Michigan Passes Clean Energy Bill that Includes Incineration

Last week, several clean energy bills passed the Michigan legislature with the aim to move the state to 100 percent clean energy by 2040, but some are concerned about a specific inclusion. As part of a package of five bills approved by the legislature, SB 271 includes provisions allowing incinerator facilities to count toward local clean energy goals until 2040, and many, such as environmental activists, are raising concerns about pollution. 

The debate about the inclusion of combustion facilities is ongoing in many states, including Maryland, where Gov. Wes Moore suggested the removal of incineration from renewable portfolio standards. However, many operators are touting the potential benefits of greenhouse gasses over landfilling and pollution concerns, according to Waste Dive. 

Many turn to landfills and incinerators because of the convenience, but both have detrimental impacts on the environment. Electronics are made with precious metals such as gold, silver, mercury, lead, platinum, and aluminum, which leak toxic chemicals into the soil and pollute the groundwater. This will eventually contaminate the surrounding water supply and can cause illness when consumed.

SB 271 only includes incineration facilities that were generating power before the start of this year in the definition of a renewable energy system and is awaiting Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s signature. 

In a statement on Oct. 26, Gov. Whitmer voiced support for the clean energy bills, saying they would “balance reliability and affordability and help us protect our air and our water and improve public health. This clean energy package is a big deal for Michigan families, Michigan workers, and Michigan’s economy.”

Incineration may seem like the better, more environmentally friendly option, but those toxic chemicals pollute the air when electronics are burned. For this reason, recycling has become a popular option, and IT asset disposition enterprises like HOBI prioritize the environment and work to reduce the pollution and contamination produced by e-waste. HOBI specifically focuses on maximizing economic return and mitigating potential environmental liability. HOBI is R2, RIOS, and ISO-14001 certified, ensuring all equipment is processed under full legislative compliance. 

For more information about our ITAD services, call 877-814-2620 or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.