Member Press Release
ABC commends Michigan House (in U.S.) for passing bipartisan legislation that will convert more waste to renewable energy
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WASHINGTON – June 16, 2025 – The Michigan House of Representatives passed two bills last Friday, HB 4265 & HB 4257 which would clarify the law and regulations which apply to food waste recycling in the state. In most states, food waste recycling is encouraged. But in Michigan, previous changes dramatically limited the ability to convert food waste into renewable energy and fertilizers by confusing, and onerous permitting requirements. American Biogas Council (ABC) Executive Director Patrick Serfass released the following statement in response:
“The ABC applauds the Michigan House’s decision to pass this new legislation. The bills will sensibly guide regulations on anaerobic digesters and encourage more food waste recycling while also protecting food and water safety.
“Each year, Michigan generates over 8 million tons of animal manure, about 2.3 million tons of food waste, and over 180 trillion gallons of wastewater. This legislation will help the state recycle more of that waste into clean, renewable energy, and produce nutritive soil amendments certified to a standard developed in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition to environmental protection, enabling more waste recycling in this way will add as many as 30,000 jobs to the state and more than $14 billion in local, capital investment while supporting Michigan’s recycling goals.
“The House support of biogas aligns with voter sentiment. A recent national poll showed that 3 of 4 American voters support additional biogas production and the government support needed to get there.”
About the American Biogas Council
The American Biogas Council (ABC) is the voice of the U.S. biogas industry dedicated to maximizing carbon reduction and economic growth using biogas systems, which capture energy from organic materials like manure, wastewater solids and wastewater solids as they break down. Biogas can be used to power and heat homes, fuel vehicles, or generate electricity. In addition, the process produces nutrient-rich organic fertilizer that offers a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. The ABC represents more than 400 companies in all parts of the biogas supply chain who are leading the way to a better future by maximizing all the positive environmental and economic impacts biogas systems offer when they recycle organic material into renewable energy and soil products. Learn more online at AmericanBiogasCouncil.org, X @ambiogascouncil, and LinkedIn.
Media Contact: Melissa Bailey, 310.465.5647, melissa@americanbiogascouncil.org