Member Login
#10 BIOMASS/RENEWABLE PRODUCTS
Ethanol and biodiesel are biomass fuels which have proven to be excellent sources of renewable energy. Ethanol fuels and biodiesel contribute to a clean and safe environment through major reductions in vehicle exhaust emissions. We support requirements for the use of biomass fuels and fuel additives in areas that exceed the 1990 federal Clean Air Act standards.
We strongly support the continued production of biomass products such as corn-based cleaners, solvents and motor oils. We support efforts to encourage biomass fuel production facilities in Michigan in areas of available feedstock production and co-product utilization. We applaud the popular increase in the interest level of ethanol and biodiesel and realize the potentially positive impact to Michigan’s grain farmers. At the same time, we caution the entire agricultural industry to fully understand the economic impact to our livestock production. We urge that balanced economic decisions be made as we work to expand alternative energy options. A level playing field is important if all segments of agriculture are to succeed and prosper. Research and development should be encouraged through tax and cost-share incentives to find ways to reduce the cost of production of biomass products, expand feedstocks and co-product utilization, including those from food processors. We support research on the use of 100 percent biomass fuels for some vehicles, as well as blending biomass fuels with petroleum-based fuels.
We commend the State of Michigan for including biomass-fueled vehicles in the state motor pool fleet and we encourage expansion of this program. We strongly urge all state-owned diesel and E-85 (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent gasoline) flexible fueled vehicles be stationed within a reasonable distance of a renewable fuel source (ethanol or biodiesel) and use that fuel.
We support efforts to encourage expanded production and use of biomass fuels in Michigan. Such actions could include:
• Expanding the biomass fuel distribution infrastructure.
• Encouraging manufacturers to expand offerings of renewable fueled vehicles.
• Research, development and use of renewable energy sources for on-farm production applications.
• Establishing economic incentives and streamlining the permitting and licensing process to encourage biomass fuel production, and broaden the use and distribution with incentives targeted to producers, blenders, distributors and end-users.
• Requiring new biofuels or renewable energy commercial production facilities that utilize public funding, tax deferments or grants to offer an investment opportunity to Michigan citizens to keep gains realized in rural America.
• Encouraging Michigan schools and all municipal governmental units to use ethanol and/or biodiesel fuels in their bus fleets and other government-owned vehicles and equipment.
• Educating consumers about the positive influence and benefits of biomass fuels and renewable sources for heating.
• Utilizing only the latest science-based information to promote biomass/renewable products.
• Requiring all diesel fuel sold in the State of Michigan to contain at least 2% biodiesel. Development of a Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) for Michigan motor fuel with implementation upon certification that the annual capacity for renewable fuel production in Michigan is greater than 50 percent of the RFS requirement.
• Requiring all gasoline for highway usage sold in the state of Michigan to contain a minimum of 10 percent ethanol.
• Supporting research and demonstration programs that use ethanol as a fuel for fuel cell engine development.
• Supporting research and demonstration programs to expand the use of ethanol and biodiesel as a fuel alternative. Including identifying fuel stations that offer E-85 and biodiesel with interstate highway signs.
• Supporting the scientific measurement and rating of fuels and alternative fuels with regard to CO2 levels.
• The utilization of silvicultural (forest) products and other biomass material for the production of renewable energy.
• Exemptions from the normal Department of Environmental Quality permitting process to encourage the development of renewable biomass energy production and utilization on farms.
Michigan Farm Bureau endorses the “25 x 25” project, developing a “blueprint for action,” which will allow the United States to meet 25 percent of its total energy needs from agricultural sources by 2025 without harming food production.
