Eastern Energy Expo Registration Discount Ends May 6
May 2, 2022The deadline to receive the attended pre-registration discount ends May 6 for the Eastern Energy Expo set for May 22 – 25, 2022 at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT. The Pennsylvania Petroleum Association is a proud sponsor of this event. We highly encourage any PPA member planning on attending EEE to register now. To […]
Read More →Register Now For May 3 Webinar: What Pennsylvanians Think About Energy & Electrification
May 2, 2022On May 3, PPA and Warm Thoughts Communications will host a webinar to share recent survey results on What Pennsylvanians Think About Energy and Electrification from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. PPA and surrounding state associations gear up to defend against the government-based electrification policies, the industry has united to develop the largest consumer research study […]
Read More →PA Extends Low-Income Home Energy Assistance – LIHEAP Deadline To May 20
May 2, 2022On April 28, Department of Human Services Acting Secretary Meg Snead announced the deadline to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been extended to May 20. It had been May 6. DHS has been able to provide increased benefits for this extended LIHEAP season due to the availability of funds through […]
Read More →PennDOT Briefing On $171.5M Federal Electric Vehicle Charging Program Available On Demand
May 2, 2022The PennDOT is developing its plans for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure investments from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and held a briefing on the program April 27. That briefing is now available on-demand if you missed it. The webinar is part of outreach the department is conducting with lawmakers, planning partners, utilities, local government […]
Read More →PA Coal Industry, Unions File Lawsuit In Attempt To Block Final RGGI Regulation
May 2, 2022Owners of Pennsylvania coal-fired power plants, a coal industry trade group and labor unions that represent their workers filed a lawsuit April 25 to stop the DEP from enforcing new rules that will require fossil fuel power plants to pay to release carbon dioxide. They argue the rules amount to an unauthorized tax and go […]
Read More →EPA Issues Temporary Emergency Waiver Permitting Summertime Sale Of E15
May 2, 2022On Friday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a temporary emergency waiver that allows the nationwide sale of E15 during the summer driving season effective May 1, 2022. The temporary waiver is authorized under Clean Air Act sections during emergency fuel supply shortages (CAA§ 21 l(c)(4)(C)(ii)(I), 42 U.S.C. § 7454(c)(4)(C)(ii)(I)). The EPA cites the “extreme […]
Read More →Congressional Update: EV Tax Credits; Build Back Better; Gasoline Prices; Schedule
May 2, 2022Last week, Congress returned to a busy agenda after a two-week recess. The House and Senate have largely opened up in-person meetings and many trade associations and interest groups are now holding in-person fly-ins. EV Tax Credits During a hearing with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Senator Manchin criticized the idea of more electric vehicle […]
Read More →FDA Proposes Ban On Menthol Cigarettes And Flavored Cigars
May 2, 2022The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued two new proposed rules this week that would ban the manufacture and sale of menthol flavored cigarettes and ban all flavored cigars and cigarillos. Should these federal flavor bans be finalized, it would represent the most far-reaching action taken by the FDA since Congress gave the agency the […]
Read More →FMCSA Considering Speed Limiter Retrofit Requirement For Commercial Motor Vehicles
May 2, 2022The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced last week it will move forward with a proposed rulemaking that would require speed limiters commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) weighing over 26,000 pounds and operated in interstate commerce. The FMCSA, in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), proposed a speed limiter rule back on […]
Read More →EPA Agrees To Finalize RFS Annual Blending Volumes For 2021, 2022 By June 3
May 2, 2022The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has entered into a consent decree with Growth Energy to issue minimum biofuel blending volumes under the renewable fuel standard (RFS) no later than June 3. The consent decree was the result of settlement of a lawsuit between the EPA and Growth Energy over the agency’s tardiness in meeting statutory […]
Read More →U.S. Senate Committee To Examine Anticompetitive Practices By Credit Card Industry
May 2, 2022The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing May 4 on anticompetitive practices by the credit card industry that have led credit card “swipe” fees to more than double over the past decade and are driving up prices as consumers face near-record inflation. The announcement comes less than two weeks after Durbin, Senator Roger […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories On Harrisburg/PA Politics Last Week
May 2, 2022Because In Politics Everything Is Connected To Everything Else– — New Voting Districts – Senate, House, Congressional — Scranton Times Editorial: Courts Ensure Fairer Voting Districts — Governor’s Race — PennLive: Federal Judge Recommends Dismissal Of Lawsuits Seeking To Take Republicans Mastriano, Perry Off Primary Ballot — LancasterOnline – Brad Bumsted: Political ‘Shakedown:’ Republican Gubernatorial […]
