The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week finalized a rule to permanently allow year-round E15 sales in eight Midwest states including Iowa, but frustrated biofuels advocates by delaying implementation of the rule until next year. The year-round EPA approval came nearly two years after Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and other Midwest governors initiated the request.

“Obviously, we’re glad there’s a final rule implementing the governors’ action under the Clean Air Act to allow year-round sales of E15,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw. “But the last-minute delay in implementation means ...