The big news in our region is that Elk Point, SD is one of three (3) sites being considered for an oil refinery. Local news stations report that it will be the first oil refinery built in the US in 30 years. Many have criticized the US for being so reliant on other countries for our fuel. Is this a step in taking responsibility for our own?
Along the Interstate exit for Elk Point, three (3) big gorilla statues have appeared. I find the reference to a gorilla humorous. In slang terms, a gorilla is a thug or brutish man. So do we have thugs entering South Dakota? Or do we have the papa silverback coming in to take care of its family?
The “gorillas” are making offers to landowners for their farmland and homes. If they can make a buck, kudos to the landowners. But what about those farmers who make their livlihood by leasing the farmland from the landowners? What will happen to their livelihood? Will they be able to become employed by the ‘gorillas’? Should the oil refinery come to Elk Point, SD, it is said that there will be more than 1800 jobs created with hourly wages in excess of $18 per hour. Sounds great for the SD economy. That wage far exceeds that of most jobs here in South Dakota.
There are reports that the oil refinery would be a green facility. Cool! But my guess is that the refinery will need lots and lots of water. With watering restrictions already in place in SD, how will they obtain that water? Yes, the Lewis and Clark water project will bring more water to our region, but will it be enough?
I have not determined whether an oil refinery in South Dakota is good or bad. It should be interesting to wade through the hype and determine what is in the best interest for the city of Elk Point and for South Dakota’s economy.
