News and Information
Emory University
Atlanta, GA 30322

Release date: April 30, 1999
Contact: Elaine Justice, Assistant Director

Emory President Gets New Wheels Thanks To Student, Ga. Power

Emory University President William M. Chace is sporting new wheels around campus these days, thanks to a suggestion from a student and officials at Georgia Power, who have loaned Chace a Toyota RAV4-EV (electric vehicle) to help him emphasize the benefits of alternative transportation for the university's approximately 15,000 employees and 11,000 students.

Chace is using alternative transportation to support and promote the university's master plan, which calls for transforming Emory into a pedestrian friendly campus, reducing the number of vehicles driven to and used on campus, increasing the use of alternative transportation, and reducing automobile pollution.

The president's new wheels also are a response to a recent suggestion by student journalist Jason Costa, who wrote a tongue-in-cheek column proposing that Emory could boost its reputation if Chace were seen in flashier car. Noting that "no one notices his car," Costa asserted that "our president needs new wheels and he needs them quick." Costa, a senior, was on hand yesterday as Chace received the keys to the RAV4 from Mike Anderson, manager of electric transportation at Georgia Power.

The zero emission EV Chace is driving also calls attention to the beginning of Atlanta's "Smog Alert Days," which stretch from May 1 to Sept. 30 this year, when ground level ozone is likely to reach dangerous levels. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division has created "Partnership for a Smog Free Georgia," and is teaming with Emory and others to heighten awareness of Smog Alert Days this summer.

"Use of alternative transportation is one of a number of strategies we're applying at Emory to promote cleaner air," says Cheryle Crumley, Emory's director of alternative transportation. The university also has been actively promoting alternative work schedules, public transit and campus shuttles, telecommuting and car pooling during the summer months, with the overall goal of reducing the number of single-occupancy vehicle trips by 20 percent during smog season.

"Georgia Power is excited to partner with Emory and have the opportunity to showcase an electric vehicle on a university campus," says Anderson. "Electric vehicles are a perfect fit since they offer a quiet and pollution free alternative to gasoline powered vehicles."

The RAV4 Chace is driving is equipped with 24 compact, high-capacity, nickel-metal hydride batteries that provide a combined city/highway range of up to 80 miles at 79 mph.

Georgia Power is the largest of five operating companies that comprise Southern Company, one of the largest investor-owned electric utility groups in the nation.

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