WASHINGTON, D.C.(DRGNews)- The United States Environmental Protection Agency has approved a request from governors in eight states, one of which is South Dakota, to allow the year-round sale of gasoline blended with up to 15% ethanol. But, the approval doesn’t start until next year.

Walt Wendland is the President, CEO and Chairman of the Board for the Ringneck Energy ethanol plant in Onida. He said the approval is long overdue.

In 2022 and 2023, the Biden Administration granted emergency waivers allowing the summertime sale of E15. Wendland says they were hoping to not have to go that route this summer, but they do.

Along with South Dakota, the approval permits the summertime sale of E15 in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin.