South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has joined other state attorneys general asking federal officials to investigate whether refiners are complying with renewable fuel guidelines.
Refiners are facilities that process natural, plant, or animal-based materials into usable fuels like renewable diesel or sustainable aviation fuel.
The Renewable Fuel Standard program mandates that large refiners produce a certain amount of ethanol-blended fuels. Refineries can apply for hardship exemptions under certain conditions.
According to a press release, some refineries that have claimed hardship exemption are reporting high profits.
Jackley said that it may indicate companies are skirting requirements.
Jackley, along with the attorneys general of Iowa and Nebraska, is sending a letter to federal agencies asking them to investigate.
The letter asks that the agencies share information to determine if refineries touting their profits and claiming hardship are in compliance with RFS production and exemption standards.