MichBio Supports Federal Legislation To Advance America's Biobased Economy

MichBio has joined the Plant Based Products Council (PBPC) and dozens of national organizations in signing a coalition letter supporting H.R. 8137, the Biobased Materials Investment & Production Act, bipartisan legislation designed to strengthen U.S. biomanufacturing, expand markets for agricultural feedstocks, and accelerate the commercialization of innovative biobased products. As a member of PBPC, MichBio is proud to support policies that foster innovation across the broader bioeconomy.  

Introduced by Representatives Michelle Fischbach (R-MN) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), the legislation would establish targeted tax incentives to encourage investment in domestic facilities that manufacture biobased chemicals, materials, plastics, and other products derived from renewable agricultural resources rather than petroleum. By helping companies bridge the commercialization gap, the bill aims to stimulate private investment, strengthen U.S. supply chains, create new markets for American farmers, and expand advanced biomanufacturing capacity.  

For Michigan, the legislation aligns closely with the state's growing strengths in industrial biotechnology, sustainable materials, precision fermentation, agricultural innovation, and advanced manufacturing. Expanded incentives for biobased production could create new opportunities for Michigan's bioscience companies, research institutions, manufacturers, and agricultural producers while reinforcing the state's leadership in the emerging bioeconomy. 

The coalition's support reflects a broader recognition that biobased products represent more than an environmental opportunity - they are an economic development strategy. By converting renewable agricultural feedstocks into high-value industrial materials and consumer products, the United States can reduce reliance on fossil-based inputs, strengthen domestic manufacturing, enhance rural economies, and improve long-term competitiveness in a rapidly expanding global market.  

MichBio will continue working with PBPC and other national partners to advance federal policies that promote innovation, expand biomanufacturing, and position Michigan as a leader in the nation's growing bioeconomy.