MI HB5984

Exempts methane digesters and methane digester electric generating systems from property taxation if the farm operation complies with Michigan agriculture environmental assurance program requirements and the operator is certified by the department of agriculture.

Requires applicants to submit certification from the department of environmental quality confirming no current investigation or prior criminal violations under Part 31 of the natural resources and environmental protection act, and no civil violations resulting in fines of $10,000 or more within 1 year.

Mandates applicants allow access for up to 2 universities to collect information on methane digester effectiveness, with owner identity protected from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

Extends exemptions to biomass gasification systems, thermal depolymerization systems, machinery for simultaneous harvesting of grain and biomass, crop preparation machinery (with at least 33% Michigan-grown crops), and machinery used to install land tile on qualified agricultural property.

Requires methane digester systems to operate under supervision of department of agriculture-certified operators, with the department consulting with the department of environmental quality and Michigan State University Cooperative Extension Service in developing certification program.