Ethanol fuels and biodiesel are excellent sources of renewable energy, contributing to a cleaner and safer environment through major reductions in vehicle exhaust emissions.
We applaud the increased interest in ethanol and biodiesel and the positive impact to grain farmers. At the same time, we caution the entire agriculture industry to understand the economic impact to livestock production. We urge balanced economic decision making as we expand alternative energy options. A level playing field is important for all segments of agriculture to prosper.
We support:
- Requirements for the use of biomass fuels and fuel additives in areas that exceed the 1990 federal Clean Air Act standards.
- Continued production of biomass products such as ethanol and other bio-based fuels and products.
- Year-round statewide availability of E-15.
- Efforts to encourage biomass fuel production facilities in areas of available feedstock production and co-product utilization.
- Funding and support for new, existing, and expanding facilities for the generation of sustainable aviation fuel, renewable diesel, and biodiesel from agriculture and forestry products.
- Research and development being encouraged through tax and cost-share incentives to find ways to reduce the cost of production of biomass products, expand feedstocks, co-product utilization (including those from food processors), and expand the application of technologies such as anaerobic digestion, fermentation, distillation, burning of organic materials (pyrolysis) and hydrogasification.
- Research on the use of 100 percent biomass fuels for some vehicles, as well as blending biomass fuels with petroleum-based fuels.
- The state of Michigan including biomass fueled vehicles in its motor pool fleet. We strongly urge all state-owned diesel and E-85 vehicles be fueled with their respective fuel source when possible.
- Expanding the biomass fuel distribution infrastructure, including blending capability at the retail level.
- Encouraging manufacturers to expand offerings of renewable fueled vehicles.
- Research, development and use of renewable energy sources for on-farm production applications.
- Establishing economic incentives and streamlining the permitting and licensing process to encourage biomass fuel production.
- Broadening the use and distribution of biomass fuel with incentives consistent with other renewable energy sources targeted to producers, blenders, distributors and end-users.
- Requiring new biomass fuels or renewable energy commercial production facilities utilizing public funding, tax deferments or grants to offer an investment opportunity to Michigan citizens to keep gains realized in rural America.
- Encouraging schools and municipal governmental units to use bio-based products.
- Educating consumers about the benefits of biomass fuels and renewable sources for heating.
- Utilizing the latest science-based information to promote biomass/renewable products.
- Research and demonstration programs using ethanol for fuel cell engine development.
- Research and demonstration programs to expand the use of ethanol, biodiesel, and farm generated methane.
- Increasing engine efficiency through practices such as raising octane levels by utilizing farm sourced biofuels.
- Identifying fuel stations featuring E-85 and biodiesel with interstate highway signs.
- The scientific measurement and rating of fuels and alternative fuels regarding carbon dioxide levels.
- The increased utilization of forest products and other biomass material, including non-native plant species, for renewable energy production.
- Exemptions from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy permitting process to encourage the development of renewable biomass energy production and utilization on farms.
Anaerobic Digesters
We support changes to state law and regulation to allow:
- Comingling of product from different farms without additional permitting requirements.
- Utilization of yard and food waste with manure, without additional regulation.
- Registration of an anaerobic digester without surface water or ground water permits.
- Changes to gas purity standards that allow for digester gas to be added to existing fuel/gas while still protecting the current infrastructure.
- Electricity being generated from digesters to be eligible for Renewable Identification Numbers (RIN).
- Increased usage of renewable natural gas (RNG) as a transportation fuel.
- The use of life cycle and combustion methodologies in the analysis of RNG.