Read More →Register Now For Eastern Energy Expo On May 22-25 At The Mohegan Sun, CT
April 25, 2022Registration is now open for Eastern Energy Expo which will return in-person this year May 22 – 25, 2022 at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT. The Pennsylvania Petroleum Association is a proud sponsor of this event. The discounted hotel room block is quickly filling up and will most likely reach full capacity prior to […]
Read More →PennDOT Hosting Meeting On State Plan For $171.5M In National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Funding
April 25, 2022The Department of Transportation will host an April 27 teleconference on the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Funding Program from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. (formal notice) The purpose of the public meeting is to discuss the proposed State plan required as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program requirement. Pennsylvania is estimated to receive $171.5 […]
Read More →EQB Final Rule Published In PA Bulletin Reducing Carbon Pollution From Power Plants [RGGI]
April 25, 2022On April 23, the final regulation establishing a program to reduce carbon pollution from power plants consistent with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative was published in the PA Bulletin after a two-and-a-half year development process. The process included more House and Senate committee hearings and information sessions than any other issue in recent memory, […]
Read More →Participate In Gray, Gray & Gray’s Annual Energy & Propane Industry Survey
April 25, 2022Gray, Gray & Gray’s is launching its 31st annual Energy Industry Survey to help establish the most up-to-date industry benchmarks and the standards by which company performance is measured. This year, the industry looks at challenges resulting from the Russia/Ukraine conflict and how companies like yours have adapted. Your participation and thoughtful responses contribute to […]
Read More →NFPA Standards Council Rejects Overly Restrictive Fire Safety Rules for EV Charging at Gas Stations
April 25, 2022Recently, the NFPA Standards Council voted not to issue the proposed Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) which would have added a new section to the 2021 edition of NFPA 30A (Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages) regulating the placement of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations at motor fuel dispensing facilities. A TIA generally […]
Read More →EPA Proposes New RFS Renewable Fuel Pathway For Canola Oil Used As Diesel Fuel, Heating Oil, Jet Fuel, LPG
April 25, 2022The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a proposed rulemaking this week to approve new Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) pathways for biofuels that are produced from canola/rapeseed oil. Only biofuels meeting EPA threshold greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions are eligible for the RFS program. The EPA assessed the GHG emission from canola/rapeseed biofuels produced via hydrotreating […]
Read More →Biden Administration Launches New Initiatives To Address National Truck Driver Shortage
April 25, 2022The Biden Administration is launching a new series of initiatives aimed at increasing the number of qualified CDL drivers available to motor carriers nationwide. The “Trucking Action Plan” (Plan) is designed to draw new CDL drivers into the profession and retain those currently employed in an effort to eliminate the current 80,000 driver shortfall nationwide. […]
Read More →Congressional Lawmakers Urge Visa, Mastercard To Call Off Planned Swipe Fee Increases
April 25, 2022Recently Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), and Representatives Peter Welch (D-VT) and Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) sent a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the CEOs of Visa and Mastercard urging the companies not to proceed with plans to raise their interchange fee rates. In […]
Read More →Another Congressional Democrat Price Gouging Bill Introduced
April 25, 2022Thursday, U.S. Reps. Val Demings (D-FL), Jerry Nadler (D-NY), David Cicilline (D-RI) and Kathy Castor (D-FL) introduced legislation “The Oil and Gas Industry Antitrust Act” which calls on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to conduct an investigation “to determine if the price of gasoline is being manipulated by reducing refinery capacity or by any other […]
Read More →Biden Re-Opens Federal Land To Oil And Gas Leases
April 25, 2022Last Monday, the Biden Administration published sales notices for oil and gas leases in June on public lands in six states. In its announcement, the Department of Interior said it would proceed with the sales, but with diminished acreage and steeper royalties for oil and gas companies. Still though, this is a sharp policy reversal […]
Read More →Federal Agencies Publish Joint Advisory For Energy Sector
April 25, 2022The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Department of Energy (DOE), National Security Agency (NSA), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released a joint Cybersecurity Advisory to warn that certain advanced persistent threat (APT) actors have exhibited the capability to gain full system access to multiple industrial control system (ICS)/supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories On Harrisburg/PA Politics Last Week
