Ecology Center launches effort to support 25 x 25 Renewable Energy Standard

The Ecology Center has launched an effort to mobilize supporters and encourage adoption of the proposal to increase Michigan's renewable energy standard (RES) to 25 percent by 2025. The initiative received approval from the Michigan board of canvassers earlier this month to be placed on the Nov. 6 ballot.

That approval of ballot initiative comes right on the heels of a Michigan State University study that says the 25-percent-by-2025 renewable energy standard will create around 94,000 jobs in construction, operations and maintenance, and manufacturing in the state.

"In addition to its benefits to the enviroment, the 25 x 25 proposal will create Michigan jobs, rebuild Michigan manufacturing, protect public health and get Michigan’s economy moving forward again," according to Alexis Blizman, the Ecology Center's legislative and policy director.

The proposal has received widespread, bipartisan support from business leaders, health professionals and labor and environmental groups.

If voters approve, Michigan will join 30 other states that have already adopted similar measures, allowing us to get back into the competition to put our people back to work, Blizman said. "The ballot proposal is clearly the most important energy issue to ever get on the ballot in Michigan, and we're mobilizing as many supporters as we can to get behind the campaign."

Utility companies and their supporters have been planning a massive campaign against the legislation, according to media reports. "So we're looking for help canvassing, staffing phone banks and getting out the vote," Blizman said.

Those interested in supporting the effort should click here.