State Rep. Jerry Neyer this month spearheaded the House passage of his plan to ensure the continued operation of methane digesters in Michigan. Recent regulatory changes by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) have significantly impacted the viability of the renewable energy facilities, specifically their use by medium to large-sized farming operations.

“Our commonsense plan lays out an alternative pathway to expand energy production options in Michigan,” said Neyer, R-Shepherd. “I’m glad my colleagues on both sides of the aisle recognized the economic boom these digestors can be for Michigan farmers and energy producers. This legislation is simple; we’re just ensuring that EGLE is making its decisions based on nationally accepted standards and allowing producers to remain consistent with GAAMPs, another rulebook that farmers have been using for over three decades.”

Experts predict that nearly 600 digesters could be added in Michigan should state law change, bringing more than $14.5 billion in local investments.

House Bills 4257 and 4265 create a regulatory framework for commercial and co-owned anaerobic digesters. Digesters take in organic waste products and harness the methane gas from the material as it’s decomposing. The gas is then used to power homes, industry, and the broader electric grid. The leftover material, often referred to as digestate, is then used as organic fertilizer.

State regulators classified the byproduct of methane digesters – used for natural fertilizer – as toxic waste. However, this only applies to co-owned and commercial operations. Single-farm digesters still follow the safety and application guidelines under the manure classification.

The bipartisan legislation would clearly define methane digesters of this class in state law. By regulating the inputs, requiring quarterly testing, and carefully monitoring the outputs you would now ensure access for co-owned and commercial operations.

The plan now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

###