April 25, 2022Because In Politics Everything Is Connected To Everything Else– — New Voting Districts – Senate, House, Congressional — PA Capital-Star – Stephen Caruso: More Diverse Candidates On The Ballot For Harrisburg, But Latinos Are Largely Left out — WESA: University Of Pittsburgh Fears Loss Of State Funding, Attacks On Fetal Tissue Issues With Redistricting — […]
Read More →Register Now! Room Block Going Fast: PPA Summer Leadership Conference June 12-14
April 18, 2022The special hotel room block is over 80 percent full for the PPA Summer Leadership Conference on June 12-14 at the ICONA in Avalon, NJ! The Pennsylvania Petroleum Association is excited to again bring together current and future leaders within our industry. Click Here to view the Conference schedule. To register, visit the PPA Summer […]
Read More →Biden Administration Allows Summertime Sale Of E15
April 18, 2022The Biden Administration announced last week it is lifting the ban on summertime sales of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol. The move is part of the administration’s larger plan to lower the price of gasoline ahead of the midterm elections. EMA has repeatedly warned both the EPA and the White House of the limitations involving […]
Read More →USDA To Provide $100 Million In New Higher Blend Infrastructure Grants To Marketers
April 18, 2022The USDA announced last week it will provide new funding under the Higher Blend Infrastructure Program (HBIP) to help gasoline retailers and distributors to upgrade infrastructure for the distribution of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel. USDA is earmarking $5.6 million in grants to seven states designed to expand the retail availability of higher blend […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Build Back Better Battles; U.S. – China Competition
April 18, 2022Last week, the House and Senate left Washington, DC for a two-week recess period. While members are spending the weeks campaigning in the district, many are preparing for what the remainder of this year’s legislative session may hold. A priority for many Republicans and Democrats is passing the U.S. – China Innovation and Competition Act […]
Read More →Refundable Tax Credit For Truck Drivers Bill Introduced In Congress
April 18, 2022Recently, U.S. Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) introduced bipartisan legislation to address the current truck driver shortage in the United States by establishing a refundable income tax credit for qualified commercial truck drivers. “The Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act” would create a new refundable tax credit of up to […]
Read More →Federal Bill Introduced To Ensure Truckers Receive Overtime Pay
April 18, 2022Last week, Rep. Andy Levin (D-MI) introduced “The Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act” that would repeal the motor carrier overtime exemption in the Fair Labor Standards Act. The legislation aligns with DOT’s recent recommendation that Congress eliminate the exemption because “employers are not required to pay overtime to many truck drivers.” Click Here for the […]
Read More →Compliance With Federal Synthetic Nicotine Requirements In Effect
April 18, 2022On March 15, 2022, President Biden signed H.R. 2471 – the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2022. As a result, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) now includes specific language that makes clear the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can, as of March 15, regulate tobacco products containing nicotine from any source. This […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories On Harrisburg/PA Politics Last Week
April 18, 2022Because In Politics Everything Is Connected To Everything Else– — Governor’s Race — PennLive – Jan Murphy: F&M Poll Shows Mastriano Leading PA’s Packed Republican Gubernatorial Primary — PennLive – Charles Thompson: F&M Poll Shows Republican Governor’s Race Still Unsettled — Inquirer: Republican Sen. Corman Staying In Republican Race For Governor After Moving To Drop […]
Read More →Pennsylvania Oil Marketers PAC Endorses Jamie Barton’s State Representative Campaign
April 11, 2022The Pennsylvania Oil Marketers PAC (POMPAC), the political affiliate of the Pennsylvania Petroleum Association, has announced their formal endorsement of Jamie Barton’s state representative campaign for the 124th Legislative District. The political action committee represents 400+ petroleum and energy stakeholders throughout the Commonwealth. Jamie Barton currently serves on the Pennsylvania Petroleum Association Board of Directors […]
Read More →PPA Welcomes Two New Members In March
April 11, 2022PPA would like to highlight the following new members joining the association in March. Active Members Active Members are independent branded and non-branded petroleum marketers who sell gasoline, heating oil, diesel fuel, kerosene, and other petroleum products at both the wholesale and retail levels, including convenience stores. N/A in March Retail Convenience Store Operator This […]
Read More →PA DEP Appeals Commonwealth Court Order Blocking Publication Of Final RGGI Regulation
April 11, 2022On April 7, the Department of Environmental Protection appealed the April 6 Commonwealth Court order blocking publication of the final regulation establishing a Carbon Pollution Reduction Program covering power plants consistent with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to the PA Supreme Court. The question presented to the PA Supreme Court for review is “Did […]
Read More →EMA Compliance Bulletin: U.S. DOT Annual Hazmat Registration Period Opens May 1
