for their commitment to protecting and preserving Michigan's environment."

The Pontiac Assembly Center manufactures both the Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra full size pick-up trucks. Their 2006 pollution prevention goals include elimination of hazardous air pollutants by changing paint formulas, reducing energy usage by adjusting winter and summer thermostat settings, reducing waste materials sent off site, and reducing non-recyclable waste.

"Pontiac Assembly Center is a great example of how the people of General Motors are constantly taking actions to reduce the impact of GM facilities and processes on the environment," said Elizabeth A. Lowery, GM vice president, Environment and Energy. "The innovations that are in place at Pontiac Assembly Center will reduce the use of water and energy, lower emissions to the water and air, as well as decrease waste generated, and those represent decisions that are good for the environment and for our business. We are very pleased to have this achievement recognized by the state of Michigan."

Pontiac Assembly Center Plant Manager, Dennis G. Dougherty, added: "As the manager of the Pontiac Assembly Plant, it is my goal to continue to be a responsible corporate neighbor in this great community. We are especially proud of our environmental mentorship of students at schools in Auburn Hills and Pontiac."

Jim Hall, chairman of United Autoworkers Local 594, which represents the workforce at the plant, said: "It was our goal to exceed the minimum environmental requirements, which we believe is the right thing to do to ensure our neighbors can enjoy their homes near the plant."

During 2005, environmental highlights at the plant included:

- 647 tons of cardboard and 11.5 tons of plastic recycled.

- An 8 percent decrease in air emissions, an 11 percent reduction in
  water use, a 13 percent reduction in energy use, and a 73 percent
  decrease in the amount of non-recycled waste generated.

Additional General Motors plants that have earned C3 status include: the Pontiac Centerpoint Campus Validation Center, the Livonia Engine Plant, the Romulus Engine Plant, the Warren Transmission Plant, the Flint Metal Center, the Lansing Regional Stamping Plant, and the Orion Assembly Center.

To qualify for a Clean Corporate Citizen designation, candidates must adopt a facility-specific environmental management system and active pollution prevention initiatives, and have a consistent record of compliance with applicable environmental requirements. Clean Corporate Citizens are eligible for certain regulatory benefits under the state's environmental programs, including expedited permit approval. The program is open to establishments regulated under any of Michigan's environmental statutes. Designations are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"

Revised October 30, 2006 by Pat Watson