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Digester legislation moves to Michigan’s Senate

Bipartisan legislation to streamline methane digester permitting is heading to Michigan’s Senate following approval by House lawmakers last week.

Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee Chair Sue Shink tells Brownfield her constituents have concerns.

“I think it’s important that we keep a lot of local control, and that there is that ability to say, we’re not against digesters, but this isn’t the right place for it,” she says. “In my district, where this digester is going in, there’s somebody who lives like 50 feet from the property line.”

Democratic co-sponsor Representative Joey Andrews says the bills provide clear guidance and regulatory clarity, supporting ag innovation for managing waste sustainably and providing new economic opportunities through renewable energy generation and nutrient recycling.

Michigan State University Anaerobic Digestion Research and Education Center director Dr. Wei Liao says anaerobic digestion systems offer a closed-loop strategy to enhance soil health, reduce chemical fertilizer dependence, mitigate the spread of emerging contaminants, and protect Michigan’s freshwater resources.

American Biogas Council Executive Director Patrick Serfass says the measures will help Michigan recycle more waste into clean, renewable energy and produce nutritive soil amendments certified to a standard developed in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The legislation is supported by the Michigan Agri-Business Association, Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Milk Producers Association, Michigan Corn Growers Association, and GreenStone Farm Credit Services.