Michigan Energy Michigan Jobs has filed 530,000 petition signatures with the Secretary of State to place its constitutional amendment proposal on the November 6 ballot. The proposal, to require that 25 percent of the energy sold in the state be generated by renewable sources by 2025, only needed 323,000 valid signatures.

The group indicated that 30 states already have requirements higher than Michigan’s current 10 percent statutory requirement. It estimates that the new standard will generate 56,000 jobs and $10 billion in new investments. Opposition to the ballot proposal started with the Clean Affordable Renewable Energy (CARE) for Michigan Coalition, comprised of DTE Energy, Consumers Energy, the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association and the Detroit Regional Chamber.

Now that sufficient signatures have been filed, a new opposition group has formed, the Michigan Jobs & Energy Coalition. This group includes the Michigan Manufacturers Association, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, major state utilities and utility associations, and Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council. Another group in opposition is the Citizens Protecting Michigan’s Constitution  supported by the Detroit Regional Chamber, the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan Manufacturers Association, and the West Michigan Policy Forum.