Operator says state action and shifting rules forced Fremont digester to close, leaving manufacturers without disposal option

Dan Masarello, vice president of operations for Generate Upcycle, told the House Committee on Oversight that his company closed its anaerobic digestion facility in Fremont after years of what he described as punitive treatment by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).

"EGLE has at times marginalized our business, made intimidating comments to our employees," Masarello said, describing a pattern of interactions he called "extraordinary" and a departure from the company's experience with regulators in states such as California and New York. He told lawmakers the Fremont site, acquired by Generate earlier this century, had converted food and agricultural waste into renewable electricity, renewable natural gas and organic fertilizer and supported about 20 full‑time jobs before the company announced permanent closure in late 2023.

Why it matters: Masarello said the closure wiped out a roughly $25 million investment, eliminated a local outlet for about 150,000 tons a year of…