April 11, 2022The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) online portal for annual HAZMAT registration opens May 1, 2022. Registration renewals must be completed by July 1, 2022. Due to COVID-19 workplace restrictions and processing delays, marketers should register online this year and do so early. However, registrations submitted before May 1, […]
Read More →Responses Due April 15: PPA Heating Fuel Member Survey: Bioheat Adoption
April 11, 2022Just a reminder, responses are due April 15 to PPA’s member survey on Bioheat Adoption. The purpose of the survey is to help the PPA better understand your position on current and future biodiesel (Bioheat®) heating fuel adoption strategies within the state of Pennsylvania. Click Here to take the survey. Survey Background In January […]
Read More →Congressional Update: High Gas Prices, Gas Holiday, Renewable Diesel, Build Back Better-Lite
April 11, 2022As Congressional Democrats continue searching for ways to address high gas prices, the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing with major oil company CEOs where Committee Democrats largely accused the companies of price-gouging. Oil company representatives pushed back against this narrative, arguing that prices are set by the global futures markets and that […]
Read More →Federal Appeals Court Denies Major Oil Companies’ Requests To Move Climate Change Lawsuits To Federal Court
April 11, 2022Last week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit delivered a victory for proponents of holding major oil companies liable for the effects of climate change. Cities and counties have instituted lawsuits all over the Nation like the one filed by the City of Baltimore, seeking to shift the burden of dealing with […]
Read More →EMA Joins Coalition Letter Urging President Not To Tax Unrealized Capital Gains
April 11, 2022Recently, EMA and the Family Business Coalition sent a letter to President Biden and the House and Senate Tax Committee chairs arguing against taxing unrealized capital gains. Taxing unrealized gains in any form, subjecting more families to the estate tax, changing step-up in basis, and removing important tools that family businesses use for succession planning […]
Read More →Visa, Mastercard Planning Changes To Allow For Larger Gasoline Charges
April 11, 2022Visa Inc. and Mastercard Inc. are planning numerous changes to allow larger card transactions to help drivers cover their expenses at the pump. To minimize the damage of already excessively high swipe fees, many gas stations have a $125 limit for Visa transactions at the pump because the card company adds even more fees to […]
Read More →NHTSA Investigating Electric Vehicle Battery Safety Defects
April 11, 2022The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating the safety of EV and hybrid vehicle batteries made by LG Energy Solution of South Korea. Since February 2020, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Stellantis and Volkswagen have issued recalls for as many as 138,000 vehicles with possible defects that could cause fires. General Motors has taken […]
Read More →CISA Provides Guidance On Sharing Cyber Incident Information; EMA Resources Available
April 11, 2022In this time of heightened risk due to the war in Ukraine, CISA urges lowering the threshold for sharing information to raise our collective resilience to global cyber threats. Sharing information about cyber incidents allows CISA to fill critical information gaps, rapidly deploy resources and render assistance to victims suffering attacks, analyze incoming information from […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories On Harrisburg/PA Politics Last Week
April 11, 2022Because In Politics Everything Is Connected To Everything Else– — Governor’s Race — AP: Republican Energy Promises Face Limits In PA Governor’s Race — Politics PA: Spending In PA Governor’s Race Tops $12.6 Million — PennLive – Jan Murphy: PA Governor’s Race Spending Total Nears $11 Million — Post-Gazette – Salena Zito: Republican Candidates For […]
Read More →PA House Passes Bill To Block RGGI Regulation, Senate Republicans File Lawsuit
April 4, 2022On March 30, the House voted 126 to 72 to pass House Bill 637 (Struzzi-R-Indiana) designed to block the final DEP regulation establishing a Carbon Pollution Reduction Program covering power plants that’s consistent with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. The vote total is not enough to override a Governor’s veto, which happened to a […]
Read More →PA House Bill Introduced To Provide Broader Access For C-Stores To Obtain A Beer License
April 4, 2022Legislation that would amend Pennsylvania liquor law to give smaller convenience stores fairer access to beer licenses has been introduced. Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington) has sponsored House Bill 2467, strongly supported by PPA, that would create a new C-license system. This would eliminate the current requirement that a store have 30 seats for customers as […]
Read More →The PPA Monthly Webinar Series Resumes In April – View Upcoming Schedule
April 4, 2022The PPA is excited to continue our monthly webinar series in April. Register below to take advantage of this complimentary membership benefit. — April 5 – 9:00 a.m.: State of the Union on Payments: How to Make Sure You are Receiving the Best Rates on Your Payment Acceptance. Click Here to register. Things have changed […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Oil Reserve Withdrawal; Year-Round Ethanol, Gas Holiday Or Rebates?
