Clean energy a necessary goal

After seeing the benefits of committing to clean energy in our neighboring states, I was disheartened by the amount of money poured into our state by fossil fuel companies to fight Proposal 3. Michigan's largest utilities joined forces with oil, coal and gas companies to outspend us and our allies 3-to-1. The very same companies that burn coal in our neighborhoods and keep Michigan dependent on fossil fuels were telling us lies about the cost of clean energy.

What they couldn't do was turn Michiganders against clean energy. Exit polls conducted on Election Day showed that an overwhelming 73 percent of Michigan voters want us to increase our use of wind, solar and other forms of renewable energy.

Michigan can't afford to continue investing in carbon-based fossil fuels like coal. It's bad for our health, bad for business of the 21st century, and it is destroying our climate. The Michigan Public Service Commission pointed out that renewable energy costs around $41 per megawatt/hour less than building new coal plants. Clean energy is a wise investment in Michigan's future, and I will keep fighting until we make stronger commitments to our air and our health.


West Bloomfield

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