Rep. Brunner Defends Local Sugar Beet Industry, Protects Jobs

Bill insures topsoil washed from beets will continue as valuable by-product

February 24, 2012
By: O. J. Cunningham

LANSING ? Earlier this month, State Representative Charles Brunner (D-Bay City) introduced House Bill 5363, which amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) to allow the topsoil that is removed or washed from sugarbeets before being processed to be utilized as it always has been, as a valuable by-product.

Sugarbeet cultivation and processing is a major source of employment for the Bay area and Michigan. Michigan Sugar Company provides jobs to a combined total of 2400 full and part time employees.

"The sugarbeet industry is a vital component of our region's economy," said Brunner. "The top soil washed from sugar beets is harmless and has been used in other industries such as landscaping, lawn care and as fill for new construction for over 100 years.

This legislation is an example of good policy that will ensure job retention and new job creation potential in our communities for the next 100 years. I am working hard to pass this legislation.