On April 27, the Michigan Senate passed a bill (SB-185) that prioritizes the use of remanufactured parts in the state's motor vehicle fleet.


Sec. 270 of the bill, which makes appropriations for the state transportation department and certain transportation purposes for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2012, addresses the use of remanufactured parts.

Sec. 270 was amended to read, "In order to reduce costs and maintain quality, it is the intent of the legislature that, excluding the fleet of motor vehicles for the department of state police, the department will prioritize the utilization of remanufactured parts as the primary means of maintenance and repair for the state of Michigan's fleet of motor vehicles."

"The bill's passage in the Michigan Senate is a win for the citizens of Michigan and for remanufacturing," said John Chalifoux, president and COO of the Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association, based in Troy, Mich. "Remanufactured motor vehicle parts are made with virtually the same care and quality as new parts and can cost taxpayers a fraction of the price of new parts."

"In addition, remanufacturing is a green, sustainable industry that reduces green house gas emissions, carbon footprints, land fill utilization, natural resource usage, and energy consumption," Chalifoux continued. "MERA and our member companies are very supportive of this effort and urge the Michigan House to quickly take action to pass the bill as well."