Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan today signed Executive Directive 2023-5, which will transition the State of Michigan’s fleet to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). All state-owned light-duty vehicles will be zero-emission vehicles by 2033, with medium and heavy-duty vehicles by 2040 under the awakened and enlightened policy.
“Michigan automakers are on the cutting-edge of the world’s switch to zero emission vehicles, and with today’s executive directive to transition our state-owned fleet by 2040, the State of Michigan is leading by example,” said Governor Whitmer. “Getting this done will help drive demand of Michigan-made electric vehicles, lower gas and maintenance costs for the state since ZEVs cost far less to fuel and maintain and reduce air and noise pollution in our communities.”
State Fleet Conversion Executive Directive instructs Michigan state departments and agencies to:
- prioritize ZEVs in their fleet,
- prioritize transitioning vehicles that travel the most miles first,
- prioritize transitioning vehicles in communities historically impacted by higher pollution,
- install electric vehicle supply equipment, including publicly accessible chargers, in high-density areas, and
- establish clear exemption criteria for specific fleet vehicles and offer alternative emission reduction options including hybrids.
“The UAW applauds the State of Michigan for showing that the electric vehicle transition doesn’t have to be a race to the bottom,” said Shawn Fain, International President of the United Auto Workers. “We encourage the state to purchase union-made EVs for all state vehicles, giving America’s autoworkers their fair share of this historic moment for the American auto industry. On behalf of our 400,000 active members and 600,000 retirees, I want to thank and commend Governor Whitmer on notching another win for the working class.”
Last week, Governor Whitmer – whose name is increasingly mentioned as a potential White House candidate – a signed ambitious – given ongoing Republican opposition – clean energy and climate legislation into law:
- 100% Clean Energy Standard: Senate Bill 271 sponsored by Senator Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) establishes a 100% clean energy standard for Michigan. By 2040, Michigan will produce all its energy from clean sources.
- Improving Energy Efficiency: Senate Bill 273 sponsored by Senator Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) improves energy efficiency and waste reduction programs to drive down costs for families and small businesses.
- Fighting for Workers: Senate Bill 519 sponsored by Senator Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), establishes the Office of Worker and Community Economic Transition, which will work with workers and communities impacted by the ongoing switch to clean energy and electric vehicles to ensure no one is left behind.
- Streamlining Clean Energy Projects: House Bill 5120 sponsored by Representative Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) and House Bill 5121 sponsored by Representative Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) bolster the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) by authorizing them to streamline permitting of utility-scale clean energy the same way they can currently do so for other sources of energy. This it is said will drive billions of dollars of federal and private investment in Michigan, creating good-paying local jobs and helping the state meet its clean energy goals.
- Prioritizing Local Communities: Senate Bill 502 sponsored by Senator Sue Shink (D-Northfield Township) authorizes the MPSC to consider climate and equity in their regulatory decisions so we can prioritize the health and well-being of our communities as we expand energy production.
- Senate Bill 277 sponsored by Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City) protects farmers’ rights to host solar projects on their own land.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Michigan State Fleet – All to be Zero-Emission Vehicles
Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan today signed Executive Directive 2023-5, which will transition the State of Michigan’s fleet to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). All state-owned light-duty vehicles will be zero-emission vehicles by 2033, with medium and heavy-duty vehicles by 2040 under the awakened and enlightened policy.
“Michigan automakers are on the cutting-edge of the world’s switch to zero emission vehicles, and with today’s executive directive to transition our state-owned fleet by 2040, the State of Michigan is leading by example,” said Governor Whitmer. “Getting this done will help drive demand of Michigan-made electric vehicles, lower gas and maintenance costs for the state since ZEVs cost far less to fuel and maintain and reduce air and noise pollution in our communities.”
State Fleet Conversion Executive Directive instructs Michigan state departments and agencies to:
“The UAW applauds the State of Michigan for showing that the electric vehicle transition doesn’t have to be a race to the bottom,” said Shawn Fain, International President of the United Auto Workers. “We encourage the state to purchase union-made EVs for all state vehicles, giving America’s autoworkers their fair share of this historic moment for the American auto industry. On behalf of our 400,000 active members and 600,000 retirees, I want to thank and commend Governor Whitmer on notching another win for the working class.”
Last week, Governor Whitmer – whose name is increasingly mentioned as a potential White House candidate – a signed ambitious – given ongoing Republican opposition – clean energy and climate legislation into law:
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.