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Farmers and consultants tell House committee EGLE relationships have eroded as rules tighten for digesters and manure management
Summary
Dairy farmers, an agricultural consultant and farm-based digester advocates told the House Oversight Committee that Michigan’s permitting approach and changing interpretations by EGLE have increased regulatory uncertainty for farms, hampered digester development, and discouraged investments.
A group of farmers and agricultural consultants told the Michigan House Committee on Oversight that interactions with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) have become more adversarial in recent years and are impeding adoption of anaerobic digesters and other farm-based projects.
Why it matters: Witnesses said regulatory uncertainty and stricter interpretations of existing rules are deterring on‑farm digester projects, complicating manure and food‑waste co‑digestion, and driving investment to other states. Several farmers said they fear retaliation if they speak publicly about regulatory contacts.
What witnesses said: James DeYoung, a certified technical service provider who develops nutrient-management plans and previously worked for the Fremont digester, said the department has become “hostile to farms.”…
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