Press Release
Representative Jason Frerichs
South Dakota House of Representatives
(605) 773-3851 (Capitol)
(605) 949-2204 (Cell Phone)
rep.frerichs@state.sd.us
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release—February 19, 2009
House Bill 1299 BOLD Move to Restore Stability to the Ethanol Industry
PIERRE—Representative Jason Frerichs, D-Wilmot held a press conference today at the Triple M Truck Stop. Demonstrating that higher ethanol blends are safe to use in standard autos, Frerichs drove the Nation’s first standard auto to run a lifetime on higher blends of ethanol. The 1988 Corsica better known as the old SD Corn Growers assn’s “corn car” has already traveled 187,000 trouble free miles.
The car’s owner and founding board member of the SD Corn Growers, Orrie Swayze commented, “This car is simply a standard 1988 Corsica with E85 painted on the doors. We had some minor modifications for starting in the winter and we later removed them and simply used E50 in the winter time. Really the only difference in a FFV today is a computer change to start in cold weather”
Representative Frerichs argues there is a growing sentiment that citizens need permission from the government before they do anything. “If Britton’s Four Seasons Cooperative had waited for government permission to install the first E85 blenders we wouldn’t have today’s hundreds of E85 blender pumps across the Midwest”
Despite threats of fines and EPA verbal declarations that E85 blender pumps were illegal; Four Seasons decided that no federal law prohibited their installing the Nation’s first E85 blender pump. EPA later confirmed in a written letter to the SD Petroleum marketers that E85 blender pumps are indeed legal.
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The Sisseton Courier
SD House Survey
13497 465 Ave
Wilmot, SD 57279
938-4208
www.frerichsforhouse.orgDemocrat
Current Occupation: Farmer/Rancher and Teacher
Background:
I farm with my family northwest of Wilmot in Lee Township, and I manage my cow/calf operation. In addition to farming I also teach in the agriculture department of Lake Area Technical Institute, in this role I serve as the Watertown Area FFA advisor.
I have a Bachelors of Science degree in agriculture education from South Dakota State University. I was very active on campus as a student serving as president of the agriculture fraternity, promoting the College of Ag/Bio as an Ambassador, and I assisted in starting the Collegiate Farmers Union chapter.
I am proud of my forebears’ tradition of public service for the citizens of District 1. My father, Kent served in the State House for 7 terms, my maternal grandfather, Bertrum Ellingson served 6 terms in the State House, and my paternal great-grandfather, Nels P. Christensen also served 6 terms in the State House.
What is the number one reason you believe you are the best candidate for this office?
What do you think is the most important issue in your race.
Education is the most important issue in this race. As a teacher I am able to stay in touch with the latest requirements and needs that our students desire. As a farmer I operate as an entrepreneur and constantly stay connected to market conditions, and adapt to the changes in our agriculture environment. I want to represent District 1 because I am committed to the future of South Dakota, and especially our rural communities and schools. I offer a youthful perspective and I am excited to work with others and find a solution to the issues facing District 1 and South Dakota.
If you are elected to office, what will be your top three priorities and why?
Investing in education, 1,000 E85 Blender Pumps by 2010, and establish a Citizens State Investment Fund on Community Wind Energy.
I feel that State government needs to step up and look at education as an investment in the future of South Dakota; otherwise the burden will continue to be levied on the backs of us as local taxpayers.
As we approach a billion gallons of ethanol production right here in South Dakota; let’s utilize more of our homegrown fuel locally through an E85 blender pump. All of us can do our part to curb the amount of foreign oil by choosing to fill up with half E85 through an E85 blender pump. State government needs to work with local gas station retailers and the ethanol industry to ensure the establishment of E85 blender pumps all over the State.
An investment fund for community wind energy would be dedicated for those people who wish to invest in wind energy projects.