FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  September 22, 2004
CONTACT: Linda Long, (850) 245-2112

Florida Receives National "E-Visionary” Award for Exemplary Leadership

--State DEP honored by Electric Drive Association--

ORLANDO — The Florida Department of Environmental Protection was today honored as an “E-visionary” by the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) for their commitment to clean vehicles. Under the leadership of Governor Jeb Bush, state agencies are investing in clean, efficient transportation to better protect Florida’s environment and reduce fuel costs.

“Florida is leading by example by purchasing hybrid and clean fuel vehicles,” said Governor Bush. “As the largest consumer in the state, government’s commitment sets a precedent for both Florida residents and the nation to invest in clean energy and protect the environment.”

The State of Florida owns more than 900 alternative fuel vehicles, shaping the market for fuel-efficient travel and clean air technology. The Department of Environmental Protection alone owns 45 hybrids, with 17 percent of its fleet comprised of alternative fuel vehicles.

“EDTA is pleased to recognize Florida’s commitment to clean, efficient and renewable transportation,” said EDTA President Brian Wynne. “The dedication of DEP to purchase these vehicles is making electric drive a reality for Floridians.”

As a part of its commitment to pollution-free travel, Florida is forging public-private partnerships to accelerate the commercialization of promising new automotive technologies, including hybrid-electric diesel engines for medium and heavy duty trucks. Diesel-electric hybrids offer a 50 percent increase in fuel efficiency while reducing pollutants by 90 percent.

In Orlando, the State is demonstrating hydrogen-powered vehicles at Wekiwa Springs State Park through a partnership with Ford Motor Company and Progress Energy. Hydrogen can power cars by replacing gasoline in an internal combustion engine or as a source of power for a fuel cell. A fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, which drives the car and emits only steam.

Burning petroleum-based fuels like gasoline is the primary cause of air pollution from the more than 20 million vehicles on Florida’s roads. Running on a mix of gasoline and electricity, hybrids lower emissions and attain better gas mileage than conventional vehicles. Last year, the nation saw a 25 percent increase in registrations for hybrid vehicles -- Florida ranked third among the states.

The Electric Drive Transportation Association is an international organization representing the interest of those involved in the development, production and use of battery, hybrid, fuel cell and electric drive technologies.

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