MDA:  COMPILE AND PUBLISH INFORMATION

ON ALTERNATIVE FUELS AND FUEL FACILITIES

House Bill 5745

Sponsor:  Rep. Goeff Hansen

Committee:  Agriculture

Complete to 6-18-08

A REVISED SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5745 AS INTRODUCED 2-14-08

The bill would create a new act to require the Michigan Department of Agriculture to do the following:

·                    Review all information available within any agency or department of state government on the establishment of alternative fuel production facilities in Michigan.

·                    Compile, in a concise and readable form (written or electronic), information about application and approval procedures for establishing alternative fuel production facilities in Michigan. 

·                    Publish this information, in written or electronic form, broken down by category, including biodiesel fuel, ethanol, and others. 

·                    Indicate which procedures and processes are housed in the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) , and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). 

In addition, the Department of Agriculture could, but would not be required to, do the following:    

·                    Identify mechanisms for effective communication and coordination of efforts between state and local governments, private industry, and higher education institutions concerning research into and promotion of alternative fuels. 

·                    Review any state regulation that could hinder the use, research, and development of alternative fuels and vehicles that are able to use alternative fuels and recommend changes to the Governor and the Legislature.

Except as otherwise provided by law and to the extent compatible with their other duties, the DEQ, DLEG, and the MEDC would have to give the Department of Agriculture assistance when requested to fulfill its duties under the bill.    

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would require the Michigan Department of Agriculture to perform certain activities which would have costs in terms of staff time and publication costs.  The department estimates that it would cost approximately $100,000 to support a portion of a position along with publication materials.  To the extent that the bill provides no new revenue to the department, the costs would apparently be covered through a redirection of current department resources.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Shannan Kane

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   William E. Hamilton

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.