April 4, 2022On March 31, President Biden announced several actions to improve energy security. First, to increase oil supply and seek to reduce the price at the pump, President Biden announced that the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) will release 1 million gallons of oil per day for six months. Experts have pointed out that the SPR action […]
Read More →U.S. DOE Announces A Ten-Fold Increase In Funding For Residential Weatherization Assistance And Conversion To Electric Heat Pumps
April 4, 2022The Biden administration on Wednesday announced plans to spend roughly $3.2 billion to retrofit hundreds of thousands of homes in low-income communities in order to slash residential energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions. Pennsylvania is due to receive $186 million in this round. Read more here. The unprecedented 10-fold increase in annual funding for […]
Read More →U.S. EIA: Renewable Diesel Supply To Surpass Biodiesel Soon
April 4, 2022According to the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) Annual Energy Outlook 2022 (AEO2022), it projects that renewable diesel supply will exceed biodiesel supply in the near term. EIA projects that renewable diesel supply will increase to 130,000 barrels per day (b/d) in 2022 and 145,000 b/d in 2050, reflecting a significant increase in renewable diesel production […]
Read More →Automakers Support EPA’s Tailpipe Emissions Standard That EMA Is Challenging In Court; New Standard Announced
April 4, 2022A trade group representing the major domestic and foreign automobile manufacturers filed a motion supporting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in a lawsuit currently before the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the agency’s strict new limits on greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles. [NOTE: On Friday, the Biden Administration announced a new mileage […]
Read More →A Bipartisan Group Of Congressional Lawmakers Call On FTC To Address Economic Discrimination
April 4, 2022Forty-three lawmakers from both parties sent a letter on Wednesday to the federal Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requesting the agency investigate, and when appropriate, bring enforcement actions against economic discriminatory action that violates antitrust laws, including the FTC Act and the Robinson-Patman Act. “The antitrust laws were designed to protect against anticompetitive economic discrimination and […]
Read More →Nationwide Commercial Motor Vehicle Roadside Enforcement, Inspection Blitz Set For July 10-16
April 4, 2022The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA), an alliance of state and federal motor carrier enforcement authorities, holds its annual Operation Safe Driver Week during July 10-16. The Operation Safe Driving Program was created to improve the driving behaviors of CDL drivers and reduce the number of crashes involving commercial motor vehicles through educational and traffic […]
Read More →EMA Urges Federal Highway Administration To Enforce Rest Area Commercialization Ban
April 4, 2022On Thursday, EMA joined a coalition letter in urging the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to lift its April 2020 non-enforcement directive that allowed food trucks to operate at Interstate rest areas. Click Here to read the letter. TAP HERE for all articles in April 4 EXPRESS Update
Read More →Merchants Payments Coalition Calls On Congress To Add Swipe Fees To Their Examination Of Bank Fees
April 4, 2022As the U.S. House Financial Services Committee reviews overdraft fees that impact consumers, the Merchants Payments Coalition (MPC) sent a letter to the Committee requesting that it review outrageous credit card swipe fees. EMA is a member of the Merchants Payments Coalition (MPC). MPC asked the committee to investigate “the broken and uncompetitive market in […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories On Harrisburg/PA Politics Last Week
April 4, 2022Because In Politics Everything Is Connected To Everything Else– — New Voting Districts – Senate, House, Congressional — Spotlight PA: PA Republicans Eye Greater Control Over Redistricting Thru Another Constitutional Amendment — AP: Republican Challenge To PA Congressional Districts Map Lawsuit Ends Quietly — MCall – Ford Turner: Redrawn Districts, Incumbent Battle Highlight Primary Lehigh […]
Read More →Registration Now Open For Eastern Energy Expo 2022 May 22-25
March 28, 2022Registration is now open for Eastern Energy Expo which will return in-person this year May 22 – 25, 2022 at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT. The Pennsylvania Petroleum Association is a proud sponsor of this event. The discounted hotel room block is quickly filling up and will most likely reach full capacity prior to […]
Read More →PA Final Stage I & II Regulation Changes Published As Final Law In PA Bulletin
March 28, 2022On March 26, the final Environmental Quality Board regulations making changes to Stage I and II volatile organic compound emission controls on underground gasoline storage tanks were published in the PA Bulletin and are now effective. PA DEP will now begin its program to remove the vapor capturing apparatus now in place in most gasoline […]
