Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt got a rough reception in South Dakota from farmers and ethanol producers who accused of him of undermining the industry.
About 200 people rallied in Sioux Falls Wednesday, urging Pruitt to support federal ethanol mandates. They criticized him for granting waivers to oil producers allowing them to ignore ethanol-blending rules.
Pruitt said EPA works with other government agencies to determine who receives waivers.
Pruitt also heard from farmers during a two-hour visit to a Reliance farm that wasn't publicized and was closed to the public. A Daily Republic reporter was turned away but later allowed access.
Pruitt joked about the reception, saying signs greeting him "didn't say 'I hope you're having fun.'" He said messages instead implored him to support ethanol over big oil.
(Source: The Associated Press)