Michigan is about to enact a law to make readily available information on how to set up an alternative fuel production plant in the state.

The law, H.B. 5745 (PDF), requires the Department of Agriculture to publish, in plain language, all the procedures for “…preparing and executing applications and approvals necessary to establish an alternative fuels production facility in Michigan.”

The bill has already passed the Senate and House by wide margins. The law aims at boosting biodiesel and ethanol production in the state. Michigan must be commended for taking this bold step. Since information is power, setting up a one-stop shop for information on how to set up alternative fuel plants is perhaps the best way to attract investors to the Michigan.

Is the Federal government listening? It should follow in the footsteps of Michigan. President-Elect Barak Obama has already committed himself to increasing investment in alternative energy. Obama is on record as having said that “…embracing ethanol “ultimately helps our national security, because right now we’re sending billions of dollars to some of the most hostile nations on earth.” The President-Elect should reinforce his vow to help the ethanol industry by simplifying the regulatory regime. Ensuring potential investors in ethanol production have easily accessible information on how to set up production plants is the best assurance he can give them that he’s committed to their cause.