Read More →State Gas Tax Holiday Legislation Proposed
March 28, 2022With the high price of gasoline intensifying as a political issue in recent weeks, there is discussion in Harrisburg regarding proposals to lessen their impact on consumers. Senate President Jake Corman (also a candidate for the GOP nomination for Governor) has introduced Senate Bill 10. This legislation would reduce motor fuel taxes by 20 cents […]
Read More →EMA Compliance Bulletin Reminder: Random Drug/Alcohol Testing Rates For 2022
March 28, 2022The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has released the annual minimum employee random drug and alcohol testing rates for 2022. The test rates are the minimum percentage of employees subject to U.S. DOT drug and alcohol requirements who must undergo a random test during the 2022 calendar year. The number of random drug tests […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Build Back Better; Climate/Energy; Vaping; SEC Climate Disclosures
March 28, 2022Last week, Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) more clearly articulated his vision of a scaled-back Build Back Better Act (BBB). This bill would not receive Republican support, so it would have to be passed through a process called reconciliation that would require the support of all 50 Senate Democrats. Senator Manchin and fellow moderate Senator Kyrsten […]
Read More →U.S. DOT/DOE Announce $5 Billion To Help States Build EV Charging Infrastructure
March 28, 2022The Biden Administration is providing nearly $5 billion to help states create a network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along designated corridors in the national highway system. Charging stations will not be placed on federal highways, but located at entrance ramps. The program is designed as part of the President’s goal to build 500,000 […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories On Harrisburg/PA Politics Last Week
March 28, 2022Because In Politics Everything Is Connected To Everything Else– — New Voting Districts – Senate, House, Congressional — Spotlight PA: What Makes A Voting District Map Fair? Here’s What We Learned During PA’s Redistricting Cycle — WHYY: PA Latinos Want More Lawmakers From Their Communities, New Voting District Maps Offer That Chance — WESA/AP: PA […]
Read More →Update On State Gas Tax Holiday Proposals
March 21, 2022Discussion of a gas tax suspension continues in Harrisburg as other states have enacted measures to provide breaks to motorists. On Friday, a thirty day gas tax moratorium took effect in Maryland. In Georgia, the Governor has signed into law a suspension of the collection of that state’s motor fuel taxes until the end of […]
Read More →PPA Heating Fuel Member Survey: Bioheat Adoption
March 21, 2022The purpose of this survey is to help the PPA better understand your position on current and future biodiesel (Bioheat®) heating fuel adoption strategies within the state of Pennsylvania. Please limit one survey response per company. Click Here to take the survey. Survey Background In January 2019 Governor Wolf signed an Executive Order to […]
Read More →Have You Booked Your Hotel Room For Eastern Energy Expo 2022?
March 21, 2022The Pennsylvania Petroleum Association is a proud partner of the Eastern Energy Expo which will return in-person this year May 22 – 25, 2022 at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT. Attendee registration will be opening soon for the event. The discounted hotel room block is quickly filling up and will most likely reach full capacity […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Federal Budget, Synthetic Nicotine, Gasoline Price Mitigation, Build Back-Lite
March 21, 2022On Tuesday, President Biden signed the Fiscal Year 2022 government funding package into law. The law fully funds government agencies and will provide the funding for implementation of key Biden Administration priorities, including provisions from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Synthetic Nicotine The law also includes language that will allow the FDA to regulate synthetic […]
Read More →Biden Administration Considers Year-Round E15 To Bring Prices Down At The Pump
March 21, 2022The Biden Administration opened the door to a possible summertime E15 waiver after a bipartisan group of lawmakers called on the White House to lift the ban of summer sales of gasoline with higher blends of ethanol. The White House confirmed that a move to year-round sales of E15 is “in the menu of options” […]
Read More →Federal Cyber Incident Reporting Provision Signed Into Law
March 21, 2022A landmark provision authored by Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Rob Portman (R-OH), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to enhance our nation’s ability to combat ongoing cybersecurity threats against critical infrastructure has been signed into law as a part of the government funding legislation that passed this week. […]
Read More →U.S. Dept. Of Homeland Security And The FBI’s Cybersecurity Issue New Advisory
March 21, 2022Last week, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released a joint Cybersecurity Advisory to warn organizations that Russian state-sponsored cyber actors have gained network access through exploitation of default multi-factor authentication (MFA) protocols and a known vulnerability. One of the most important security practices to reduce the […]
