BALLOT BOX: Proposal 3 will help rein in high cost of energy, create many jobs

By Mark Fisk Proposal 3 is our best opportunity this year to create tens of thousands of Michigan jobs, rein in rising energy costs and protect public health and our Great Lakes. By voting yes on Proposal 3, we can move Michigan's economy forward and safeguard our quality of life. Proposal 3 requires utility companies to generate 25 percent of our electricity from renewable sources such as wind and solar by 2025. To protect consumers and businesses, Proposal 3 limits rate increases as a result of the standard to no more than 1 percent in any given year. The proposal also encourages the hiring of Michigan workers and the use of Michigan equipment. According to economists at Michigan State University, adopting Proposal 3 will create at least 74,000 jobs in operations, maintenance and construction. If Michigan captures 50 percent of the market -- a conservative estimate -- we will add another 19,675 manufacturing jobs, bringing the number of jobs from Proposal 3 to 94,000. Proposal 3 will also help us rein in the high cost of energy by reducing our dependence on imported coal and foreign oil. It's no surprise then that big oil and energy companies say we can't afford Proposal 3. That is simply not true. Studies show renewable energy will reduce the cost of your utility bills. The Michigan Public Service Commission found renewable energy is now cheaper than new coal. Proposal 3 protects consumers by prohibiting utility companies from raising rates more than 1 percent. More than 30 other states have passed measures like Proposal 3. The Illinois Power Agency says their renewable energy standard has sparked, "significant job creation" and reduced electricity prices by $176 million. We can't afford big oil and energy company lies. Any modest cost to implement Proposal 3 is overshadowed by the double-digit rate increases Michigan families and businesses are shouldering year after year from the big utility companies that want to continue locking Michigan into outdated and expensive sources of energy like oil and dirty coal. Nearly 60 percent of Michigan's electricity comes from coal, and all of that coal is imported from other states. In 2011, Michigan families and businesses sent $1.7 billion dollars to other states to finance our dependence on coal. The cost of importing coal has gone up 71 percent since 2006, and will only increase. When the Legislature fails to act, Michigan voters have stepped up and changed the state constitution to do things, like cap property taxes for homeowners. In total, 32 amendments have been made by Michigan voters to our state constitution. Proposal 3 is a responsible, forward-looking way to rebuild Michigan's economy, and provide momentum to our burgeoning renewable energy industry so Michigan can compete with other states and put people back to work. In addition to rebuilding Michigan's manufacturing industry and keeping energy costs in check, Proposal 3 also will reduce dangerous pollution that harms public health and the health of our Great Lakes, rivers, air and land. Emissions from coal plants contain toxic pollutants that cause serious ailments, from lung cancer and heart diseases to childhood asthma and neurological impairments in infants. Proposal 3 will reduce pollution in our air and water, while also helping Michigan get off the sidelines and catch up with states that are ahead of us in the clean energy race. Michigan's future depends on a "yes" vote for Proposal 3, which is why a broad and bipartisan coalition of more than 300 Michigan small businesses, the Michigan Association for Justice, public health advocates like the Michigan Nurses Association, the NAACP, labor unions, faith leaders, and environmental and conservation groups endorse it. ---------------- Mark Fisk, of Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications is the spokesperson for Michigan Energy Michigan Jobs. He served as political director and director of communications for the Michigan House Democrats. He has taught national and statewide seminars on messaging, crisis management, media relations and political organizing. Published: Thu, Nov 1, 2012