From: Depnews [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 11:24 AM
Subject: FLORIDA STATE PARKS MAKE ENVIRONMENTAL STRIDES WITH GEM CARS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 17, 2008
CONTACT: Jessica Kemper, (850) 245-3029, (850) 251-0834 (cell)
Amy Graham, (850) 245-2112, (850) 778-7258 (cell)
Florida State Parks MAKE ENVIRONMENTAL STRIDES with GEM(r) Cars
-Florida Park Service purchases 72 electric-battery powered vehicles-
FLORIDA - In an effort to protect Florida's environment, save taxpayer money
and reduce the state's carbon footprint, the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection's (DEP) Florida Park Service recently purchased 72
electric-battery powered Global Electric Motorcars (GEM(r)) cars for use in
state parks. A division of the Chrysler Company, GEM(r) creates low speed,
neighborhood electric vehicles that run purely on battery and electric power.
"GEM(r) cars allow state park staff and volunteers to conserve energy and
gasoline when traveling within parks and to nearby destinations," said Florida
Park Service Director Mike Bullock. "The cars are more cost-efficient, saving
valuable state funds during this tough economic time."
Using the new eL model GEM(r) cars allows the Park Service to maintain a high
level of service to visitors while saving money and reducing greenhouse gas
emissions. Using the energy efficient GEM(r) cars reduces carbon dioxide
emissions within state parks since the vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions.
In addition, GEM(r) cars save taxpayer dollars, with virtually no maintenance
or fuel costs and an initial purchase price of less than $10,000 - half the
cost of a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle.
The GEM(r) eL model purchased by the Florida Park Service accommodates two
passengers with a carrying capacity of approximately 750 pounds and a top speed
of 25 miles per hour. The vehicles meet federal safety requirements for
street-legal vehicles on roads with speed limits up to 35 miles per hour and
include many features of traditional automobiles, including safety belts, an
automotive windshield with wiper, headlamps, rear brake and tail lights, turn
signals, mirrors and street-rated tires. Powered by a 72-volt battery system, a
typical GEM(r) car with fully charged batteries can get up to 30 miles on a
single charge.
The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation's best state park
service, Florida's state park system is one of the largest in the country with
161 parks spanning almost 700,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beach,
including the 2008 Best Beach in the Nation, Caladesi Island State Park,
located off the coast of Southwest Florida in Pinellas County. From swimming
and diving in Florida's rivers and springs to birding and fishing or hiking and
riding on natural scenic trails, Florida's state parks offer year-around
outdoor activities for all ages. Battle re-enactments and Native American
festivals celebrate Florida's unique history, while art shows, museums and
lighthouses offer a window into Florida's cultural heritage. Florida State
Parks are also dedicated stewards of land management, engaging in prescribed
burning, natural habitat management and resource restoration and preservation.
For more information on Florida State Parks, visit
www.FloridaStateParks.org<http://www.floridastateparks.org/>. For more
information on GEM(r) electric-battery powered cars, visit
www.gemcar.com/<http://www.gemcar.com/>.
-30-
The Department of Environmental Protection values your feedback as a customer.
DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole is committed to continuously assessing and
improving the level and quality of services provided to you. Please take a few
minutes to comment on the quality of service you received. Simply click on this
link to the DEP Customer Survey<http://survey.dep.state.fl.us/[EMAIL
PROTECTED]>. Thank you in advance for completing the survey.
_______________________________________________
Florida EAA mailing list
[email protected]
http://www.floridaeaa.org