Read More →Democrats Continue To Fight Postal Service Decision To Replace Fleet With Gasoline Fueled Trucks
March 21, 2022Congressional House Democrats spearheaded by leaders on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee are up in arms over the decision of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to replace its fleet with almost all gasoline powered trucks. Democrats have asked the USPS’s inspector general to investigate the decision, asserting that USPS violated legal environmental requirements. […]
Read More →Petroleum Marketers Risk Management Academy Offered By Federated Insurance April 19-21
March 21, 2022Federated Insurance is offering complimentary risk management training for petroleum marketers on April 19-21, 2022. Through this valuable session, you will discover methods you can use immediately to help protect profits by reducing risk at your business. Companies that are the most successful at controlling losses and protecting profits have integrated risk management into their […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories On Harrisburg/PA Politics Last Week
March 21, 2022Because In Politics Everything Is Connected To Everything Else– — New Voting Districts – Senate, House, Congressional — AP: PA Supreme Court Upholds Voting District Maps For Senate, House — Spotlight PA: PA Supreme Court Rejects Challenges To State House, Senate Voting District Maps — PA Cap-Star: PA’s New House, Senate Voting District Maps OK’d […]
Read More →PPA 2022 Summer Leadership Conference Is 3 Months Away!
March 14, 2022The Pennsylvania Petroleum Association is excited to again bring together current and future leaders within our industry at the Summer Leadership Conference. This year’s event will take place at the ICONA in Avalon, NJ. We hope to see you in June! ?Conference registration includes access to the June 12 welcome reception, business seminars, breakfast, and […]
Read More →Federal and State Gas Tax Holiday Proposals
March 14, 2022In response to the spike in motor fuel prices over the last two weeks, there have been proposals by some policy makers to suspend the collection of gas taxes to provide relief to motorists. Governor Tom Wolf signed onto a letter with five other Governors urging Congress to enact legislation that would suspend collection of […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Russian Oil Ban; 2022 Budget; EV Charging Infrastructure
March 14, 2022Last week, as Russian aggression in Ukraine increased, President Biden announced a ban on imports of Russian oil, gas, and coal. In remarks to the country, President Biden said the White House knows that this will likely raise gas prices, blamed Russia for the increase, and committed to doing everything to reduce this trend, mentioning […]
Read More →Industry Marketing Firms Offer Communication Resources For Market Volatility
March 14, 2022PriMedia: Fuel Markets Are in Crisis. Here’s What You Should and Shouldn’t Say to Your Customers. Your customers are shocked, confused, enraged, struggling and looking to you for answers and assistance. Every consumer is different, and your customers’ emotions may run the gamut, but it’s most important right now that you at least have some […]
Read More →EMA: Gas Stations Are Not To Blame for Rising Gasoline Costs; Russian Oil Ban
March 14, 2022Seventy percent of Americans support the ban on Russian oil imports regardless of the rising fuel costs. However, some Americans are falsely directing blame to gas station owners for increased prices at the pump. Rob Underwood, President of the Energy Marketers of America (EMA), said, “blaming gas station owners for high gas prices is nonsense. […]
Read More →New Survey Sheds Light On Driver Shortages In The Energy Marketing Industry
March 14, 2022A recent survey published by the National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) outlines the extent of the CDL driver shortage problem as it applies to the transportation of petroleum products. According to the survey, over a two-year period beginning in May 2019, the industry experienced a 41.6 percent reduction in petroleum driver applicants, along with a […]
Read More →State Tax Administrators Release Updated List Of State Motor Fuel Excise Tax Rates, Rules
March 14, 2022The Federation of Tax Administrators, an association of all 50 state and territorial tax authorities, recently published its annual list of state motor fuel excise taxes updated to January 2022. In addition to listing state motor fuel excise taxes for gasoline, diesel fuel and gasohol, the list includes notations on the various surcharges, fees, sales […]
Read More →U.S. Senator Cassidy Outlines Route To Reestablish America’s Energy Dominance
March 14, 2022Last week, Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) released a policy outline detailing how the U.S. can reset its energy and climate policy and create a global Russia-free energy future. Cassidy, a member of the Senate Energy and Finance Committees, called for an Energy Operation Warp Speed to reestablish America’s energy dominance. “The world will be […]
