The Environmental Protection Agency is lifting restrictions on summer sales of E15, checking off a top policy priority for corn growers and the biofuel industry but kicking off a new chapter as the battle likely heads to the courts.

Biofuel credit traders would be placed under a new set of limitations under a proposed rule released today by the Environmental Protection Agency that would also allow summer E15 sales.

While acknowledging that “it’s tough out there,” Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue assured producers at Commodity Classic on Friday that there are reasons to be optimistic about the farm economy.

The Senate confirmed Andrew Wheeler as EPA administrator on a 52-47 party-line vote, clearing the way for him to move forward with implementing major regulatory priorities of the Trump administration, including finalization of a new "waters of the U.S." rule and a year-round waiver for E15.

Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue told the House Agriculture Committee today that the Environmental Protection Agency won’t wrap up rulemaking for summertime E15 sales in time for the summer driving season. But the EPA isn’t so sure.