JUNE 13, 2005– Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced today that NextEnergy, Inc. has received a $43,000 grant to serve as the coordinating agency for the Detroit Area Clean Cities Coalition. 

“Having a designated Clean Cities Coalition in the Detroit Metropolitan area is essential because it promotes use of new automotive technologies in Michigan and stimulates our state’s economy.  I congratulate NextEnergy for taking the lead in this Clean Cities regional partnership,” Granholm said. 

NextEnergy is a Detroit-based non-profit corporation founded to advance the alternative energy technology industry in Michigan.   The grant is administered by the Energy Office in the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth.

“NextEnergy is a good fit, as its mission supports that of the Clean Cities Initiative – to promote renewable and more energy-efficient technologies related to transportation.  The Detroit Area Clean Cities Coalition can be a leader among all Clean Cities initiatives,” said DLEG Director David C. Hollister.

The Coalition joined the U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities Partnership in 1996 and began   promoting alternative fuel use and developing refueling sites for local fleet vehicles.  Initially the Detroit Area Clean Cities Coalition focused on alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas, electricity, propane, ethanol and biodiesel.  The program now also offers additional information and assistance to area fleets interested in adopting newer technologies such as hybrid electric gasoline and diesel vehicles and idle reduction equipment for heavy-duty trucks and buses.  These new technologies can significantly reduce fossil fuel use and harmful emissions. 

One of NextEnergy’s initiatives is to work on alternative fuel infrastructure to support hydrogen and bio/synthetic fuel vehicles. This effort supports the Clean Cities’ goal to reduce dependence on  and consumption of petroleum-based fuels and encourages the use of renewable energy fuels to power automobiles.  The Clean Cities Program promotes voluntary alternative fuel vehicle use and infrastructure development to help the U.S. achieve energy security and improved air quality through clean burning, domestically produced alternative fuels and fuel reduction technologies.

For additional information, please contact Rachel Kuntzsch, Coalition Coordinator, at 313-833-0100 ext. 180 or detroitcleancities@nextenergy.org or Tim Shireman (517) 241-6281 or tashire@michigan.gov. 

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth news releases.