Upton visits WMU to see energy saving technologyOct. 22, 2008 KALAMAZOO--Michigan Congressman Fred Upton will visit the Western Michigan University campus Thursday, Oct. 23, to review two new energy conservation initiatives. Upton, top Republican on the House Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, will begin his visit with an appearance in the Fountain Plaza at Miller Auditorium at 1:30 p.m. He will be joined there by WMU President John M. Dunn to see the University's first all-electric service vehicle and exterior LED lighting. The 110-volt vehicle has zero emissions and has a fuel equivalency of 25 cents per gallon. The new outdoor LED lighting can reduce energy consumption by 60 percent and last five times longer than the typical exterior high-pressure sodium lighting. Following the review Upton and Dunn are expected to take a brief drive around the campus in the new electric vehicle. While on campus, Upton also will help launch a comprehensive sustainability Web site aimed at helping the WMU community increase its awareness of environmentally friendly choices on campus. Media contact: Cheryl Roland, (269) 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu WMU News |