Gov. Noem to Outline Blueprint for State Response to Communist China
Speech will be Delivered at America First Policy Institute
PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem will outline the blueprint for a state response to the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party in a speech to the America First Policy Institute on Wednesday.
The speech will take place at 12:30 pm ET on Wednesday, February 15 at the America First Policy Institute – Capitol Hall, 4th Floor, 1001 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20004. Following the speech, Governor Noem will sit down for a fireside chat with Steve Yates, Chair of the China Policy Initiative at the America First Policy Institute.
Governor Noem started a movement to ban the Chinese app TikTok from government devices when she signed an executive order in late 2022. Dozens of states and the federal government quickly followed suit. Governor Noem is also leading the effort to block nations that hate America, like Communist China, from purchasing American agriculture land.
Recently, Mark Schmidt, the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Glacial Lakes Energy in Watertown, gave a speech about the vital importance of carbon capture to the ethanol industry. And in particular, he pointed out how House Bill 1133 which passed recently in the House of Representatives is truly a dagger in the heart of South Dakota’s ethanol industry. If it is signed into law, it will impose the loss of markets – a hardship on the ethanol industry – that they may not be able to recover from.
As the bill moves over from the House to the Senate, Legislators truly need to consider whether they are for the ethanol industry in South Dakota, or if they are against it, and their goal is to kill it. There isn’t a middle ground.
Because that’s what’s at stake in the legislative march to stop these pipelines:
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My name is Mark Schmidt, from Gary, SD. I am the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Glacial Lakes Energy in Watertown, SD. Thank you for allowing us to be here today.
I’d like to introduce our board of directors who are present with me today.
Troy Mudgett – Clark, SD Brent Gabler – Faulkton, SD Terry Schmidt – Watertown, SD Steve Birkholtz – Willow Lake, SD Todd Jongeling – Estelline, SD Noel Pond – Ipswich, SD Jeff Schmidt – Sioux Falls, SD Richard Wiarda – Castlewood, SD
Mark Schmidt, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Glacial Lakes Energy
Glacial Lakes Corn Processors is the parent company of Glacial Lakes Energy and was founded in 2000.
We are proud to say that GLCP is the only ethanol plant in the State of South Dakota that is solely owned by shareholders – 4,200 of them to be exact. Most of our membership resides in South Dakota and the majority are producers. We do have members who are also main street investors, retired folks, and just about all walks of life.
Our membership is organized as one membership – one vote.
These producers deliver their corn to our four plant locations including Aberdeen, Mina, Huron, and Watertown all located in South Dakota.
Our Watertown location is the corporate office and the original plant which became operational in 2002.
Our Mina location became operational in 2006.
In 2019, we purchased two additional facilities – Huron and Aberdeen.
Combined, we produce over 360 million gallons of renewable ethanol made from 125 million bushels of corn bought from local shareholders and patrons. We also produce 1.1 million tons of distiller grains and 55,000 tons of corn oil.
What we do at GLE is not small by any means.
Since 2003, GLCP has returned to our shareholders nearly $330 million in cash dividends from our operating profits. This money is spent locally at the implement dealerships, local stores, deposited in local banks, and such.
Our heaviest concentration of shareholders in South Dakota, by county, are Codington, Hamlin, Clark, Minnehaha, Spink, Brookings, Brown, Kingsbury, Deuel, Hutchinson, Beadle, and Faulk. In fact, 80% of our shares are owned by members in these counties.
Our dividend history not only benefits our shareholders – but it benefits our communities. It’s been said a $1 spent will turn over as much as 10 times in a community. As you can see, that is a huge financial impact to communities all over South Dakota.
Corn Basis – When GLCP was formed back in 2000, the local corn basis was negative 80 to 90 cents under per bushel. Today, GLCP in Watertown is posting an even basis on corn.
“The SD ethanol industry supports 5,300 jobs, contributes $590 million to South Dakota’s GDP annually, and purchases 50%-60% of the corn grown in South Dakota.“
My point is that South Dakota ethanol plants, like GLE, not only provide a return on investment to shareholders, but also provide increased revenue for producers and the communities we reside in – across the state. The SD ethanol industry supports 5,300 jobs, contributes $590 million to South Dakota’s GDP annually, and purchases 50%-60% of the corn grown in South Dakota.
Prior to the development and maturity of the ethanol industry, our corn that was grown within the state was exported out of the state primarily by the BNSF Railroad to the Pacific Northwest market.
