Editorial: Initiative to boost ethanol right on the money
It makes sense for South Dakota to find ways to do at home what it hopes others will do elsewhere as the state pushes to expand its ethanol industry.
Expanding the market for ethanol blends is a critical component for the industry's success, but until now the leader in the number of ethanol blender pumps has been Minnesota, our neighbor to the east.
Fortunately, that situation should change in light of the announcement of $1 million in grants, fueled by federal stimulus money, that might add up to 100 blender pumps across South Dakota.
With blender pumps costing $25,000 each, the incentive program is a good use of state money to encourage owners of gas stations in South Dakota to install more pumps. Because of the program, more pumps now will be added at 49gas stations in 40 communities across the state.
This is the type of leadership South Dakota needs to display continually to boost its own ethanol industry effectively.
The potential for the industry's growth is well known, but it's important for South Dakotans to seize every opportunity to make sure that growth at least begins here at home.
