PIERRE, S.D. (KELO.com) — South Dakota leaders are disappointed with the Final EPA rule on ethanol use in gasoline.
Governor Kristi Noem says it’s not what was promised by the White House.
“You know, he made a commitment to our producers. We expect him and the EPA to follow through on it.”
The final agreement does not include language President Trump promised that ethanol gallons will be added back to the gasoline supply based on the exemptions granted in the past three years.
The South Dakota Corn Growers Association is highly critical.
“The final rule, unfortunately, falls incredibly short of the deal that was reached initially at the White House.” says the Corn Growers’ Lisa Richardson.
Richardson just doesn’t trust the EPA’s promise for blending 15 billion gallons of ethanol.
“We’re gonna hold our breath and ask at the end of the day, 15 billion gallons next year. Call me next year at this time and we will see where we’re at.”
Many ethanol plants across the country have closed. Many in South Dakota are running at half capacity.
