PIERRE, S.D. (March 6, 2024) – The South Dakota Ethanol Producers Association today released a statement as Governor Larry Rhoden signed HB1052 into law.

“Agriculture is South Dakota’s largest industry with ethanol as the largest contributor to its success. Yet, at a time when corn yields are skyrocketing, corn prices are falling, and ethanol markets have been stagnant, HB1052 has stifled the ability for South Dakota to attain new demand for biofuels,” said SDEPA Board President Walt Wendland. “With other states establishing their own permitting processes, South Dakota agriculture and ethanol producers are now at a disadvantage. While we remain optimistic about the future of agriculture and biofuels, our state may be sitting out some of that potential. This is an unforced error that will be a blow to our economy. We’ve seen adversity in the past, but this seems to be a unique self-inflicted wound that could have been avoided.”