2 3 9 1 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com September 3, 2019 • Page 9 USMCA: A Modernized Trade Agreement for South Dakota Producers By Governor Kristi Noem In 1994, no one would have imagined that you could search the Internet from a phone that you carry in your pocket. In 1994, people watching the original Lion King film wouldn’t have thought of a live-action remake. In 1994, no one would have guessed that the denimdominated fashion they enjoyed would make a comeback 25 years later. A lot has changed since 1994, but one thing hasn’t: our trade agreements with our closest international allies. For more than two decades, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has set the rules of trade between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. These rules are incredibly important. Each year, South Dakota producers export $536 million worth of goods to Canada and $345 million to Mexico. They’re our closest trading partners. Now more than ever, we need an agreement that rebalances and modernizes the old rules of the road into a 21st century, high-standard trade deal that better serves the interests of farmers, ranchers, and businesspeople. The United States-MexicoCanada Agreement, more commonly known as the USMCA, does just that. It would increase potential for global trade while giving producers the stability to grow, invest, and create more jobs in South Dakota. It would be an incredible shot in the arm for producers, especially in the midst of historically low commodity prices and the largest federally declared natural disaster South Dakota has ever seen. Through the USMCA, Canada’s unfair milk pricing will be eliminated so South Dakota dairy farmers gain more export opportunities. Poultry producers will have new access for chicken and egg exports and expanded access for turkey exports. Small businesses will benefit from new rules that make it easier to tap into foreign markets and participate in crossborder trade. There are big wins for the auto industry and new standards to improve wages and labor conditions. I was proud to help negotiate this agreement when I served in Congress, and I’m grateful for the strong South Dakota support for the agreement through Senator Thune, Senator Rounds, and Congressman Johnson. But they can’t do this alone. It’s time for Democrat congressmen and congresswomen from ag-based districts to put pressure on Congressional leadership and bring this agreement to the House floor. With 95 percent of the world’s consumers living outside our borders, it’s imperative we have a framework where our farmers and ranchers can thrive. If we can’t reach consumers on a level playing field, our growth is limited. South Dakota farmers and ranchers produce the world’s best products; those goods ought to be sold in a marketplace that is fair, open, and competitive. Now is the time for Washington to put people over politics, support American agriculture, and ratify the USMCA. DENR Fines Agropur, Inc. For Surface Water Violations PIERRE – The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has fined Agropur, Inc. (Agropur) $66,360 for Surface Water Discharge Permit violations at their facility in Lake Norden. Agropur’s Lake Norden wastewater treatment plant discharges to the Big Sioux River under a Surface Water Discharge Permit that became effective on November 1, 2018. Since discharges began on April 9, 2019, Agropur has reported violations of its limits for ammonia, nitrates, conductivity, and alkalinity. In addition, Agropur had two emergency discharges due to operational errors and laboratory results indicated their discharge could be toxic to minnows and water fleas. “The Surface Water Discharge Permit violations at Agropur’s Lake Norden facility must not continue,” said DENR Secretary Hunter Roberts. “Agropur has worked closely with DENR throughout their permitting process, and we will continue to work with the company to bring their plant into compliance and prevent any future violations.” As ordered in DENR’s August 14, 2019, Notice of Violation, Agropur must submit a report to DENR from its consulting engineer identifying the causes of the Be Aware Of Genetic Testing Fraud effluent violations, the steps taken to correct the violations, and any additional steps needed achieve compliance. DENR staff continue to work with Agropur to ensure the necessary corrective actions are taken as soon as possible. “The permit violations that occurred during startup are disappointing to all of us at Agropur,” said Agropur’s Vice President of Operations Tim Czmowski. “We have made significant investments in water treatment over the past 12 months of construction and startup, and as a significant investor in South Dakota’s dairy industry we take our responsibility of protecting the environment seriously.” Agropur operates a wastewater treatment plant in Lake Norden to treat the wastewater generated by its operations. DENR requires Agropur to sample its discharge and report any violations. For more information about Agropur’s permit or DENR’s Surface Water Discharge permitting program visit https://denr.sd.gov/ des/sw/swdischargepermits.aspx. All environmental penalties are deposited in the state Regulated Substance Response Fund, which is used to respond to environmental emergencies. When You Want Comfort...You Want Kalins When You Want Comfort… You Want Kalins! Vermillion: 605-624-5618 *Rebate offer only available to Vermillion Light & Power customers. Call for full details. PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) program is advising the public to be suspicious of anyone who is offering “free genetic” tests and then requesting the individual’s Medicare number. “Beneficiaries should be on alert for “free” programs that give representatives the opportunity to potentially steal an individual’s medical identity and falsely bill Medicare,” said SHIINE Director Caitlin Christensen. These tests can also be referred to as DNA screenings, cancer screenings and hereditary testing. SHIINE recommends that Medicare beneficiaries consult with their primary physician prior to taking part in any of these test offerings, = Southeast South Dakota’s #1 Choice! 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