Today the ethanol industry utilizes approximately 50-60% of the corn grown in the State to produce ethanol. The co-products of distiller grains are used as a feed ingredient as well as being exported to other parts of the United States and exported globally.
We also produce corn oil as a third product. The corn oil we produce is used in the renewable diesel industry as a drop in fuel for diesel engine.
Presently, GLE combined, provides approximately 200 jobs to individuals in the four communities we reside. These employees and their families are living and contributing to our communities, enrolled in our school systems, and having an impact on their communities.
In 2012, a study conducted by Dr. Lisa Elliot and Dr. Gary Taylor who were both Assistant Professors at SD State University in Brookings indicated a direct and indirect economic impact of approximately $3.8 billion dollars from the states production of over 1.0 billion gallons of production of ethanol. That would suggest an economic impact of approximately $3.80 per gallon of ethanol provided or an economic impact of approximately $11.00 for every bushel of corn ground to make ethanol.
As I stated earlier, today, GLE produces approximately 360 million gallons of ethanol, 1.1 million tons of distiller grains and 55,000 tons of corn oil.
Regardless of if you believe in global warming or not, our national government and population is pushing for carbon reduction. According to Geoff Cooper from the Renewable Fuels Association, the Inflation Reduction Act is probably the single largest commitment to biofuels from Congress since 2007.
And it’s not only the ethanol industry who is looking to reduce their CI score – there are many other businesses such as the fertilizer industry that are looking at projects like this. These businesses will relocate near the carbon capture pipeline as a means to reduce their carbon score as well.
Like it or not, carbon capture is going to be a way of the future. We are seeing our nation move for lower carbon solution in other ways such as electric vehicles, solar and wind power, just to name a few.
Summit Carbon Solutions is proposing a carbon pipeline that will harvest the CO2 from 30 plus ethanol plants in the Midwest, including our four locations at Glacial Lakes Energy.
The new pipeline will have a positive impact on Glacial Lakes Energy as well as the entire State of South Dakota’s ethanol industry by reducing our carbon footprint by approximately 50%.
This, along with internal projects that we are doing or have planned at GLE, will give us the ability to potentially market at a zero-carbon ethanol fuel score in the future. This is huge for GLE and our shareholders as we will be able to reach markets, we have not been able to in the past.
With the electric vehicle being the newest fad, it’s eating away heavily as the combustible engine. If the fad continues, ethanol plants will be left high and dry without markets we can access. Right now, we can not access the low carbon markets because our carbon footprint is too high. These markets include California, Oregon, Washington, and Canada.
We anticipate other states to follow this trend and require ethanol of a lower carbon score. We can not get to that lower score or access those markets without a substantial change to our carbon footprint. Carbon capture is the most viable way to do this.
“Right now, we can not access the low carbon markets because our carbon footprint is too high. These markets include California, Oregon, Washington, and Canada.“ “We anticipate other states to follow this trend and require ethanol of a lower carbon score. We can not get to that lower score or access those markets without a substantial change to our carbon footprint. Carbon capture is the most viable way to do this.”
This is why this project is so important to GLE. Without access to these markets, we will slowly lose market share. This will affect profits, our ability to post a competitive corn bid, and potentially be the demise of the ethanol industry.
There is no one single project that we know of currently, that can assist ethanol plants such as GLE with lowering our score to stay competitive besides Carbon capture.
We at GLE also know that producers/farmers are our livelihood, and we need to keep South Dakota Ag alive and thriving. We expect our farming community to be treated fairly and are doing our best to ensure that happens.
The time has come that we must act appropriately to keep the ethanol industry vibrant which in turn will keep the ag communities we live in thriving. We need carbon capturing in order to stay a viable industry. There is no question about it.
Not only do we need carbon capturing, but so do other businesses such as the fertilizer industry. We will see businesses move near the pipeline to take advantage of the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint and like GLE, keep their industry viable. South Dakota industries needs the carbon pipeline – it’s not just about agriculture it’s about all industrial businesses.
We are proud to be a locally owned South Dakota Cooperative. We are proud to be able to purchase 125 million bushels of corn each year from corn grown in our neighbors back yards and at a very competitive price.
Our communities know the impact the ethanol industry has on their businesses through sales tax, good paying jobs, kids enrolled at our local school, patronage at local shops and more. South Dakota needs the ethanol industry.
