September 2006
The Ecology Center welcomes you to its
Green Machines Tour e-newsletter, providing updates of tour events and other news about
fuel-efficient, union-made vehicle technologies produced here in the U.S. We invite you to
forward the e-newsletter to your friends and colleagues, who can also sign-up to receive
future e-newsletters at: www.greenmachinestour.org/list.shtm
POLICY
NEWS
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Michigan
Labor Unions and Enviromentalists Unite
New Michigan Apollo Alliance Calls on Policymakers to End Oil Dependence |
Recently,
Michigan labor unions and environmental groups announced a new coalition
aimed at ending America's current dependency problem: its dependence
on foreign oil. The groups, organized as the Michigan Apollo Alliance,
believe a major initiative to develop renewable energy, homegrown
biofuels, and advanced automotive technologies is needed to end
Michigan's dependence on imported energy and to take advantage of
Michigan's skilled workforce and manufacturing leadership. The group
will be releasing a policy platform for investing in advanced vehicle
technologies and biofuels in the near future.
Read
more:
http://www.greenmachinestour.org/20060629MIapolloalliance.shtml
Take the Apollo Challenge: http://www.apollochallenge.com
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25
X '25 Vision for America's Energy Future
Resolution
to Increase Energy Independence Gains Support |
In recent months, the 25x'25 renewable energy campaign has been
gaining momentum across the nation. Originally created by a group
of farm leaders, the 25x'25 campaign seeks to have America's farms,
forests and ranches provide 25% of the nation's energy through wind,
solar power, and biofuels by 2025. Their vision has been endorsed
by more than 250 organizations, including environmental groups,
labor groups, policy makers, General Motors, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler.
Read
more: http://www.25x25.org
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Fuel
Economy Reform Act
A
Bi-partisan Proposal to Reform CAFE |
In
July, bi-partisan legislation was introduced in the Senate that
aims to reduce U.S. gasoline consumption by nearly half a trillion
gallons by 2028 and greatly decrease our dependence on foreign oil.
The legislation would reform the CAFE standard structure for cars,
while requiring a 4% increase in CAFE standards per year beginning
in 2009. It would also incentivize the production of fuel-efficient
vehicles by providing tax credits to manufacturers.
Read
more: http://www.greenmachinestour.org/lugar.shtml
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Program
for Real Energy Security
House
Democrats' Proposal for Energy Independence |
Leading
Democrats, including Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer and Michigan's
Congressman John Dingell, introduced the Program for Real Energy
Security (PROGRESS) act in the House in July. The act proposes to
initiate a major national effort to make substantial gains in technology,
conservation and vehicle efficiency, and the use of alternative
fuels. It calls on the federal government to lead this effort.
Read
more: http://www.greenmachinestour.org/progress.shtml
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UAW
Constitutional Convention
Gettelfinger
and Obama Highlight Steps for Creating Good Jobs and Protecting the
Environment |
In
June, at the UAW Constitutional Convention, President Ron Gettelfinger
highlighted the UAW's Marshall plan that would create tens of thousands
of good jobs and, at the same time, promote the production of fuel-efficient
vehicles and the use of alternative fuels. Also at the convention,
Senator Barack Obama spoke about his proposed "Health Care
for Hybrids" legislation and how it could benefit automakers,
auto workers, the environment and the economy.
Read
remarks from Gettelfinger and Obama: http://www.greenmachinestour.org/gettelfinger1.shtml
TECHNOLOGY
NEWS |
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GM's New Crossovers & Six-Speeds
New Efficient Vehicles Secure
Thousands of Michigan Jobs |
UAW
Local 602 will soon being building crossover vehicles at GM's new
Lansing Delta Township plant. The new vehicles - the Saturn Outlook,
GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave - will use advanced technologies including
efficient engines and GM's new six-speed transmissions. GM's investment
at the site created over 2,000 UAW jobs and totaled over $800 million.
The plant is helping to retain as many as 28,000 direct and indirect
jobs in the Lansing area.
Read
more about the crossovers: http://www.greenmachinestour.org/actoutlook.shtml
Read
more about the transmission: http://www.greenmachinestour.org/atfordgm6.shtml
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Detroit's First Full-Size Diesel SUV
2007 Grand Cherokee Offers
Many Oil-Saving Options |
Starting
in 2007, UAW Local 7 at the Jefferson North Assembly plant in Detroit
will begin building diesel versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The new Grand Cherokee will be available with a 3.0L common-rail
diesel engine, and will be fueled at the plant with 5% biodiesel.
In addition, the 2007 Grand Cherokee will also be available with
a 4.7L V-8 engine that is E85 compatible, and a 5.7L V-8 engine
that features cylinder deactivation.
Read
more about the Grand Cherokee: http://www.greenmachinestour.org/cdjeep.shtml
Read more about ethanol: http://www.greenmachinestour.org/fuels.shtml
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GM
to Use Gasoline Direct Injection
Fuel-Saving Technology will
be Featured on 2007 Models |
GM
is set to be the first U.S. manufacturer to use gasoline direct
injection in its engines. The 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP and Saturn
Sky Redline roadsters will feature this technology on their 2.0L
Turbo engines. GM also announced that it will develop a 3.6L VVT
engine with direct injection for the 2008 model year. Direct injection
technology is expected to increase horsepower, reduce emissions,
and increase fuel economy by up to 15%. GM plans to produce 200,000
vehicles with the technology by 2010.
Read
more: http://www.greenmachinestour.org/actsky.shtml
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