LANSING, Mich., Oct. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is pleased to report that its aggressive statewide education campaign to protect Michigan's energy future worked as proponents seeking to ban the use of hydraulic fracturing in Michigan gathered only 27 percent of the minimum required signatures to put a hydraulic fracturing ban on the 2014 ballot.

"We applaud the thousands and thousands of Michiganders who declined to sign this harmful proposal being pushed by environmentalists who conducted a campaign short on facts and long on scare tactics," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "This reckless attempt to hijack Michigan's energy policy would raise home heating bills and kill jobs in Michigan."

Back in August, the Michigan Chamber launched an aggressive statewide educational campaign called, "Protect Michigan's Energy Future." This campaign included a statewide public speaking tour, a multi-media, interactive website (www.michamber.com/energyindependence), 42 billboards posted across the state (viewed by motorists over 26.5 million times), and internet advertising that delivered over 11 million impressions.   

"Hydraulic fracturing has been used for over 50 years without a single negative impact on human health or the environment," noted Jason Geer, Director of Energy & Environmental Policy for the Michigan Chamber. "During that time over 12,000 wells in Michigan have used this technique; hydraulic fracturing has clearly been proven safe."

"Over 80 percent of the homes in Michigan are heated with safe natural gas produced right here in Michigan that translates to lower heating bills and more jobs for our state," added Geer.

"Current state regulation of oil and gas exploration in Michigan is tough but fair, and that's the way it should be," said Jim Holcomb, Senior Vice President of Business Advocacy & General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber.

"Michigan has scored a victory for now, but we know the fight isn't over," Studley concluded. "The Michigan Chamber will continue to be vigilant in advocating policies to promote Michigan's energy independence and to protect Michigan's energy future." 

The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process. For over 50 years, the Michigan Chamber has been a leader in business advocacy and remains committed to playing a constructive role in shaping our state's future. In separate, independent surveys of lawmakers, executive branch officials, lobbyists and association executives, the MIRS and Inside Michigan Politics newsletters consistently have ranked the Michigan Chamber as the most influential organization in the state capitol.

As a statewide business organization, the Michigan Chamber represents approximately 6,400 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber represents businesses of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. Michigan Chamber member businesses provide jobs to 1.5 million residents. One of every 2.6 employees in Michigan works for a Chamber member firm.

SOURCE Michigan Chamber of Commerce