Sales of a 15% ethanol blend were boosted by last year’s lifting of summertime sales restrictions.

EPA is not expected to meet the statutory Nov. 30 deadline this year, and supplemental rulemaking to address gallons waived through Small Refinery Exemptions is said to be the holdup.

Ethanol producers are hopeful for an increase in year-round E15 gasoline sales after the Trump administration okayed its summertime sale, but consumer demand will likely be modest due to fears of litigation, a lack of blender pumps, and challenges posed by some state regulations.

Key staffers are moving on up and around Capitol Hill.