VIEWPOINT | Commissioner must sit out or undermine pipeline hearing integrity

Guest column by Patrick Gruber, Jim Seurer, Robert Baurle, Jeff Lautt, Eric Baukol & Walt Wendland

As ethanol plant leaders and partners with Summit Carbon Solutions, we understand the critical importance of regulatory certainty and transparency in ensuring South Dakota remains competitive for business. That’s why we respectfully call on Commissioner Kristie Fiegen to recuse herself from Summit’s current case before the Public Utilities Commission.

For ethanol producers, access to emerging low-carbon markets is essential for long-term viability. The pipeline is a key component of competing in these markets, including sustainable aviation fuel, ensuring our plants remain profitable and South Dakota farmers benefit. The proposed sustainable aviation fuel plant by Gevo, a major economic opportunity for South Dakota, depends on the pipeline to proceed with its project. None of this is possible without a regulatory process we can trust — one that provides clarity and avoids delays caused by appeals or questions of fairness.

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