Distributed Energy Resources, Energy Efficiency, Regulation  -  December 7, 2023

Michigan to Convert State Fleet to ZEVs

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order to begin converting vehicles owned and used by the state to zero-emission vehicles.

The conversion is targeted for completion by 2033 for light-duty vehicles and 2040 for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. This move will reduce GHG emissions, boost demand for Michigan automakers’ ZEV production, and reduce the overall costs of the state’s fleet.

The order calls for the state’s Department of Technology, Management, and Budget to prioritize the purchase and use of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) for the state’s fleet, prioritize the transition of fleet vehicles that travel the most miles, and prioritize the transition of fleet vehicles in Justice40 communities and in high-density areas which have been historically disadvantaged by higher pollution levels.

The Department is also ordered to explore the potential for funding opportunities from outside of state government, including opportunities to secure grants, credits, or reimbursements from the federal government, private, non-profit and/or philanthropic organizations.

Higher education institutions and local governments are encouraged to undertake similar fleet decarbonization and implementation planning efforts.

“Michigan is on the cutting-edge of mobility and electrification,” said Governor Whitmer in the Executive Directive. “As a state government, the State of Michigan has committed to powering itself with 100% clean energy by 2025 and having all state-owned buildings be carbon neutral by 2040. Now, we are building on that leadership by tackling state government transportation emissions. Lowering transportation-related greenhouse-gas emissions—which account for a third of total emissions—is essential.”