Iowa Public Television

The big-3 U.S. automakers all reported double-digit sales increases in May, helping the industry post its 7th consecutive monthly gain.

The United States is the world's largest automobile market and the ethanol industry wants their product to play an increased role in fueling the nation's 250 million registered passenger vehicles.

Proponents claim federal regulations permitting a maximum blend of 10 percent ethanol to 90 percent gasoline, commonly known as E-10, threatens future expansion. And they're calling on the Obama Administration to raise federal standards to a 15 percent blend or higher.

Market to Market host Mark Pearson sat down with the Obama Administration's "point man" for rural affairs Friday and asked Secretary Vilsack about prospects for E-15.