Ecology Center supports electric vehicles

"In his State of the Union address, President Obama nailed it when he said it is time to stop subsidizing yesterday's energy, and to start investing in tomorrow's," according to Charles Griffith, energy and climate programs director at the Ecology Center.

In that speech, Obama called for Americans to make the nation the world's first to put one million electric vehicles on the road by 2015, and announced a plan to shift money from oil company subsidies into incentives for electric vehicle purchases and infrastructure investments.

The Ecology Center has joined with other environmental organizations in Michigan to support policies to promote the adoption of electric vehicles.

"In Michigan, tomorrow is here. With the Chevy Volt and the new electric Ford Focus, we can lead the nation to meeting the one-million vehicle challenge, and continue to be part of the exciting future of the domestic auto industry," Griffith said.

The first electric Chevy Volts recently hit the streets to rave reviews and the car was the star of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. Both the car and the advanced battery it runs on are manufactured in Michigan. The electric Ford Focus, unveiled at the same auto show, will also be built in Michigan.

"Putting the electric vehicle in the national spotlight is a huge opportunity for Michigan," according to Ryan Werder of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. "Michigan needs to step up to the plate and make sure we take advantage of that opportunity, including ramping up infrastructure investments like charging stations for electric vehicles."

The President's budget proposal, released earlier this month, includes funds directed to ratchet up infrastructure like charging stations, which will help to support electric vehicle use and purchase.

"We want Michigan to be the top of the list for these infrastructure investments," according to David Gard of Michigan Environmental Council. "The electric car, and the industries it supports, is vital to Michigan's economic recovery."

Along with other policy experts throughout the Midwest, Griffith says that smart policies to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles will help get Michigan's auto industry and economy back on track.

Watch a video about Michigan's electric car revolution. To help us keep policy-makers moving forward and creating a sound electric vehicle industry in Michigan, add your name to our EV petition.