LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A group of 15 legislators co-signed a letter urging Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to reconsider permitting changes regarding renewable energy, pertaining to anaerobic digesters. 

What is a digester?

Digesters take in organic waste and use bacteria to convert it into biogas for energy production and solid digestate, which can then be used by farmers for fertilizer. 

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The letter, spearheaded by Representative Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph) is the Majority Vice Chair of the House Energy, Communications, and Technology committee. He shared that closing the Fremont Community Digester facility would result in the “loss of 17 good-paying jobs, the addition of 100,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere and the loss of a $25 million investment that the parent company was planning to make.” 

“The Legislature recently passed bills to set Michigan on a path to national leadership in clean energy production. The proposed changes to EGLE’s permitting for anaerobic digesters would be a roadblock on that path,” State. Rep. Andrews said in a statement. “States across the country have found ways to appropriately regulate the more than 2,000 digestors in the U.S., and Michigan shouldn’t be any different.”

What’s in the letter?

The letter asks EGLE Director Phil Roos to reconsider new regulations  by the agency. 

“We are writing today to express our concerns regarding the proposed EGLE permitting process change concerning anaerobic digesters in Michigan,” the letter said. “There appears to be some lack of clarity or differing perspectives within the Department regarding the appropriate regulatory measures for this technology, which has previously been recognized by environmentally concerned industries, activists, and both Federal and State governments as a form of ‘green energy’.” 

Legislators also acknowledged that anaerobic digesters play an integral role in managing “food waste, generating energy, and providing alternatives to conventional fertilizers.” 

“With over 2,000 such ‘digestors’ nationwide, one of the most prominent programs exists at Michigan State University,” the letter said. “The Fremont Community Digester manages approximately 40% of the state’s pre-consumer food waste, processing between 150,000 and 160,000 tons annually. This conversion yields enough energy to power approximately 3,500 homes per year, while the residual by-product serves as valuable fertilizer material for local farmers.” 

The importance of digesters in Michigan.

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One of the Republican co-signers, State Representative Graham Filler (R-St. Johns) supported the Fremont Regional Digester, which had “always been in compliance with EGLE’s regulations.” 

“Digestors have proven their worth to our state, our businesses, and the environment,” State Rep. Filler said. “It’s crucial for our state agencies to find a balanced approach that fosters growth and supports farmers while ensuring responsible practices.” 

How is “renewable energy” defined?

Despite the state’s push for more renewable energy, the new regulations make work more difficult for state digestors which have previously been considered renewable energy. 

“Unfortunately, the state agency recently ordered the facility to comply with additional regulations aimed at industry polluters – even though state laws classify anaerobic digestors as renewable energy,” the letter explained. 

The legislators expressed concern regarding the limiting of certain renewable energy standards. 

“At a time when Michigan is progressing towards 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 said. “Regrettably, the proposed new permitting process by EGLE appears to pose significant challenges to the Fremont Community Digestor’s operational continuity.”

The full letter can be found here.