Title
Resolution to Support Renewable Energy Ballot Proposal of 2012
Memorandum
The Energy Commission unanimously approved the below resolution at its May 8, 2012 meeting, and upon confirmation that the Board of State Canvassers approved the ballot measure to appear on the November 6 ballot, is requesting City Council to approve this resolution.
According to the State of Michigan Board of State Canvassers website, retrieved on 9/18/12, this Proposal (#3) will read as follows:
PROPOSAL 12-3
A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION
TO ESTABLISH A STANDARD FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY
This proposal would:
Require electric utilities to provide at least 25% of their annual retail sales of electricity from renewable energy sources, which are wind, solar, biomass, and hydropower, by 2025.
Limit to not more than 1% per year electric utility rate increases charged to consumers only to achieve compliance with the renewable energy standard.
Allow annual extensions of the deadline to meet the 25% standard in order to prevent rate increases over the 1% limit.
Require the legislature to enact additional laws to encourage the use of Michigan made equipment and employment of Michigan residents.
Should this proposal be approved?
YES __
NO ____
Source:
Â…Staff
Prepared by: Nathan Geisler, Energy Programs Associate
Reviewed by: Cresson Slotten, Systems Planning Manager
Approved by: Energy Commission
Sponsored by: Mayor John Hieftje
Body
Whereas, The state of Michigan currently imports the majority of its energy from other states and countries, including all of its coal, sending over $2 billion dollars per year - and the jobs this investment could create - out of the state;
Whereas, The renewable energy industry is beginning to accelerate in Ann Arbor and across Michigan;
Whereas, The current electricity portfolio for Ann Arbor is dominated by coal power and other imported non-renewable resources, which have significant adverse health, economic and environmental impacts;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor has been challenged in reaching its renewable energy and climate goals because of the current electricity portfolio provided to it;
Whereas, Averting the worst consequences of climate change for our City and State requires a major reduction in greenhouse gas emissions;
Whereas, Using more wind and solar energy will reduce pollution and give Michigan cleaner and healthier air and water, protect the Great Lakes, reduce asthma and lung disease, increase jobs, keep dollars in the State and ultimately save lives;
Whereas, The current Renewable Energy Standard of 10% by 2015 has been shown by the Michigan Public Service Commission to be easily achievable with very little impact on customer prices and a positive impact on jobs, the economy and pollution levels;
Whereas, These goals are readily attainable, as Ann Arbor reached 20% renewable energy for municipal operations in 2010;
Whereas, The Michigan Public Service Commission has found nearly all new renewable energy sources (including wind, biomass and landfill gas) to be less expensive than new coal plants, even without taking into account external public costs such as greenhouse gas emissions; and
RESOLVED, That the City of Ann Arbor strongly supports the proposed Michigan 2012 ballot proposal that would increase the State of Michigan's Renewable Energy Standard to 25% by 2025.