The Michigan House of Representatives passed two bills last Friday,聽HB 4265聽and聽HB 4257聽which would clarify the law and regulations which apply to food waste recycling in the state. In most states, food waste recycling is encouraged. But in Michigan, previous changes dramatically limited the ability to convert food waste into renewable energy and fertilizers by confusing, and onerous permitting requirements. American Biogas Council (ABC) Executive Director Patrick Serfass released the following statement in response: 鈥淭he ABC applauds the Michigan House鈥檚 decision to pass this new legislation. The bills will sensibly guide regulations on anaerobic digesters and encourage more food waste recycling while also protecting聽food and water safety.
鈥淓ach year, Michigan generates over 8 million tons of animal manure, about 2.3 million tons of food waste, and over 180 trillion gallons of wastewater. This legislation will help the state recycle more of that waste into clean, renewable energy, and produce nutritive soil amendments聽certified to a standard聽developed in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition to environmental protection, enabling more waste recycling in this way will add as many as 30,000 jobs to the state and more than $14 billion in local, capital investment while supporting Michigan鈥檚 recycling goals.
鈥淭he House support of biogas aligns with voter sentiment. A recent national poll showed that 3 of 4 American voters support additional biogas production and the government support needed to get there.鈥�
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