SBAM strongly opposes the proposed ballot initiative mandating that Michigan energy providers produce at least 25 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2025, association officials announced today.
The proposal would lock the 25 percent renewable standard into the state’s constitution, which means it would have to be implemented regardless of the cost to Michigan residents and businesses.
“Putting energy policy into our state constitution would be reckless and dangerous for our state’s energy future,” said Rob Fowler, SBAM’s president and CEO. “Michigan is making good progress toward reaching the current 10 percent renewable energy standard, and any changes should wait until the current standard has been fully evaluated. This proposal is bad public policy that would cost billions. We encourage voters to reject it.”
In 2008 the Michigan Legislature passed a comprehensive energy policy with overwhelming bipartisan support. These landmark bills (Public Acts 286 and 295) were crafted so that each component worked to ensure safe, reliable and affordable electric service for Michigan families and businesses. Public Act 295 included a goal for Michigan to generate 10 percent of its electricity from renewable sources such as wind, solar, hydro and biomass by 2015.