Citing Michigan's budget woes and their concern over the health impact of air pollution from vehicles, the Michigan Interfaith Climate and Energy Campaign (MICEC) released a report in September outlining how Michigan can protect God's creation and save the state millions of dollars over the next ten years by purchasing fuel-efficient vehicles. Posing the question "What Should the Governor Drive?," the group followed up on the theme of the evangelical leaders' campaign, "What Would Jesus Drive?"

"The faith community of Michigan is concerned about the impact that pollution from vehicles has on God's creation and public health," said Rev. Dr. Kent Ulery, Conference Minister, Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ. "With the state's dollars stretched thin, it is clear to us that if we can reduce car pollution and save the state money, it is our moral obligation to do so."

Representatives of the MICEC urged Governor Granholm to adopt a state policy of, at minimum, buying or leasing the most fuel-efficient vehicles appropriate to the vehicle's function.

"The measures that we advocate maintain the safety of the fleet and ensure that law enforcement and rescue workers have the vehicles they need to keep us safe," said Kim Winchell, state coordinator for the MICEC. "At the same time, these measures would cut gas consumption, reduce smog-causing pollution and save $4.5 million dollars in the process."

The report shows that Michigan would save $4.5 million over the next ten years and reduce pollution the equivalent of taking over 1,000 cars off the road if the state purchases based on "best in class" for fuel-efficiency. The report results indicated that while hybrids are more expensive to purchase, they pay for themselves in the long run by saving at the gas pump.

The group also delivered a letter from religious leaders across Michigan, urging Granholm to take this step and move the state in the direction of fuel-efficiency and protecting God's creation.

"We didn't want to just point out a problem," said Rabbi Michael Zimmerman of Congregation Kehillat Israel in Lansing. "This report offers a solution. Protecting public health and saving the state much needed money is a win-win for the people of Michigan."

Governor Granholm's spokespeople have said in the past that the state already takes fuel-efficiency and budget savings into account. "This report shows the state can do even better," said Winchell. "We can save more money and reduce more pollution. This is an opportunity for Michigan to become a leader in fuel-efficiency, and we look forward to working with Governor Granholm."

The analysis presented in the What Should the Governor Drive? Michigan report was prepared by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. The report found that the State of Michigan could reduce its gasoline consumption, state expenditures and the emission of both greenhouse gases and nitrogen oxides by purchasing more efficient vehicles.

• At a rate of $1 per gallon, Michigan would reduce state expenditure on gasoline by more than $100,000 in 2004 and more than $4.5 million by 2013.

• In 2004, Michigan would reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 1,277 tons. That reduction would grow to 7,664 tons per year in 2009. By 2013, the state would eliminate the emission of 57,479 tons of greenhouse gases.