HB 4257 and 4265 provide a clear path forward for digesters that support food production, farming, clean energy LANSING, MI – Michigan food, farming and agribusiness organizations today applauded the Michigan House Agriculture Committee for its approval of House Bills 4257 and 4265. The bipartisan bills, introduced by Rep. Jerry Neyer and Rep. Joey Andrews, promote anerobic digester use in Michigan by enacting critical improvements to the regulations governing them. “This legislation provides much-needed clarity and a path forward for digesters that play a critical role for Michigan’s food production system,” said Chuck Lippstreu, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. “The current regulatory framework in Michigan has created roadblocks for the use of this important technology in our state. These bills address the challenge.” “Michigan farmers are ready to invest in solutions that turn waste into something valuable — clean energy, healthier soils, and stronger rural economies,” said Rob Anderson, manager of government relations at the Michigan Farm Bureau. “This legislation gives them a clear and workable path to do just that.” “This important legislation establishes a workable regulatory framework for proven science to implement a sustainable solution for Michigan family farms and rural communities,” said Travis Jones, CEO of GreenStone Farm Credit Services. “We applaud the Legislature for addressing the bio-digester issues that have languished for too long.” “Anaerobic digesters help increase efficiency and reduce environmental impacts while supporting the rural economies around them,” said Scott Piggott, executive director of the Michigan Corn Growers Association. “This legislation will unlock these benefits for Michigan while adding in important safeguards and standards for operation. The Michigan Corn Growers Association is proud to support these bills that will move Michigan businesses, including agriculture, toward sustainable solutions for waste utilization and renewable energy production.” “We appreciate the passage of this legislation to provide clarity to dairy producers who are interested in utilizing the renewable energy technology,” said Doug Chapin, Board Chairman of the Michigan Milk Producers Association. “We urge the continued advancement of the bills in the legislative process.” HB 4257 and 4265 would clearly define anaerobic digesters and digestate in state law, set clear compliance expectations for operators, and maintain stringent environmental standards for digester operation. Supporting organizations have emphasized the bills will help food processors, farmers, and rural communities throughout Michigan that benefit from digester operations. More information is available here from the bill sponsors. # # #
