Ag panel approves measure to study turning livestock waste into energy
INDIANAPOLIS – The House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee approved measures Tuesday that would require the state to study ways livestock waste can be transformed into renewable energy, change the way corn market funds are accounted for and increase the sum in the grain indemnity fund by $5 million.
Rep. F. Dale Grubb, D-Covington, introduced House Bill 1033. It requires the utility livestock group to explore the use of livestock waste anaerobic digestion systems as a renewable energy source in hopes that it will aid in economic development.
Grubb said this can “enhance the possibilities of renewable energy,” which could also attract more jobs to Indiana.
Rep. Joe Pearson, D-Hartford City, introduced HB 1217 and HB 1218.
HB 1217 would require the corn market development council’s money to go into the corn market development account, which is an account in the general fund.
Kent Yeager, director of public policy with Indiana Farm Bureau, and Cress Hizer, president of the Agribusiness Council of Indiana, both testified in support of the bill.
HB 1218 would increase the amount of money that that needs to be in the grain indemnity fund from $10 million to $15 million. This means that if the fund drops to $10 million, the grain indemnity fund board can begin collecting money again.
A few committee members expressed concern that, since the fund currently exceeds $15 million, there may not be a need for legislation.
Hizer said the state needed the extra protection.
“This is innovative. It’s great public policy,” Hizer said.
All three bills passed through the committee without a single negative vote.
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