Vote against energy proposal
The Oakland Press | theoaklandpress.com 20 September 2012
Proposal 3 on the November election ballot regarding renewable energy mandates – often referred to as “25 x 25” – is nothing more than a pipe dream that will cost us dearly if it passes. It will require that 25 percent of Michigan’s energy be produced from renewable sources, such as biomass, hydro, solar and wind power by the year 2025. This is a lofty goal but it is filled with pitfalls and promises that cannot be kept. One such promise is the stipulation that any energy price increase be capped at 1 percent.
The cost of reaching this goal is estimated to be up to $12 billion. No matter what the politicians promise, it is always we the consumers who will pay for it in the end, in this case with higher utility bills. The 1 percent cap on utility rates is an empty promise that we are being asked to blindly believe and accept. I’ve been down that road before. If “25 x 25” becomes law, we will see utility rate increases for years to come. What’s more, it is a cost increase that will be baked into our constitution, so it will be a permanent money flow that can only increase as need requires.
“25 x 25” sounds nice on the surface but, in reality, it is not a well thought out idea and should go back to the drawing board before it is foisted on the people of Michigan. Sometimes it is the public that has to bring reason and sanity to the fore. This is one of those times. I urge you to vote “no” on Proposal 3 this November.
DONN WOLF
Farmington Hills
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/09/20/vote-against-energy-proposal/