A legislative task force is preparing two studies on the use of anaerobic digesters in Ohio. Formed upon the passage of Ohio House Bill 276, the task force is required to study five issues: 1) the use of anaerobic digesters and the impact of anaerobic digesters on the state; 2) how the use of anaerobic digesters may impact the environment; 3) how the use of anaerobic digesters is regulated in other states; 4) the use of anaerobic digesters in a cooperative setting; and 5) the overall impact of state laws governing the use of anaerobic digesters on agriculture, residents, and local governments in the state.

Task force members include Sen. Cliff Hite (R-Findlay), Rep. Jim Buchy (R-Greenville), Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Ohio Soybean Association, Ohio Township Association, Quasar Energy Group, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Department of Agriculture, and Ohio EPA. The task force is supposed to issue a report no later than August 1, 2012, of its findings and recommendations regarding the use of anaerobic digesters and the impact of that use on the state. Then, no later than October 1, 2012, the Task Force must issue a report of its recommendations regarding revisions of state law governing anaerobic digesters.