February 10, 2003—The Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services Energy Office has awarded more than $54,000 in grants to the City of Ann Arbor and five Michigan school districts to demonstrate the use and benefits of biodiesel fuel.
The recipients, grant amounts and local contacts are:
- City of Ann Arbor—$10,000
- Ann Arbor Public Schools—$10,000
- Fowlerville Community Schools—$7,248
- Manchester Community Schools—$6,830
- St. Johns Public Schools—$10,000
- Zeeland Public Schools—$10,000
The projects will include an educational campaign by fleet operators to increase public awareness about the viability of operating school buses and municipal fleets on biodiesel fuel. The grants, which are funded by a federal program, support Michigan’s participation in the U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities program. The Clean Cities Program promotes voluntary alternative fuel use and infrastructure development to help the U.S. achieve energy security and improved air quality with clean burning, domestically produced alternative fuels.
Biodiesel is a cleaner burning diesel replacement fuel made from natural, renewable sources such as new and used vegetable oils and animal fats. Blends of 20 percent or more biodiesel (mixed with petroleum diesel fuels) can be used in nearly all diesel vehicles with no modifications needed.
For additional information, contact the CIS Energy Office.