As I stated previously, not only do we need carbon capturing, but so do other businesses such as the fertilizer industry. We will see businesses move near the pipeline to take advantage of the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint and like GLE, keep their industry viable. South Dakota industries needs the carbon pipeline – it’s not just about agriculture it’s about all industrial businesses.
“Should House Bill 1133 pass into law, this could be the nail in the coffin to the South Dakota ethanol industry. This bill will essentially kill the carbon capture project and ethanol plants like GLE will lose market access which will cause a hardship we will not be able to recover from.“
Should House Bill 1133 pass into law, this could be the nail in the coffin to the South Dakota ethanol industry. This bill will essentially kill the carbon capture project and ethanol plants like GLE will lose market access which will cause a hardship we will not be able to recover from.
Keep South Dakota ethanol and agriculture alive and thriving – please vote no on House Bill 1133.
But there is some new information that’s worth pointing out.
A PAC known as Not One Step Back paid for printing the cards, according to its chairman and treasurer, Anthony Mirzayants. He described himself Friday as a 23-year-old “grassroots organizer” and told KELOLAND News in an email, “They were not mailed, they were hand distributed by motivated citizens who want to hold these State Senators accountable.”
Asked how much the cards cost and how many senators were targeted, Mirzayants answered, “You will have to wait for the next finance disclosure deadline to see just how many senators have angry voters in their districts, and sitting legislators will have to decide just how much longer they will continue to go against the will of those voters.”
A “confidential” list of Freedom Caucus members is hanging up in the Senate lobby area. Thus far, Freedom Caucus leadership has declined to reveal their membership. pic.twitter.com/JWeEZboQzV
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed HB 1080, the “Help Not Harm” bill, into law. This bill prohibits certain medical and surgical interventions for minors.
“South Dakota’s kids are our future. With this legislation, we are protecting kids from harmful, permanent medical procedures,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “I will always stand up for the next generation of South Dakotans.”
Governor Noem has signed 34 bills into law this legislative session.
Here’s a quote from Democrat Erin Healy that you’ll possibly see on a postcard..
Extremist group Family Heritage Alliance said this morning that the safest place for kids are in families that have a married mom and dad. What a dangerous and un-American belief.
You know, you don’t always end up with a 2-parent family, and I would not presume to say that people don’t try their best with the tools they have to work with.
But I don’t know that I’d say that I’d get on twitter and deride what most people believe is the ideal as somehow “dangerous and un-American.”
Thune Introduces Legislation to Combat Fentanyl Trafficking, Enable Justice for Victims
“Drug trafficking across the southern border doesn’t just affect border states – it affects communities around our country.”
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) recently introduced the Justice Against Sponsors of Illicit Fentanyl Act, legislation that would amend foreign sovereign immunity and anti-terrorism laws to allow victims of fentanyl and their survivors to bring civil claims against nations, primarily Mexico and China, that enable the continued flood of fentanyl into the United States. The bill would also eliminate certain immunity protections for foreign nations that assist or permit fentanyl trafficking beyond mere negligence.
“Drug trafficking across the southern border doesn’t just affect border states – it affects communities around our country,” said Thune. “I continue to hear form South Dakota law enforcement officials who tell me that they’re seizing drugs that they can trace directly back to the cartels who smuggle them across the border. Right now, fentanyl overdose is the leading cause of death for U.S. adults between the ages of 18 and 45, which is why I’m proud to introduce this bill that would create a new pathway to justice for victims of fentanyl trafficking.”
“Every single day, sheriffs across America are witnessing and dealing with the deadly and heartbreaking impact fentanyl is having on their counties and parishes,” said Mike Milstead, Minnehaha County sheriff. “We are united in our efforts to hold transnational criminal organizations and any foreign governments or officials accountable for their actions or inactions in stopping the unprecedented flow of this deadly drug into our country. Victims and their families deserve justice that doesn’t stop at our border. As a 25-year sheriff and chair of the National Sheriff’s Association Drug Enforcement Committee, I applaud Senator Thune for introducing this legislation and pray that Congress can overcome the current partisan divides to lend their support for this most worthy cause.”
Last year Sheriff Milstead estimated that 90 percent of fentanyl and methamphetamine in South Dakota comes through Mexico. In November 2022, the Roberts County sheriff and Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate tribe made the largest fentanyl seizure in South Dakota history. Officers seized 16.46 pounds of fentanyl and fentanyl-laced pills, valued at $2 million in street value. The amount seized was enough to kill 3.69 million people.
