Consumers Energy, DTE Energy sue state over Proposal 2

DETROIT, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Consumers Energy and DTE Energy are suing the state in federal court over Proposal 2.

Voters gave the proposal wide approval in Tuesday’s election, restricting political contributions by utilities and their affiliates along with certain executives, board members, agents, owners, and immediate family members.

The utilities say in the lawsuit that Proposal 2 violates their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights by restricting political speech based on the speaker’s identity and limiting people’s ability to take part in elections.

Their complaint says “the First Amendment forbids the government from silencing disfavored speakers or viewpoints in this fashion.”