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Proposal 3 battle over renewable energy costs millions
Published: Monday, October 08, 2012
The Gratiot County Wind project sits near Breckenridge.
Voters in November will decide on Proposal 3, a proposal that
would put an energy mandate in the state constitution. For The
Oakland Press/MARK RANZENBERGER
By MARK RANZENBERGER
For The Oakland Press
Voters in November will decide whether to put a strong requirement
for renewable energy into Michigan’s highest law.
Proposal 3 would enshrine in Michigan’s Constitution a requirement that
a full 25 percent of Michigan’s electricity be produced by “clean,
renewable electric energy sources.” Such sources could include wind
energy, solar energy, hydroelectric power and biomass fuels.
A “yes” vote would put the mandate into the Constitution. A “no” vote
would keep it out.
The measure is opposed by the state’s two largest electric utility
companies.
It’s backed primarily by a group calling itself Michigan Energy
Michigan Jobs (mi
energymijobs.com), a coalition of
environmental, union, alternative energy and business interests. Its
biggest backer, according to campaign finance statements, is a San
Francisco-based organization called the Green Tech Action Fund.
That fund is affiliated with a group called the Energy Foundation, which
says its goals are “advancing new energy technologies that enable
economic growth with dramatically less pollution.”
Among the groups listed as its partners are the William and Flora
Hewlett Foundation, the Kresge Foundation, and the David and Lucille
Packard Foundation.
The Green Tech Action Fund has given Michigan Energy Michigan Jobs $1.34
million, more than half the $2.2 million raised by the supporters.
Michigan campaign finance law puts no limits on the amount of money an
individual donor may give a ballot committee.
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2012/10/08/news/local_news/doc50720f0b57103323670696.txt?viewmode=default
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