July 5, 2006

Loans available to farmers converting animal waste into energy

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has signed legislation that will make additional loans available for the development of methane digesters which help protect the state’s natural resources while converting animal waste into renewable energy.

“By upgrading their equipment, Michigan farmers can both protect our environment and produce a valuable source of alternative energy,” said Granholm.  “Achieving these two important goals will be a little more affordable thanks to this legislation.”

Public Act 254 of 2006 expands the state’s Small Business Pollution Prevention Assistance Revolving Fund to include methane digesters and other agricultural systems that effectively treat animal waste.  Qualifying applicants will be eligible for loans of up to $200,000 for the installation of these systems.  Currently, loans are available to small businesses through the fund to implement pollution prevention programs.

PA 254 (Senate Bill 538) was sponsored by Senator Cameron Brown (R-Fawn River Township).  The bill was given immediate effect.

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