You are viewing this article in the AnnArbor.com archives. For the latest breaking news and updates in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area, see MLive.com/ann-arbor
Posted on Thu, Feb 4, 2010 : 12:48 p.m.

Ann Arbor nationally recognized for efforts to cut back petroleum use

By Ryan J. Stanton

Those hybrid vehicles cruising around town are getting noticed.

GEM_Small.jpg

The city's electric car costs 2 cents per mile to operate.

The city of Ann Arbor's success in using alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles to keep its fleet green is the focus of a new report today.

Government-Fleet.com reports the city's Green Fleets program is the focus of this week's MotorWeek Clean Cities Success Story. It says the city, which set a goal in 2004 of reducing its fleet's petroleum usage by 10 percent by 2012, has a new goal of 30 percent by the end of 2010.

Ann Arbor currently operates two natural gas heavy-duty trucks, 16 other natural gas vehicles, two neighborhood electric vehicles, more than 150 pieces of equipment running on biodiesel and its first fuel cell car, according to the city's website.

A segment on Ann Arbor's success will air on PBS stations nationwide starting Feb. 6. It also will be broadcast on the SPEED Channel beginning Feb. 13. For show times, check the MotorWeek and SPEED Channel websites.

To read the Government-Fleet report, go here.

Ryan J. Stanton covers government for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.

Comments

BobbyJohn

Tue, Feb 23, 2010 : 11:51 a.m.

I question the city's real values concerning energy conservation. For example, at the city's natural gas fueling station on Summit st., Lights are often on during daylight hours (for years, I even met w/ Dave Konkle of the city about this). And look how many street lights are on for months during daylight hours and the city does nothing about it; not even contacting Edison. They do energy conservation if it is NOT cost effective, like Wind Turbines in an area that has insufficient wind.

haulindonkey

Fri, Feb 5, 2010 : 1:30 a.m.

It costs way more than 2 cents a mile to drive that over priced golf cart. someone should do some real research befor piinting a story like that. At one time the city had a fuel cell focus but not now.

Thick Candy Shell

Thu, Feb 4, 2010 : 9:25 p.m.

Being that there is no "damage" from the commute, I don't understand why it matters how they get to work. If the chose to drive and the employer chooses to assist in paying for parking so be it.

Buzz

Thu, Feb 4, 2010 : 5:14 p.m.

Its just like the Flintstone's vehicle.

tdw

Thu, Feb 4, 2010 : 3:40 p.m.

don't their legs get tired peddeling that thing?

willmiller82

Thu, Feb 4, 2010 : 2:16 p.m.

I love how the ride busses are hybrid. Its awsome to see one take off from a redlight without a hint of exhaust billowing out of its muffler.