The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released data to U.S. Senate Chuck Grassley of Iowa showing that nearly all the requests from small refineries for an exemption from the requirement to use biofuels were granted, Ethanol Producer Magazine reported. Midwest politicians have fought against the waivers, with some calling it a ploy to appease oil interests who contend it costs too much to use biofuels such as ethanol. Iowa is the top producer of ethanol and a major supplier of biodiesel. EPA granted 19 out of 20 small refinery hardship waivers under the Renewable Fuel Standard for compliance year 2016 and another 29 of 33 petitions in 2017.