This November Michigan voters may get a chance to put Michigan among the forefront of states in renewable energy usage, pending a petition that would put the initiative on the 2012 ballot. The proposed ballot initiative would require that 25% of Michigan’s energy utilities come from renewable energy sources by 2025, a significant increase from the 4% that currently comes from renewable energy. By putting the initiative directly on the November ballot, the Michigan Jobs & Energy Coalition (which filed the proposed language change) would supersede the Michigan Legislature and put the power directly in the hands of voters.
Michigan’s current Renewable Energy Standard (RES) enacted in 2008 requires the state to get 10% of its energy from renewable sources by 2015. This new language would go above and beyond that act and put Michigan in competition with other states that have already adopted ambitious energy acts.
The ballot initiative, besides being backed by environmental groups, has a growing number of outspoken supporters in Michigan’s manufacturing, health and agricultural businesses.
“Michigan farmers support renewable energy because it helps us protect the water, land and air that we need to grow crops today and into the future,” said Kent Humm, a farmer who already has four wind turbines on property he is leasing to DTE Energy.
It’s not just the environment that would benefit from the new requirement.
“This proposal will create thousands of new Michigan jobs that can’t be outsourced, attract $10 billion in new investments and rebuild Michigan’s economy,” said Jeff Metts, president of manufacturing company Dowding Industries.
Proponents are confident that this proposal would provide a huge surge for Michigan’s economy, helped by a stipulation that would give preference to Michigan laborers rather than out-of-state help. Also included in the proposal is a cap on utility rate increases, which would limit any cost increase for consumers to just 1% annually, or $1.25 per month. Other states that have already adopted ambitious RES standards have not seen a significant increase in utility rates.
Advocates are confident that this new requirement would stimulate growth and innovation in technology, manufacturing and business while at the same time improving the health of the state and the people in it. Come November, the decision may come down to voters like you.
To learn how to get involved, see the League of Conservation Voters’ blog, or visit the ballot initiative’s official website.
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