The National Farmers Union, Urban Air Initiative and eight other groups are petitioning the U.S. Court of Appeals for a judicial review of an EPA rule that limits blends of ethanol to E-15 and E-85. Three South Dakota groups, the State Farmers Union, Glacial Lakes Energy and Little Sioux Corn Processors are also included in the action. South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke says they want the EPA to allow blends like E-20, E-25 and E-30 also approved.

He says the groups believe the higher blends that aren’t approved right now by the EPA match what the Clean Air Act calls for and bring significant environmental benefits.

Sombke says it’s critical the EPA go ahead with the higher blends because farmers need the economic boost that would give them, especially at a time they’re struggling.

Sombke says that filing the petition is required to ensure the future growth of the ethanol industry.