Renewable Energy Measures on the 2008 Ballot November 6, 2008, Jennie Drage Bowser
Ballot Measures Overview
2008 Ballot Measures Results Background Voters in three states will consider citizen initiatives promoting renewable energy this November. Two would require that certain utility providers purchase or generate a percentage of their electricity from renewable sources. The other two would direct state funding to renewable energy programs.
What's on the ballot this year? | State | Measure # | Topic Area | Typea | CA/Sb | Pass/Fail | | California | Proposition 7 | Requires all publicly-owned utilities to produce 40% of energy from renewable resources by 2020, and 50% by 2025 | I | S | Fail | | California | Proposition 10 | Bonds to fund alternative energy vehicles, renewable energy and air quality programs | I | S | Fail | | Colorado | Amendment 58 | Increases taxes paid by the oil & gas industry; would distribute 10% of the new revenue to programs promoting energy efficiency and renewable sources | I | S | Fail | | Missouri | Proposition C | Requires investor-owned utilities to produce or purchase 15% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020 | I | S | Pass | a) Type: L = legislative referendum
I = citizen-initiated b) CA = constitutional amendment
S = statutory How does this compare to previous years? In 2006, two states considered renewable energy initiatives: - California voters rejected Proposition 87, which would have imposed a new tax on oil producers in California to fund alternative energy research, education and training programs.
- Washington voters approved Initiative 937, requiring energy conservation measures for all utility providers in the state serving 25,000 or more customers, and requiring that utilities produce or purchase 15% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020.
In 2004, Colorado voters approved Amendment 37, requiring utilities serving 40,000 customers or more to generate or purchase at least 10% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2015. In 2002, Montana voters rejected a proposed initiative that would have created an elected public power commission and empowered it to purchase hydroelectric dams and operate them for the public benefit. The commission also would have been empowered to invest in other renewable energy and conservation projects. Links to More NCSL Information NCSL's Renewable Energy Program Contacts for More Information Jennie Drage Bowser, NCSL contact for ballot measures |