COLUMBUS, OHIO – Mayor Michael Coleman’s Environmental Office and Fleet Division have been recognized by Clean Fuels Ohio, a statewide advocacy organization.

Clean Fuels Ohio honored the Columbus Fleet Division with the 2008 Clean Fuel Advocate Award for the adoption and implementation of the City’s Green Fleet Policy. In addition, Coleman’s Environmental Steward, Susan Ashbrook, won the award for Outstanding Public Servant for 2008 for her efforts in implementing the mayor’s Get Green Columbus initiatives.

“Making Central Ohio cleaner and greener is very important to me,” Coleman said. “I want to thank Clean Fuels Ohio for its help with our programs and for recognizing us with these awards.”

Clean Fuels Ohio’s mission is to increase the use of cleaner American fuels and vehicles and energy-saving transportation technologies in order to improve air quality and health, reduce climate change, curb dependence on imported petroleum, and support Ohio’s economy.

“I am honored to receive this award from Clean Fuels Ohio,” Ashbrook said. “Working on behalf of Mayor Coleman with our Fleet Division and the rest of the departments to make Columbus greener is a great privilege.”

The City’s Green Fleet Policy fits within Clean Fuels Ohio’s mission, as it calls for reducing usage, increasing alternative fuels, buying better vehicles, and retrofitting existing vehicles.

“Fleet continues to move the Mayor’s Green Action Plan forward by reducing the carbon footprint of our vehicles,” said Fleet Administrator Kelly Reagan. ”We are proud of all our employees in Fleet and the role they play in improving our environment.”

Sam Spofforth, executive director of Clean Fuels Ohio (CFO) stated at the ceremony that the City’s policy was the inspiration for CFO’s new program, Ohio Green Fleets. CFO will be using Ohio Green Fleets for fleets across the State.