Michigan Proposal 3: Should Voters Pass 25 By 2025 Renewable Energy Amendment?

Should Proposal 3, The Renewable Energy Amendment, Get Your Vote?

Michigan voters won't just be electing a president at the polls on Tuesday.

Your ballot will also ask you to decide the fate of the emergency manager referendum and five constitutional amendments that will shape the future of the Mitten State.

Proposal 3 would add an amendment to the state constitution requiring that Michigan obtain 25 percent of its energy from renewable resources (like wind, solar and hydro) by the year 2025.

Proponents of the amendment say that, in addition to spearheading development of alternative energy, the legislation will have a positive affect on Michigan-owned businesses. They also say that more renewable energy is good for both the environment and the health of Michigan residents. The coalition leading the proposal, MI Energy MI Jobs, has spent a significant amount of money on media buys, at least $2.35 million, according to ProPublica.

But those who oppose the measure say Michigan already has an energy policy requiring the state to source 10 percent of its electricity needs from renewable resources by 2015. Gov. Rick Snyder, who opposes the legislation, says the existing goal is already difficult to meet. And critics say the amendment simply doesn't belong in the state constitution.

What do you think? See if our bloggers can change your mind.

Here's the official ballot text:

PROPOSAL 12-3A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO ESTABLISH A STANDARD FOR RENEWABLE ENERGYThis 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.

Before You Go

Prop 1: Emergency Manager Referendum

Michigan Ballot Proposals 2012

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