We support Michigan Farm Bureau taking steps to advocate for adequate and affordable energy for Michigan residents and businesses. We recognize agriculture’s vulnerability to energy interruptions and price volatility. We support immediate and long-term solutions including:
Programs to increase the utilization of energy sources to minimize adverse environmental impacts.
Incentives for additional refineries.
Upgrading, expanding and protecting our current electrical generating systems and grid.
Development, expansion, promotion and incentives for affordable access to natural gas for farms, homes, and businesses.
The development of a state energy policy which gives high priority to agricultural enterprises, such as production, processing and storage facilities, allowing them the same power quality and timely access as other commercial industries, regardless of utility territory.
Standards for utility companies to resolve power quality issues such as electrical pollution on-farm, and urge all parties to maintain their equipment and utility right-of-way to decrease the possibility of neutral-to-ground electrical pollution.
Net-metering legislation or regulation enabling producers to sell excess power generated on farms back to utilities at an equitable rate.
Incentives for renewable energy efficiency and conservation that reduce energy use and costs through cost-saving energy-efficient equipment on farms, food processing firms and agri-businesses.
Incentives for renewable energy production for sale or use for private applications. Examples include co-generation, silvicultural material, methane digestion, wind, hydro and solar power.
Increasing incentives to broaden the use of biomass blended fuels.
Education and policy programs to promote sound energy conservation.
Options expanding domestic exploration; incentives to accelerate expansion of liquid natural gas facilities; implementation of technology to utilize domestic coal reserves; and the development of fuel cell technology.
Establishment of an agricultural rate classification for electrical service.
Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) allowance for seasonal inactivity (e.g., irrigation/grain drying) to eliminate the occurrence of non-use monthly charges.
Voluntary utilization of smart meters.
All wind generator towers being assessed using multiplier tables established by the MPSC through the process of public hearings and sworn testimony.
A statewide study of transmission connectivity needs including, but not limited to, transmission connections between the two peninsulas.
MFB working with county Farm Bureaus to study electrical rate disparities across the state. The study should consider the causes and potential policy recommendations promoting affordability in all regions of the state.
The continued operation and upgrades of pipelines such as Line 5 with strict safety precautions to protect land and water resources.
As a part of the permitting process for all new energy projects, requiring decommissioning plans including posting an adequate performance bond or funds before final approval.
All permanent easements owned by utilities, not preserved for future use, should be reverted or offered for sale, to the underlying owner at no more than fair market value.
Including agricultural representation on the MPSC.
MPSC being responsible for determining capacity needs and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy being responsible for only environmental permitting.
Government mandates for electric car production and usage being matched by concurrent approval for the construction and/or upgrades for reliable electric generation facilities to deliver the power needed.
The creation of a charging network for electric vehicles in rural communities.
Agriculture having consistent, reliable, and affordable access to all forms of energy.
Incentivizing the production and use of renewable energy on non-agricultural use areas such as brownfields, public property, especially state-owned or leased buildings with suitable land for solar, Michigan Department of Transportation rights-of-ways, Michigan state parks, state-owned forests, state-owned or leased marginal open space, marginal lands, as well as industrial, residential and agricultural buildings, to reduce easements across farms for renewable energy projects and to protect prime farmland.
MFB obtaining the services of an in-house grant writer to assist members with the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and other grant programs.
Solar developers disclosing chemical and electronic components of solar panels and equipment to the landowner.
Commercial solar operations notifying land owners and disclosing chemicals used for weed and pest control on leased acres.
Requiring public lands to share in the advancement of renewable energy goals created for the public interest. Since state and federal governments own over 20% of land in the state of Michigan, public lands have the opportunity and responsibility to lead by example and host at least 20% of renewable energy development.
We oppose:
Utility companies inflating land rental rates on their property to well above fair market value of contiguous property.
Any attempts to restrict or ban the use or production of natural gas, LP gas propane or any fossil fuel.