Proposal 3: Working Towards a Healthier Michigan

Election Day is here and the decisions you make today will impact the lives of every American. In addition to voting for our next President of the United States, Michigan has six non-partisan proposals on the ballot. One of these proposals – Proposal 3 – will make Michigan a healthier place to live by investing in alternative and clean energy. I voted “YES!” on Proposal 3. Here's why. Proposal 3 will “increase our state’s use of renewable energy, creating thousands of jobs for Michigan workers, attracting $10.3 billion in new investments to our state, reducing pollution in the air and water and significantly improving public health.” - Michigan Energy Michigan Jobs If passed, the Prop 3 will amend the state constitution to require that 25 percent of Michigan’s energy come from renewable sources such as wind, solar, hydropower, and biofuels by 2025. Critics say that Prop 3 is the more expensive energy option, but making this investment in alternative energy is expected to reduce our energy bills over the long-term. The Michigan Public Service Commission, estimates that the average Michigan household will pay an additional $1.25 a month to help fund renewable energy resources. When comparing overall cost – renewable energy wins. It is significantly cheaper, with an estimated cost of $78 per kilowatt hour compared to coal’s $133 rate. Furthermore, it has been found that the overall life-cycle cost of most new renewable energy generators is less expensive than that of a new coal plant. Additionally, Prop 3 will create 94,000 Michigan-made jobs – there are incentives to hire local workers to establish renewable energy sites. Right now we’re spending $1.8 billion to import coal from other states. By reducing our reliance on imported coal, Proposal 3 would work to keep jobs in Michigan instead of outsourcing them (U.S. Energy Information Administration). Then there are the health benefits that come with Prop 3. Presently, 58% of energy in the state comes from coal, a dangerous air pollutant that places individuals at risk for asthma and lung and heart disease. Coal contains mercury, a potent neurotoxin that is a severe threat to children’s health and especially can negatively impact their developing brains, hearts, and lungs. Renewable energy, on the other hand, is a cleaner, healthier alternative and more environmentally friendly. Proposal 3 is not new: Similar measures have been adopted in 20 other states, including Illinois, Minnesota, and Iowa, and no significant increase in utility costs have occurred since they have been implemented. Currently, Michigan is investing only 3.6% of their energy in renewable energy sources and, furthermore, is predominately relying on an energy source that is not even found in the state. We have the lowest usage of renewable energy sources and have one of the highest electricity rates compared to other states. This situation threatens the economy and does not help lead to the creation of local jobs. Moreover, our reliance on coal is threatening the health of Michigan residents. If you share my same concerns and are looking to create a healthier Michigan, then I hope that you also vote “YES” on Proposal 3 today. To learn more about Michigan Energy Michigan Jobs, visit www.MiEnergyMiJobs.com or “Like” on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MiEnergyMiJobs.