South Michigan News

State Representative Sarah Lightner is calling on the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to reconsider a permitting change that is affecting a business in the Fremont area. Lightner is urging EGLE to make reasonable accommodations to allow the business and other anaerobic digesters to continue operating in Michigan.

Anaerobic digesters play a crucial role in managing organic waste by converting it into biogas that can be used for energy generation. The Fremont Regional Digester is responsible for handling 40% of the state's pre-consumer food waste, converting 150,000 tons of waste into energy that can power approximately 3,500 homes annually. Additionally, the byproduct of the digester, a nutrient-rich fertilizer, is utilized by local farmers.

Despite the Fremont digester's compliance with EGLE's existing regulations, the state agency has recently imposed additional regulations aimed at industry polluters. This move comes as a surprise since anaerobic digesters are classified as renewable energy under state laws.

In a bipartisan letter, signed by 15 legislators from across the state, Representative Lightner and her colleagues have urged the Whitmer administration to work with Fremont to regulate its facility in a manner that supports the digester industry while also protecting the state. The letter highlights the importance of embracing technology that can convert waste into clean energy and produce environmentally beneficial byproducts.

"At a time when Michigan is progressing toward ambitious renewable energy standards, one would expect technology capable of converting waste into clean energy, while producing environmentally beneficial byproducts, to be welcomed rather than constrained," the letter reads.

The full letter can be accessed here.

This call for reconsideration is an important step in ensuring that anaerobic digesters can continue operating in Michigan without unnecessary regulatory burdens. Representative Lightner's efforts highlight the potential benefits of this renewable energy source for the state's economy, environment, and local farmers who rely on the digester's byproduct.

It is now up to EGLE to carefully review the concerns raised by Representative Lightner and her colleagues and make a decision that supports sustainable practices and the growth of renewable energy in the state.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://gophouse.org/posts/rep-lightner-egle-should-reconsider-permitting-change-to-keep-jobs-help-farmers