Farm and ethanol groups, along with lawmakers, last week expressed disappointment by the Environmental Protection Ag­­ency’s (EPA) proposal to set 2017 biofuel volume requirements in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) that are well below those set in the statute.

The EPA’s move "represents yet another missed opportunity for consumers, energy security and rural America," said Monte Shaw, the executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.

Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst said the EPA’s move to set 2017 biofuel levels below...