The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s final Renewable Fuel Standard stayed the course on conventional ethanol, calling for a 15 billion gallon standard that left agricultural groups wanting more, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association reported. The rule bumps up levels for biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuels and cellulosic blends, but the Iowa Biodiesel Board said it was disappointed by the rule. So was the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. “On paper, this looks like a solid rule that drives the biofuels industry forward,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw. “But in reality, small-refinery exemptions erode any potential market growth.” Reuters reported that the mandate includes 4.92 billion gallons for advanced biofuels, up from the June proposal of 4.88 billion and above the 4.29 billion that had been set for this year. The 15 billion gallons for conventional biofuels in 2019 is the same as this year. EPA’s proposal is online.