West Michigan Clean Cities’ stakeholders can expect an exciting year ahead. Thanks to extended funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Clean Energy Coalition will continue its work to bring U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) designation to the 11-county area of Southwest Michigan.
Over the course of nine months starting in January 2012, Clean Energy Coalition staff will hold multiple outreach and education events aimed at supporting efforts to reduce petroleum consumption and emissions in West Michigan’s transportation sector.
Clean Energy Coalition Project Manager Aaron Champion will serve as the West Michigan Clean Cities Coordinator. In this role he will actively meet with fleet managers and other stakeholders to find the most appropriate path toward designation for the area.
Participants can also expect to learn about best practices, incentives, and emerging trends in the alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technology industry. For those with more deliberate and active plans to deploy alternative fuel vehicles and technologies, the Clean Cities program provides technical support, which can often help stakeholders overcome specific obstacles and become familiar with operating and safety precautions for new vehicle technologies.
Clean Energy Coalition’s goal is to drive consensus among the West Michigan stakeholders to bring new clean vehicle projects to the area. Once the DOE designates the area as an official coalition, there will be a single voice to represent the area’s interests. This is particularly valuable for small and mid-sized fleets that may not have the time or resources to “go it alone,” not to mention capture the interest of government officials and technology providers.
The first West Michigan Clean Cities stakeholder meeting will be held in Grand Rapids on March 22, 2012. A specific location will be announced at a later date. To learn more about the West Michigan Clean Cities Coalition, please contact Aaron Champion.
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Source: Clean Energy Coalition