The Justice Against Sponsors of Illicit Fentanyl Act mirrors the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, which amended the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act to permit civil claims for physical injury to a person or property or death that occurs inside the United States as a result of an act of international terrorism. The bill was enacted after Congress voted to override a veto by President Barack Obama in 2016, the only veto override of his presidency.
After being amended to encompass all statewide offices, with the exception of Lt. Governor, who will be picked by the Governor, Senate Bill 40 passed Senate State Affairs committee this morning to revise the process for nominating candidates for statewide office, moving lower offices from being selected at state party conventions into being selected as part of the primary ballot. Those running below the level of Governor would have to collect half the number of signatures of the gubernatorial candidate to be placed on the ballot
Testifying that the bill would bring true grassroot representation to nominating statewide elected officials, State Senator David Johnson, presented the bill as an expansion of the number of people who would participate in the process. Proponents provided examples of how many people selected the candidate for governor, versus the number who selected candidates in the convention process, comparing tens of thousands to fewer than 100 in some counties.
Opponents to the measure testifying online were Rick Weible and Matthew Monfore, who had to be reigned in a bit on keeping it on topic.
The measure passed on a vote of 6-3 in committee, with Wheeler and Tobin opposing, as well as Democrat Reynold Nesiba, who was seeking an alternate nomination process for Democrats who failed to fill offices (which tells you how bad off Democrats are).
Now this morning, I’m receiving multiple reports that described a “group knocking on doors Saturday with anti Tyler Tordsen flyer. Claims he is anti Second Amendment. Flyer says Paid for by Not One Step Back PAC.” And not just Tordsen, because on Saturday I had a similar report of flyers being distributed against State Representative Tim Reisch who also found himself a victim of the group’s hit job tactics:
I’ll post the Tordsen flyer if I happen to come across a copy, but assume it is identical.
Update..
With this expansion of hostilities towards Republicans, it seems the activities of this attack PAC is much less about defending the heinous actions of Julie Frye-Awful, and more about just attacking the enemies of the hard-right in a pre-emptive attack to soften them up for the next election.
MADISON–It was halftime in the Legislative Session this week, and the people of South Dakota are ahead on the scoreboard. We have completed 21 days of the 38-day session for 2023. For District 8, I have been busy reviewing the 221 Senate proposals and 259 House proposals and helping advance an agenda that propels South Dakota forward with advancements in education, economic development, workforce, fiscal responsibility, and election integrity.
My highlight of Week 5 was welcoming District 8 residents to the Capitol. School groups from Lake Preston, Oldham-Ramona, and De Smet visited the Senate this week. On Tuesday it was Madison Day at the Capitol, and we welcomed city leaders, Chamber of Commerce officials, and DSU President Griffiths. If you are able to visit the Legislature before the session wraps up, be sure to let me know.
The Appropriations Committee has made great progress setting the state’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year. With state agency budget hearings complete, the committee will take up special appropriation bills for one-time spending proposals in Week 6.
The Stronger and Safer for 2024 legislative package to strengthen election laws has advanced with widespread bipartisan support. We hope to deliver the entire package to the Governor’s desk soon. These proposals will further strengthen South Dakota’s election integrity and help our state to continue leading the nation. It will also help strengthen voter confidence in our democracy.
I was proud to support two projects on the floor of the Senate for DSU this week. SB 34 authorizes DSU to sell unneeded land in Madison and SB 93 helps fund the campus’ new athletics events center. Both passed with overwhelming support. The Senate also passed legislation to cut red tape when it comes to licensure for new residents as well as a bill that addressed criminal sentencing for violent criminals. HB 1080 also passed the Senate in Week 6. The bill bans irreversible transgender surgeries and procedures for youth in South Dakota. This was an emotional discussion for both sides of the issues and I appreciated the feedback from those of you that reached out to me.
As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve District 8. Your South Dakota Legislature is working hard for our residents, and I’m working hard for all of you. As we wrap up the second half of the Legislative Session, continue to reach out to me with your thoughts on the important matters for District 8 and South Dakota.
PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem will outline the blueprint for a state response to the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party in a speech to the America First Policy Institute on Wednesday.
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) recently introduced the 
MADISON–It was halftime in the Legislative Session this week, and the people of South Dakota are ahead on the scoreboard. We have completed 21 days of the 38-day session for 2023. For District 8, I have been busy reviewing the 221 Senate proposals and 259 House proposals and helping advance an agenda that propels South Dakota forward with advancements in education, economic development, workforce, fiscal responsibility, and election integrity.