As used in this act:

    (a) "Alternative fuel" means a fuel composed of biomass or another fuel that does not have petroleum as a base or a blend of a nonpetroleum-based fuel and a petroleum-based fuel. Alternative fuel may include, but is not limited to, biodiesel and ethanol.

    (b) "Biodiesel" means a fuel composed of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats and, in accordance with standards specified by the American society for testing and materials, designated B100, and meeting the requirements of D6751, as approved by the department.

    (c) "Biomass fuel" means a fuel made from plant material, vegetation, or agricultural waste.

    (d) "Department" means the Michigan department of agriculture.

    (e) "Ethanol" means a substance that meets the American society for testing and materials standard in effect on the effective date of this act as the D4806 specification for denatured fuel grade ethanol for blending with gasoline.

    (1) The department shall do the following:

    (a) Review and study all information available within any agency or department of state government to determine the body of relevant information regarding the establishing in this state of a production facility for an alternative fuel.

    (b) Compile, in written or electronic format, information in a concise and readable form regarding the procedures for preparing and executing applications and approvals necessary for the establishing of a production facility for alternative fuels.

    (c) Publish and make available to the public, in written or electronic format, the information described in subdivision (b) in separate categories for biodiesel fuel, ethanol, and other categories of alternative fuels.

    (2) As part of the function described in subsection (1), the department shall specifically indicate procedures and processes that are housed in the department of environmental quality, the department of labor and economic growth, and the Michigan economic development corporation.

    (3) The department may identify mechanisms that promote effective communication and coordination of efforts between this state and local governments, private industry, and institutions of higher education concerning the investigation, research into, and promotion of alternative fuels.

    (4) The department may also review any state regulation that may hinder the use, research, and development of alternative fuels and vehicles that are able to utilize them and recommend changes to the governor and to the legislature.

    Except as otherwise provided by law and so far as compatible with other duties, the department of environmental quality, the department of labor and economic growth, and the Michigan economic development corporation shall give the department any necessary assistance requested by the department for the fulfillment of its duties under this act.