Environmentalists Herald Vote as Election’s Most Important Clean Energy Initiative
LANSING, MI–(ENEWSPF)–October 1, 2012. Today, the Sierra Club joined several national and state environmental and conservation groups at events across the state of Michigan endorsing Proposal 3 on Michigan’s ballot.
Proposal 3 requires 25 percent of Michigan’s electricity come from renewable sources like wind and solar by 2025. The proposal urges using Michigan-made equipment and hiring Michigan workers, and explicitly states that utilities cannot raise electricity prices related to the cost of generating renewable energy by any more than 1 percent per year.
“Proposal 3 will create 94,000 jobs for Michigan workers, spark innovation and entrepreneurship and improve the public health by reducing dangerous toxins in our air and water,” said Anne Woiwode, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter Director. “Our volunteers are mobilized and dedicated to getting out the vote for Proposal 3. This is our opportunity to improve the quality of our air and water and better protect the Great Lakes.”
More than 30 states have adopted measures similar to Michigan’s ballot initiative, including Illinois, Ohio and Iowa. The Illinois Power Agency found moving to a 25% by 2025 renewable energy standard has already reduced electricity prices by $176 million.
“All eyes are on Michigan as clean energy jobs, clean air and clean water are on the line,” said Michael Brune, Executive Director of the Sierra Club. “With Proposal 3, voters have the power to move the state forward and increase Michigan’s use of renewable energy.”
More information about Proposal 3 can be found at www.mienergymijobs.com.
Source: sierraclub.org
