GM FYI Blog

By Beth Lowery

Energy Diversity what does it really mean? It means broadening our energy sources in as many ways as possible. GM is committed to making that easier for you. We have more truck and car models that run on E85 biofuels than any other company in the world. We have several brands of hybrids on the road. We are committed to the development of the Chevy Volt, a plug-in hybrid that could mean you will never buy gas again. And we plan to develop hydrogen fuel cell technology that is viable and affordable.

We strongly believe in demonstrating our commitment to energy diversity. For example, GM, along with Ford and DaimlerChrylser, has committed to make half of our annual vehicle production bio-fuel capable by 2012, provided there is continued growth in the infrastructure to support these production volumes. If all of the E-85 capable vehicles on the road today—including those that GM, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler have already committed to produce over the next 10 years—were to run on E-85, we could displace 22 billion gallons of gasoline annually. And, if all manufacturers made the same commitment, we could increase the savings to 37 billion gallons of gasoline annually. That’s more than quadruple the savings that some current CAFE increase proposals by the Administration and Congress would achieve—and enough to actually reduce America’s oil consumption by more than 10 percent versus today’s levels, and CO2 emissions, as well.

In addition to our technology investments, we are addressing other ways to be part of the solution. Today, we are taking a bold step toward that goal by becoming the first automaker to join the United States Climate Action Partnership (USCAP). USCAP is a group of environmental and business groups that are asking the federal government to pass laws requiring a reduction in greenhouse gases. Our group wants a comprehensive reduction in carbon output from all of the major emitting sectors of the economy. The solutions can vary between industries, with an emphasis on advanced technology. The key is, the more contributors there are, the more dramatic the impact.

Critics may respond by charging that GM is simply trying to make this someone else’s problem. Quite the opposite. We are saying, the old approach of isolating one industry is ineffective and short sighted. Innovative, broad-based solutions are called for if we want to proactively make a difference. USCAP moves in that direction – all for one, one for all.

This partnership - with such groups as Environmental Defense and the Natural Resources Defense Council - may come as a surprise to some. But it shouldn’t.

GM has long been on the cutting edge of technology, and we see this coalition as a triple win. First, we work to bring technology forward and reinvent the car’s DNA – how it is powered, controlled and driven. That leads to breakthroughs, which ultimately reduces greenhouse gases through energy diversity. Better technology, better cars, better environment. We are committed on all fronts.