LANSING – State Representative Jeff Mayes (D-Bay City) has introduced a plan to waive the ban on landfills collecting yard waste if the landfill makes use of a methane gas capture system, a move that will help grow a readily available energy source. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation has been co-sponsored by State Representative Tim Moore (R-Farwell) in the House and State Senator Jim Barcia (D-Bay City) in the Senate.
"Every landfill in Michigan is emitting methane gas – an energy source that can be used to power and heat our homes," said Mayes, Chair of the House Energy and Technology Committee. "In these tough economic times, we need to put people to work building the energy sources that will power Michigan's energy future. Using our trash to provide us with electricity is one of the ways that we can get our workers back on the job."
Mayes' plan will get rid of the ban on depositing yard waste in landfills as long the facility has an approved methane capture system. Similar systems have been proven to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released into the air, while providing a steady and reliable source of electricity. Methane has been shown to be 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in our atmosphere.
"Michigan must look at new ways of generating electricity and creating jobs," Mayes said. "If Michigan continues to import oil, we'll continue to rely on unstable countries for our energy. That's not good for the people of Michigan, and it cannot continue if we want to transition to a new, clean energy economy."