Dive Brief:

• The Michigan House of Representatives passed legislation in early December 2014 that will allow for the use of advanced technology to transform non-recyclable materials into energy.
• House Bill 5202 would enable the implementation of advanced chemical processes that would use waste and non-recyclable materials to produce heat and electricity.
• The measure eliminates hurdles to using solid waste in energy processes, and has the potential to reduce the volume of materials sitting in landfills that are not able to be recycled. 

Dive Insight:

Next, the bill moves forward to the Michigan Senate for deliberation. Rep. Aric Nesbitt, (R-Lawton), who chairs the House Energy and Technology Committee, said the measure would promote economic growth, lead to better management of resources, and reduce the reliance of carbon-based fuels.