The Michigan Chamber of Commerce voiced its strong support this month for two bills that would create greater consistency and help streamline the permitting process for anaerobic digesters in Michigan. House Bills 4257 and 4265, led by Rep. Jerry Neyer and Rep. Joey Andrews, take steps to provide a clearer pathway for anaerobic digester operation and address problems with the current regulatory landscape.
The Chamber testified in the House Committee on Agriculture on how Michigan can benefit from these policy reforms.
A report conducted by the Michigan Public Service Commission found that Michigan has significant untapped potential for utilizing clean energy technologies for capturing methane emissions from landfills, wastewater treatment plants and agricultural operations to create renewable natural gas, the Chamber said, noting that, once refined, this gas product can be injected directly into our natural gas grid system instead of being a waste product that is simply emitted into the air.
The Chamber said that over the past several years permitting decisions and delays have demonstrated the regulatory challenges facing digesters in Michigan. MI Chamber members, particularly in the agricultural and farming sectors, have experienced how an unworkable regulatory landscape limits digesters’ capacity to operate – even in cases where companies have a long track record of success.
In its announcement sharing its support of the bills, the Chamber said, “These bills put Michigan on the pathway to the future. By clearly defining anerobic digesters and digestate within state law —and by laying out clear reporting structures and compliance responsibilities — these bills will help digesters succeed in Michigan.”
For questions or comments, contact Mike Alaimo.
Source: Michigan Chamber of Commerce