LANSING – The Michigan House of Representatives today approved a plan that will make companies involved in developing safer, greener ways of making and handling chemicals eligible for tax credits and other economic development incentives. The bills now move to the Senate for approval.
"Michigan has an opportunity to be a world leader in green chemistry," said State Representative Ellen Cogen Lipton (D-Huntington Woods), the lead sponsor of the plan. "It is important that we do what we can to build on this opportunity, and this plan will help do that."
The plan to promote "green chemistry" enables the 21st Century Jobs Fund, Michigan Strategic Fund and Michigan Economic Growth Authority to give tax breaks to companies engaged in the design of chemical products or processes that reduce or eliminate the use of hazardous substances. The plan also provides tax incentives to companies involved in the development of safer bio-based chemicals and materials.
"This plan will ensure that Michigan workers are creating safer, more cost-effective products for consumers around the world," said State Representative Deb Kennedy (D-Brownstown), also a plan sponsor. "We must all work to preserve our natural resources for future generations. I applaud my colleagues in the House for passing this plan that will help get our workers back on the job and make Michigan a great place to live, work and do business."
Green chemistry involves replacing the use of industrial solvents with water-based solvents and redesigning hazardous substances so that they retain their effectiveness while reducing or removing any toxicity. Examples of green chemistry include lead-free paints and plastics that are made from plants such as corn.
"Developing cleaner, safer chemical technology enables us to strengthen our economy in a way that will create jobs and promote sustainable economic development," said State Representative Dan Scripps (D-Leland), also a sponsor of the plan. "Michigan can become a leader in this growing field that will play a huge role in the 21st century global economy – but to do that, we must embrace this opportunity."