legislation

Michigan's corn producers have long known the value of their crop from livestock feed to food products to fuel, and now many are looking to corn as an alternative source of heat. The State of Michigan is transitioning to a bio-based economy and is now taking steps to further promote and support bio-based technologies. Legislation has been introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives concerning heating with corn.

In order to provide an incentive for burning corn, two bills were introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives on February 7, 2007. H.B. 4203, introduced by Rep. Fulton Sheen (R-Plainwell), would provide a tax credit to corn heating unit manufacturers equal to the cost of manufacturing a corn burning stove or boiler. H.B. 4203 was referred to the Committee on Agriculture. For the complete text of the draft legislation, click here.

H.B. 4219, introduced by Rep. Neal Nitz (R-Baroda), would provide a tax credit to consumers who purchase a corn heating unit. The tax credit would be equal to 25 percent of the total amount paid for purchase and installation. H.B. 4219 was referred to the Committee on Energy and Technology and was re-referred to the Committee on Agriculture on March 14. For the complete text of the draft legislation, click here.