Are robot cars good for the environment?

By BROOKE KANSIER
Capital News Service
LANSING — Cars that drive themselves may be safer, smarter and more efficient than those driven by people. But will they be better for the environment? It’s a question with no definitive answer, said John DeCicco, a research professor at the University of Michigan’s Energy Institute and a board member of the university’s MCity – an entire city for the testing of the vehicles, complete with cutouts of pedestrians and stoplights. Some aspects of the vehicles could greatly reduce energy use and emissions, while other aspects could increase emissions, said DeCicco. Driving efficiency improves greatly with an autonomous infrastructure.

Should driverless cars get the green light?

By MICHAEL GERSTEIN
Capital News Service
LANSING – This isn’t the remote controlled car you played with as a kid. Companies across the state are in the process of unveiling cars that drive themselves, while a bill that would allow testing driverless vehicles revs through the Legislature. If passed, it would open the roads to companies like Google and General Motors – and smaller Michigan-based firms – to try their shiny new toys on the road. Sen. Mike Kowall, R-White Lake, is sponsoring the bill, which is in the Transportation Committee. Cosponsors include Sens.