E15 Could Boost South Dakota’s Ag Economy

South Dakota is an ethanol powerhouse. Our state, while one of the least populated in the U.S., churns out 1.016 billion gallons of ethanol per year, 7 percent of the U.S. total ethanol, from 15 ethanol plants, with one ethanol plant under construction. Those plants employ hundreds of workers, representing more than $2 billion in economic revenue generated right here at home.

Ethanol not only drives South Dakota’s economy, it also makes South Dakota farm land more valuable. A 2012 study found that having an ethanol plant in a county increases the land values from $226 to $741 per acre. The same study found that multiple ethanol plants in a county can increase land values up to $1,869.52 per acre.

More ethanol production will only bring increased prosperity to South Dakota—in the form of revenue generation, increasing employment opportunities and keeping our state’s rural communities strong. E15 is the only answer to increasing our state’s ethanol production levels. Having E15 nationwide would add two billion bushels of corn to grind—a boon for the U.S. agriculture industry.

Political Red Tape

Due to outdated regulatory barriers and President Trump’s inaction on the issue, fuel retailers throughout most of the U.S. are now limited to only offering ethanol blends less than 10 percent from June 1 to September 15.

President Trump has publicly committed to farmers that he would make E15 available year-round. However, Administrator Pruitt with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created road blocks and has not moved forward on RVP parity for E15. The EPA has to take the necessary regulatory steps in order to make E15 available all year round.

South Dakota Corn Growers is diligently working on your behalf to advocate with our legislators in D.C. to push President Trump and the EPA to take action. But, we need your help. More voices will help in getting the attention of Capitol Hill.

Why Is E15 Important?

When you take a look at the numbers, with South Dakota currently producing more than a billion gallons of ethanol, and another ethanol plant coming on line in January 2019, we, as farmers, must do our due diligence to hold our elected officials accountable for their commitments.

When E15 is available to consumers across America, that means increased demand for corn—a demand that can greatly benefit South Dakota corn growers. Making E15, and any blends over E10, available to consumers year-round is also a boost to corn demand.

What Can You Do?

We ask all farmers to join us and make your voice heard! Contact your Congressional delegation as well as the White House and hold the Trump Administration’s feet to the fire to push Administrator Pruitt and the EPA to take the necessary steps to make this a reality.

Politics play an important role in the agriculture industry, so it’s critical for South Dakota corn farmers to keep a pulse on these issues, especially issues like E15 that can really move the dial for South Dakota’s agriculture industry.

Administrator Pruitt is coming to South Dakota on Wednesday, June 13. With his visit to our backyard, it’s time for South Dakota’s corn growers to tell Administrator Pruitt about how important year-round E15 will be for our industry and economy on both a state and national level.

Click here to help spread the word.

As this issue and other hot button political issues evolve, South Dakota Corn Growers will keep you apprised of the latest news. Be watching for more updates from South Dakota Corn Growers.

Sources:
http://www.ethanolrfa.org/resources/biorefinery-locations/

https://www.eia.gov/state/?sid=SD

http://sdethanol.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/The-Economic-Impact-of-the-Ethanol-Industry-on-the-South-Dakota-Economy.pdf