clean water action supports the michigan energy, michigan jobs initiative

Proposal 3 will require 25% of our energy to come from renewable sources by the year 2025. That means thousands of new Michigan jobs that can’t be outsourced and more than $10 billion in new investment in Michigan. This year we have an opportunity to boost Michigan’s economy by building a clean energy industry and starting new clean energy businesses right here in our state. Check out our RES Get the Facts page.

• Michigan consumers spend more than $1.8 billion a year importing coal from other states.
• Currently, 60 percent of Michigan’s energy comes from coal and 100% of that coal is imported from other states. 
• Michigan can’t afford to be left behind. Only 3.6 % of the energy used in Michigan comes from renewables. 20 other states, including Illinois and Minnesota, have adopted measures similar to this initiative without significant increased costs for consumers. In fact, Iowa already gets 21 percent of its electricity from renewables.

Michigan should be excited about this initiative. 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 save lives. Check out our RES Get the Facts page.

The cost of dirty imported coal has doubled in the last decade. That cost increase is ultimately passed onto the consumer. A recent Michigan Public Service Commission report concluded that investing in renewable energy sources is actually cheaper than building a new coal plant. Investing in clean energy will cost the average household about $1.25 per month. In fact, the ballot initiative protects consumers by capping rate increases at 1% a year. You can read the ballot language here.

Get Involved!
You can join the fight today! We need volunteers!  Cean energy leaders like you can make all the difference. If you are interested in helping, please click here or contact our Campaigns Director, Nic Clark, (517) 203- 0754.