This fall, Michigan voters might be able to cast their vote for cleaner energy and the clean air, clean water, and job benefits that come with it. A coalition of Michigan businesses, labor, and health organizations, organized under the umbrella Michigan Energy, Michigan Jobs, is spearheading a measure to add a 25 percent by 2025 renewable electricity standard (RES) to the state constitution. The proposed RES includes incentives to hire Michigan workers and manufacture clean energy equipment in the state and will generate an estimated $10 billion in investment.

The ballot initiative requires that energy counted toward the standard must be generated in utility service territories that serve Michigan. It would place Michigan in step with 20 other states in the country that have set similar standards, including Illinois, which has a 25 percent by 2025 standard, and Minnesota, which has an effective goal of 27.5 percent by 2025.

Michigan currently receives nearly four percent of its electricity from renewable resources. The RES initiative is supported by a wide range of groups, including the Michigan Agri-Business Association—owing to renewable energy’s role in rural development—and the Michigan Nurses Association, which cites the need to reduce air pollution and associated illnesses like asthma and lung disease.

The coalition is aiming for 500,000 signatures to add the measure to the November ballot.

This fall, Michigan voters might be able to cast their vote for cleaner energy and the clean air, clean water, and job benefits that come with it.