HECLA, S.D. (WNAX) – President Trump revoked California’s authority to set its own vehicle emissions standards. The move is concerning for the U.S. ethanol industry hoping to serve that market. Past South Dakota Corn Grower’s President Troy Knecht serves on the Board of Directors for the American Coalition for Ethanol. He says the move by the President is disappointing.

He says the Administration needs to remember that even if they disagree philosophically with California, cleaning the air must be the main goal.

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler noted that federal laws must take precedence over state laws. Knecht says that’s a strange position for the head of the EPA to take when his main concern should be protecting the environment.

Knecht says it’s disappointing that the President has been taking steps that appear to oppose his commitment to renewable fuels. He says that being this latest air standard revocation and the recent small refiner exemptions granted large oil companies.