Consumers Energy, DTE Sue to Block Michigan's New Voter-Approved 'Money Out of Politics' Campaign Law
The utilities say the voter-approved law bars protected political speech and association and would expose them to penalties without a court order.
- On Thursday, DTE Energy and Consumers Energy filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block Proposal 2, the campaign finance amendment approved by voters on Tuesday with 81% support.
- Voters approved the Michigan Campaign Finance Act on Tuesday, aiming to ban political contributions from regulated utilities, large government contractors, and their associated executives, lobbyists, or immediate family members.
- The utility lawsuit contends the law "impermissibly" targets utilities and violates First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Consumers Energy spokesperson Katie Carey stated the measure unfairly affects employees and family members with no role in utility operations.
- On Wednesday, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy filed a separate lawsuit, claiming the law's "vague" language regarding electioneering and independent expenditures could subject journalists, nonprofits, and private citizens to disclosure requirements.
- Maura Cowley, manager of the Michiganders for Money Out of Politics campaign, called the utility lawsuit "no surprise." The group remains "confident Proposal 2 will withstand legal scrutiny" and is prepared to defend the measure.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Michigan Advance
Florida PhoenixLawsuits challenge Money Out of Politics ballot measure on First Amendment grounds
Two lawsuits have been filed against Proposal 2, the “Michiganders for Money Out of Politics” ballot measure that passed on Tuesday with over 80% of the vote, arguing it violates the First Amendment. The proposal is scheduled to take effect by Dec. 3, 2026, under Michigan election law, unless a court blocks its implementation. The […]
DTE, Consumers Energy sue Nessel, Benson to block voter-approved campaign finance restrictions - The Midwesterner
Michigan’s two largest utility companies filed a federal lawsuit Thursday seeking to block a voter-approved campaign finance measure that restricts political contributions from regulated utilities and certain government contractors. DTE Energy and Consumers Energy, along with their parent companies and affiliated political action committees, argue Proposal 2 violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments by limiting...
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