(Radio Iowa) Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says she talked with President Trump twice on Thursday about E-P-A waivers to big oil companies that have reduced the amount of ethanol that must be blended into gasoline.

Trump, as well as EPA administrator Andrew Wheeler, Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue, and other White House staff were on a conference call. They discussed a number of different options for farmers and those employed in the ethanol industry.

The ethanol industry has been harshly critical of the latest round of ethanol waivers. POET Biorefining, which operates six plants in Iowa, has shut down its ethanol plant in Indiana and announced this week it is reducing production at others. Ernst says given the make-up of a key committee in the U.S. Senate, there’s little chance for a pro-ethanol bill to clear congress. She’s optimistic the Trump Administration will come up with a solution.

Ernst said. Ernst made her comments last (Thursday) night after a G-O-P fundraiser in Forest City. She’s holding town hall meetings in Humbolt, Emmetsburg AND Forest City today (Friday).