This week the EPA released a proposed biofuel rule that will require the blending of between 14 and 15 billion gallons of conventional ethanol into the nation’s gasoline supply after taking into account exemptions the agency gives to small refineries.

The EPA originally required 15 billion gallons of ethanol production in 2019, but the agency issued 31 small refinery waivers affecting 1.4 billion gallons of ethanol. The number of required gallons for 2020 and the future of small refinery waivers was in doubt for weeks as the administration tried to balance the interests of oil producing states and corn producing states.

“Going forward we’re going to estimate how many small refinery exemptions we’re going to grant next year, so at the end of the day we’re going to net out at the 15 billion gallons,” Wheeler said in an interview on WZFG, a North Dakota radio station.

"President Trump has once again demonstrated that he is a champion for our nation's farmers and rural America," said USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue. "The President recognizes that American farmers are the most productive in the world, and he has found a way to pursue policy that promotes economic growth and supports our producers.”

According to the latest NAAA industry survey, aerial applicators treat approximately 9.4 million acres of corn and 5.7 million acres of soybean each year. This is a healthy increase from the 2012 industry survey, which showed aerial applicators treated 7.8 million acres of corn and 4.4 million acres of soybeans. Additional crops used in advanced biofuels include sugarcane and canola.

The National Corn Growers Association says ethanol accounts for about 30 percent of U.S. corn demand.

The move is the latest in a series of policy changes the Trump administration has taken to help support biofuel producers. Last summer, the administration announced it would allow year-round sales of gasoline mixed with 15 percent ethanol, known as E15. Traditionally, gasoline is blended with only 10 percent ethanol except during winter months when it gets increased to 15 percent. The higher ethanol blend was only allowed during the winter months due to concerns over smog at high temperatures, a concern biofuel advocates say is unfounded.

Oil industry groups are largely displeased with both these plans and have indicated they will most likely challenge both the E15 rule and 2020 blending requirements in court.