ANIMAL DISPOSAL: METHANE DIGESTER H.B. 4905:
COMMITTEE SUMMARY
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House Bill 4905 (as passed by the House)
Sponsor: Representative Arlan Meekhof
House Committee: Agriculture
Senate Committee: Agriculture
Date Completed: 4-23-08
CONTENT
The bill would amend Public Act 239 of 1982 (which regulates the disposal of dead animals) to include in active composting methods methane digesters that used dead animals or animal or food waste.
The Act requires the Department of Agriculture to promulgate rules regarding methodology for active composting, including several specific composting methods. Under the bill, rules regarding methodology for active composting also would have to include methane digesters.
The bill would define "methane digester" as a system designed to facilitate the production of methane from anaerobic microbial digestion of animal or food waste, including dead animals.
Under the Act, "active composting" means the accelerated decomposition of organic materials leading primarily to the production of carbon dioxide, water, heat, and compost. The bill also would include the production of methane.
MCL 287.653 et al. Legislative Analyst: Curtis Walker
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: Jessica Runnels
Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. hb4905/0708