Committee hears support for resolution backing Michigan potash project and domestic fertilizer production

The Michigan House Agriculture Committee heard testimony on House Resolution 99, which recognizes federal efforts to expand domestic potash production and highlights a proposed potash and salt project in northern Michigan.

Chair Nyer introduced the resolution, saying Michigan has a large potash deposit and that developing it could reduce reliance on imports. Rob Anderson of the Michigan Farm Bureau told the committee the Osceola County project, if operational, could produce about 800,000 tons of fertilizer‑grade potash and about 1,000,000 tons of salt annually and create roughly 1,400 construction jobs and about 200 permanent jobs. Anderson said the project would be "the largest U.S. potash and high‑grade salt facility in the country and the only material domestic potash source" and that domestic production could reduce freight costs and import dependence.

Committee members asked where the U.S. currently sources potash and how much is imported. A committee member cited a 2024 U.S. Geological Survey estimate that roughly 90–93% of U.S. potash was imported; the hearing record shows members sought clarification on recent domestic capacity. Several members also asked about permitting and environmental concerns. Witnesses said the project has gone through state permitting processes, and proponents said the operation will be a closed‑loop underground facility that will reinject water and manage brine to limit discharge. The chair and witnesses said some federal approvals and tariffs affecting imports remain a federal responsibility.

Support and opposition cards filed with the committee included trade and industry groups in favor and environmental advocates opposed; the chair said additional testimony on the digesters will continue next week and adjourned the meeting.

The committee did not take a formal vote on the resolution during this session.