PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, along with the Attorneys General of Iowa and Nebraska, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice, Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, and Securities and Exchange Commission requesting an investigation into large refineries that may be circumventing the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program.
The RFS program, part of President Trump’s national energy policy, encourages domestic production of oil, gas, and renewable fuels such as ethanol to promote U.S. energy independence. Under the program, larger refineries must meet quotas for ethanol-blended fuel production, though those experiencing economic hardship can apply to the DOE and EPA for exemptions.
The Attorneys General highlighted inconsistencies between refineries reporting high profits to the SEC while simultaneously claiming hardship exemptions. They requested federal agencies share information to ensure that refineries are complying with RFS production and exemption requirements.
“Renewable fuels are vital to South Dakota’s economy, especially rural communities,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Refineries that do not follow the rules harm our farmers and ethanol industry. Skirting RFS requirements undermines the President’s energy policy, and the federal government must safeguard the program’s integrity.”
Read the full letter here.