June 12, 2007

Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester visited the DTE River Rouge Power Plant today to congratulate its employees on achieving Clean Corporate Citizen status. The River Rouge plant, located in Wayne County, has become the 145th facility in Michigan to join the growing program that recognizes the state's top environmental performers.

Director Chester today announced that the DTE River Rouge Power Plant in Wayne County has achieved the designation of Clean Corporate Citizen (C3). This is Michigan's 145th Clean Corporate Citizen and Detroit Edison's 5th.

"This recognition represents DTE's continued commitment to pollution prevention and environmental stewardship," said Director Chester. "I look forward to their continued success in demonstrating that we can all play a role in protecting Michigan's environment."

The 170 employees at this facility have committed themselves to environmental ethics and stewardship by voluntarily meeting the criteria for C3 designation and achieving certification to the international standard for environmental management, ISO 14001. In addition, they have been recognized by the Wildlife Habitat Council for restoring and enhancing wildlife habitat for indigenous species of birds, plants, fish, and animals.

"Earning the Clean Corporate Citizen designation is the result of a commitment by plant employees," said Sharon Pfeuffer, plant director. "Of course, there was never any question about that commitment. Teamwork and a genuine concern for protecting the environment are deeply held values among our employees."

She added, "River Rouge employees - and all DTE Energy employees - are keenly aware that they have a personal responsibility for protecting the environment day in and day out. This is a commitment we have made to our families, friends and neighbors, and to future generations."

River Rouge joins four other Detroit Edison power plants with C3 designation. Those are the Harbor Beach Power Plant in Harbor Beach, the Fermi 2 Power Plant in Newport, the St. Clair Power Plant in St. Clair, and the Belle River Power Plant in East China Township. In addition, all of Detroit Edison power plants are individually certified to the ISO 14001 environmental management standard and most have received site certification from the Wildlife Habitat Council.

The C3 program is open to establishments regulated under any of Michigan's environmental statutes. Designations are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. More information on the C3 program is available on the DEQ's Web site at www.michigan.gov/deqc3.

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 June 12, 2007 by Pat Watson