AUGUST 27, 2002- Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services Director Noelle A. Clark announced today that the CIS Energy Office has awarded $20,000 grants to the City of Lansing and the City of Ann Arbor to encourage alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) and alternative fuel purchases by local fleets. 

Most public and private fleet owners in Ingham, Eaton, Clinton and Washtenaw counties will be eligible for cash incentives that offset some of the incremental costs for AFVs and to offset some alternative fuel costs. The projects will include an educational campaign to inform fleet drivers and local citizens about the use of alternative fuels in the community and their environmental benefits.

“These grants will encourage local fleet owners to purchase new alternative fuel vehicles which they may not have considered without these incentives,” Clark said.  “Not only will these projects generate local investments in vehicles and new fuels, they will also benefit these communities by reducing harmful tailpipe emissions.”

AFVs are modified to operate on natural gas, propane, ethanol (up to 85% blends), or electricity and are available from all major U.S. car manufacturers.  Biodiesel, another alternative fuel, can be used in diesel engines without modification. The grants support Greater Lansing and Ann Arbor’s participation in the U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities program.   The Clean Cities Program promotes voluntary AFV use and infrastructure development to help the U.S. achieve energy security and improved air quality with clean burning, domestically produced alternative fuels.

For additional information, please contact Liza Estlund Olson, City of Lansing Management Services Department (517) 483-4301; Dave Konkle, City of Ann Arbor, Energy Office (734) 996-3150; or Tim Shireman, CIS Energy Office (517) 241-6281.

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