Proposal 3 amends the state constitution to establish a renewable energy standard requiring utilities to provide at least 25 percent of their annual retail sales of electricity from wind, solar, biomass and hydropower by 2025.

This proposal would limit to not more than 1 percent per year electric utility rate increases charged to consumers only to achieve compliance with the renewable energy standard.

The proposal allows annual extensions of the deadline to meet the 25 percent standard to prevent rate increases over the 1 percent cap.

It requires the legislature to enact additional laws to encourage the use of Michigan-made equipment and employment of state residents.

Proponents say:

• The amendment will require electricity providers to make major investments in Michigan, benefiting the economy and creating green jobs to promote clean energy.

• The proposal protects consumers in the short term by capping rate increases caused by renewable energy regulations at 1 percent per year.

• Using clean, renewable energy will help reduce pollution, protect Michigan’s air, water and land and help make Michigan more energy independent.

People voting no say:

• Michigan consumers already pay the highest electricity rates in the Midwest.

Despite the 1 percent annual limit on rate hikes, consumers will see long-term rate inflation until renewable energy investments are retired.

• Michigan’s current energy mandate of 10 percent of electricity to be derived from renewable energy sources by 2015 still has not been achieved.

• It is unwise to lock this proposal in the constitution as it will make it difficult in the future to adapt to changing conditions and technology.

The Tea Party filled Ontwa Township Hall in Edwardsburg Oct. 2 for its forum on ballot proposals featuring state Sen. John Proos; Susan Martin, chief of staff for state Rep. Matt Lori; Berrien County Board of Commissioners Chairman Dave Pagel of Berrien Springs as GOP candidate for Sharon Tyler’s 78th District House seat; and Ronnie Coleman, a regional manager for Consumers Energy in Jackson, which is part of the CARE (Clean, Affordable, Renewable Energy) coalition working to defeat Proposal 3 along with Michigan Farm Bureau, Attorney General Bill Schuette, Frank Kelley, former attorney general, and Conrad Mallett Jr., former Michigan Supreme Court chief justice.