Committee hears mixed testimony on bills to clarify rules for anaerobic digesters

The House Agriculture Committee heard testimony on House Bills 4257 and 4265, bills that would change how commercial and multi‑owner anaerobic digesters — systems that turn organic wastes into biogas and a soil amendment called digestate — are regulated.

The bills’ sponsor, Representative Nyar, described the package as a way to resolve recent regulatory changes that he said have made it “very difficult” for multi‑owner digesters to operate and invest in Michigan. Rob Anderson, who manages government relations for Michigan Farm Bureau, testified in support and said the bills “create a regulatory system that encourages development of a proven technology” while allowing agencies to “address bad actors appropriately.”

Nut graf: Supporters told the committee that clearer rules would restore predictability for developers, help divert food and yard waste from landfills, and preserve a nutrient product for farmers. EGLE staff said they back the goals of digestion and agricultural reuse but warned the bills, as drafted, reduce protections for surface water, groundwater and public health and therefore cannot be supported in their current form.

EGLE legislative liaison Sydney Hart and division…