I was recently mugged by this commercial against Proposal 3, a/k/a the “Michigan Energy Michigan Jobs” proposal. There’s a spinning wind turbine, a doomy voice, and a meter rocketing from zero to $12 billion in 30 seconds flat-all to scare anyone who uses electricity. Turns out it was paid for by a group called CAREforMichigan. What does CARE stand for? Why, Clean Affordable Renewable Energy, of course. Really?
Regional Rider: Frankfort, TC get a little closer
The Regional Rider is a monthly update that highlights the efforts to coordinate transit service in the six-county Grand Vision region. This month: Frankfort and TC get a little bit closer; Metro Detroit considers transit authority; coming events; and a new Bruckbauer on the bus.
Little Effect on Power Prices in States with Big Renewables Goals
Three states with renewable energy standards similar to those in Michigan’s Proposal 3-Minnesota, Illinois and Colorado-are seeing little or no rise in electricity prices, undermining claims that the ballot measure will sharply increase energy costs.
Plugged In: Prop. 3 and the True Meaning of ‘Skyrocket’
Still mulling over whether Proposal 3, the renewable energy standard ballot initiative, will skyrocket your electric bill as utility ads claim? Well, here’s a true story: Consumers wants to raise residential electric rates by an average of more than $11 per month, and it has nothing to do with renewables. And, in the year ending in July, DTE Energy raised residential rates by an average of 11 percent-largely due to the rising cost of coal. Now, that’s skyrocketing!
Marohn: Big-box investments have long-term costs
A speaker at a recent Mackinac Island convention spoke to city leaders from across the state about the long-term costs of big infrastructure investments like big-box stores. Chuck Marohn said they usually create impressive short-term financial gains for cities but almost always ends up crippling them with long-term debt.
FoodCorps Diaries: National Farm To School Month
Check out the great things that have been happening through FoodCorps Northwest Michigan, a project of the Michigan Land Use Institute, in our new segment: FoodCorps Diaries. National Farm To School Month is almost here. Daniel and Kirsten look back at last year’s celebration as they gear up for another busy month.