Some of the more than 100 operating wind turbines in rural Gratiot County. Lansing State Journal
HOLLAND, Mich. (WZZM) - Holland's Board of Public Works is getting a jump start on green technology, just weeks before voters make a decision about Proposal 3.
The measure on the November 6 ballot calls for new requirements for alternative energy in the state's constitution.
Last week, Holland approved a deal to start buying energy from two wind farms next year -- one in Elmwood, Indiana, and the other in Ithaca, in Michigan's Gratiot County.
Monica Hallacy looks at many policy decisions through the eyes of her infant son, especially when it comes to replacing coal with wind energy.
"When he grows up, I don't want to be relying on fossil fuels and dirty coal pollution," says Hallacy.
As a volunteer for the Sierra Club, Hallacy supports the Holland Board of Public Works decision to buy energy from two wind farms, just weeks before voters decide on Proposal 3.
"Congrats to Holland for taking the initiative and leading the way," says Hallacy.
Proposal 3 would make it a constitutional requirement that power companies have 25% alternative energy by 2025. The Holland Board of Public Works (BPW) says a constitutional amendment goes too far.
"I don't believe more regulations are going to accomplish what we need to," says Dan Nally with the Holland Board of Public Works. "We should let the market determine what needs to be done."
"I think at this points it's necessary. We're not seeing aggressive enough policy from our lawmakers," says Hallacy.
The Holland Board of Public Works says in general it's cheaper to buy energy from existing coal plants, but officials say wind energy is becoming less expensive all the time -- making it a more viable option in the future. In fact, the BPW says it's paying about the same price on wind energy as it does for coal. However, the BPW says those opportunities are unusual.
"They're not there everyday," says Nally.
Hallacy says a cleaner future for child is priceless.
"I think a change like this from the people is exactly what needs to happen," says Hallacy.
Current state law already requires power companies to have 10% alternative energy by 2015.