The Pros and Cons of Proposal Three
(League of Women Voters, http://www.lwvmi.org/documents/LWVMIProCon11-12.pdf)
Note: This information is provided by the League of Women Voters. Find out more about this nonpartisan organization at www.lwvmi.org
PROPOSAL 12 – 3 A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO ESTABLISH A STANDARD FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY
This proposal would: Require electric utilities to provide at least 25% of their annual retail sales of electricity from renewable energy sources, which are wind, solar, biomass, and hydropower, by 2025. Limit to not more than 1% per year electric utility rate increases charged to consumers only to achieve compliance with the renewable energy standard. Allow annual extensions of the deadline to meet the 25% standard in order to prevent rate increases over the 1% limit. Require the legislature to enact additional laws to encourage the use of Michigan made equipment and employment of Michigan residents.
Should this proposal be approved? YES __ NO __
Utilities are on track to meet the old standard of 10% renewables by 2015. That’s no longer good enough as over 30 other states, including the Midwestern states of Ohio, Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota have passed new standards of 25% renewables by 2025. These states have not seen significantly higher energy rates and this proposal limits increases to no more than $1.25 a month. This is a small cost for Michigan energy, Michigan jobs and cleaner air and water. This proposal would help us build a clean energy industry by offering stability and commitment to renewable energy growth. The growth will create thousands of jobs for Michigan workers and attract $10 billion in new investments in our state. Using more wind and solar energy will reduce pollution and give Michigan cleaner and healthier air and water, protect the Great Lakes, reduce asthma and lung disease, and ultimately save lives. The Michigan constitution has granted two mechanisms to create law, our legislature and by popular vote. Our present legislative impasse necessitates going to the people to ensure we don’t fall behind. For more information, go to www.MiEnergyMiJobs.com.
Con :
A ballot proposal to require 25% of all energy to be produced from the sun or wind by 2025 sidesteps our Legislature and the proper way to make laws. It allows millions of dollars’ worth of wind turbines and solar generation all over Michigan’s landscape, without any proof that such a tremendous investment can be utilized or will even be needed after its installation. Current law requires 10% renewables by 2015. That is a more reasonable, affordable and attainable approach than cluttering the Constitution. The marketplace is the most effective way to develop Michigan’s renewable energy industry and the legislative process is the most efficient way to set standards. The current law, which was passed after two years of thoughtful debate and with bipartisan support in 2008, should be fully implemented and its benefits fully analyzed and evaluated before any changes are discussed. The Michigan Jobs and Energy Coalition, which includes Michigan’s major utilities, electrical cooperatives, major business organizations, industrial customers and economic development interests and which helped pass the 2008 renewable energy law, opposes this amendment which decreases flexibility. A special interest group should not be allowed to amend our Constitution. For more information, go to www.careformich.com.
For Ferndale 115 News coverage of election-related stories, including candidate profiles and League of Women Voters break-downs of the ballot proposals, please visit https://oaklandcounty115.com/category/voter_info/.