It sounds like an election forum sponsored by the people constructing an ethanol plant got lively in Onida recently:
After a heated exchange between Walt Wendland of Ring-neck Energy and Feed LLC of Mason City, Iowa, and Adam Altman, the persistent Aberdeen attorney going down a list of questions on a yellow legal pad, that drew them within a foot or so of each other, Wendland turned to the crowd: “Anyone want him to continue?”
“NO! NO!,” came loud answers from several in the crowd. Wendland then told Altman he hadn’t been asked to take part in the forum, which was organized by Ring-neck to answer concerns about the plant.
“I didn’t say you could speak,” Wendland told Altman. Applause broke out from half or more of the crowd, it appeared.
Read it all here in the Capital Journal.
Since it was a private forum sponsored by the people building the plant, they didn’t have to let the opponents speak. They didn’t need to let even them in the door.
But it does sound like it made for some great political theater.
Do we need more ethanol plants? Is there the demand even if subsidies are finally cut? It’s great for red-neck energy & feed but what about the taxpayers?
They’ve gone beyond subsidies, it’s now a component of regulation. Blend requirements.
Shouldn’t we get rid of those mandates and let ethanol stand on it’s own? Otherwise the government is picking winners and losers at taxpayer expense.
As long as oil and gas loses their subsidies and government favoritisms then fine!
sure! get rid of all of them!
If you are from South Dakota and are against ethanol production you need to consider the alternatives and reevaluate. Direct subsidies have ended, all that remains is a mandate that this renewable energy source comprise a certain percentage of the fuel sold. Ethanol plants will drive up the demand for South Dakota grain. Money for SD farmers to spend in state or, in the alternative, more money for TX, OK, ND, etc. oil men. Come on folks, SD can be a little self interested here!