LANSING – In a move to help farmers enjoy the benefits of clean, efficient sources of energy while remaining competitive in a global market, the Michigan House of Representatives today passed a plan proposed by State Representative Jeff Mayes (D-Bay City) to allow renewable energy devices to be placed on farm land without losing the benefit of existing tax breaks.
"Renewable energy holds tremendous promise and opportunity for Michigan," said Mayes, Chair of the House Energy and Technology Committee. "These common-sense reforms will help farmers reap these benefits without losing their existing tax breaks. We extend tax breaks for renewable energy systems to other residents and business – farmers shouldn't have to lose out on these benefits simply because of their profession."
Under Mayes' plan, which passed 105-3, any renewable energy device would be allowed on farm land that is receiving a tax break under Michigan's Farmland Preservation Program as long as farming continues on that land. The Michigan Department of Agriculture last year clarified the law to include wind turbines, but other renewable devices such as photovoltaics remain prohibited. Mayes' plan will allow for any renewable device, other than an incinerator, to be placed on farm land.
The Michigan Farmland Preservation Program allows farm owners to enter into a "Development Rights Agreement" with
the state, which ensures that the land is used for agricultural purposes for at least
10 years, in exchange for potential tax benefits. For more information about whether or not an individual qualifies for
the program, please contact the Farmland Preservation Office at (517) 373-3328, or by mail at P.O Box 30449, Lansing,
MI, 48909.
"Farmers who use renewable energy will not only be leaving a greener Earth for their children, they'll dramatically lower their bottom line by cutting their energy costs," Mayes said. "We need to be helping the men and women who put food on our plates during this economic downturn, and this plan will do just that. I'm very pleased that my colleagues supported this plan and I urge the Senate to move quickly to help support Michigan farmers."