Read More →Women In Energy Accepting Nominations For Woman Of The Year, Women In Energy Mentorship Awards
March 14, 2022Women In Energy is now accepting nominations for two annual awards– the 5th Annual Woman of the Year Award and the 4th Annual Women In Energy Mentorship Award. Woman Of The Year Each year, Women in Energy recognizes an outstanding woman in the energy field. We invite industry professionals to submit nominations. The award recipient […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories On Harrisburg/PA Politics Last Week
March 14, 2022Because In Politics Everything Is Connected To Everything Else– — New Voting Districts – Senate, House, Congressional — AP: Divided PA Supreme Court Picks New Congressional Voting Districts Map — PA Cap-Star: PA’s New Congressional Voting Districts Map Is Reflective Of State’s Voters, PA Supreme Court Justices Argued — Spotlight PA: 4 Reasons The PA […]
Read More →PPA Welcomes Two New Members In February
March 7, 2022PPA would like to highlight the following new members joining the association in February. Active Members Active Members are independent branded and non-branded petroleum marketers who sell gasoline, heating oil, diesel fuel, kerosene, and other petroleum products at both the wholesale and retail levels, including convenience stores. — Friday Gas and Oil (Weedville, PA): Retail […]
Read More →Important FMCSA Hours of Service Waiver Expirations & Extensions
March 7, 2022There are two active FMCSA driver hours of service (HOS) waivers that impact our membership. The waiver for heating fuels is set to expire on March 8, 2022. The waiver that covers most transportation fuels has recently been extended through May 31, 2022. More information on the two waivers can be found below. Heating Fuels […]
Read More →Please Verify Your 2022 PPA Membership Directory Information
March 7, 2022The PPA staff is in the process of compiling information for this year’s membership directory. To ensure accuracy of your directory information, please check your listing in all sections of the current directory which can be found here. Please email Jessica Reeder at jreeder@papetroleum.org or call (717) 939-1781, ext. 104, to confirm your company information […]
Read More →EMA Challenges U.S. EPA Rule That Would Hurt Energy Marketers
March 7, 2022On Monday, the Energy Marketers of America (EMA) asked the federal appeals court in Washington, D.C. to review the Environmental Protection Agency’s December 2021 final rule that increases the stringency of greenhouse gas emissions for model year 2023-2026 cars and light-duty vehicles by significant percentages. EPA is ostensibly using EPA’s tailpipe emissions standards to phase […]
Read More →U.S. DOT Proposes New Rule To Add Oral Fluid Test As Alternative To Urine Testing For CDL Drivers
March 7, 2022The U.S. Department of Transportation published a notice of proposed rulemaking allowing oral fluid drug testing for CDL drivers and other HAZMAT employees. According to the DOT, the addition of oral fluid drug testing will help combat employee cheating on urine drug tests and provide a more economical, less intrusive means of achieving the safety […]
Read More →EMA Submits Detailed Comments To NFPA On EV Charging At Gas Stations
March 7, 2022Last week, EMA submitted more detailed comments in opposition to the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) regulating the placement of EV charging stations at gas stations. The setback requirements in the proposed standard are so restrictive that it could prevent the installation of EV chargers at most existing retail gas stations. […]
Read More →EMA Urges President Biden To Reconsider Keystone XL And To Grant Jones Act Waiver
March 7, 2022In response to the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, EMA sent a letter to President Biden seeking greater energy independence. The letter urges the President to reconsider his position regarding the cancellation of the Keystone XL Pipeline (KXL). KXL is important for American fuel independence, and even more so now with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. KXL […]
Read More →Congressional Update: State of the Union, Climate, Infrastructure, EVs
March 7, 2022Last week, President Joe Biden delivered his first State of the Union address. He spent the first twelve minutes pledging America’s support for Ukraine, which received strong bipartisan applause. In addressing energy prices, which have spiked due to Russia’s invasion, President Biden announced that the U.S. and allies would release a combined 60 million barrels […]
Read More →Ending Forced Arbitration Of Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment Act Of 2021
March 7, 2022Recently, the U.S. Senate passed the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act of 2021 (H.R. 4445). The bill passed the House last month and the President is expected to sign it into law. The legislation was introduced by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and by Reps. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) […]
Read More →MPC Advertising Campaign On High Swipe Fees
March 7, 2022Last week, the Merchants Payments Coalition (MPC), of which EMA is a member, announced an advertising campaign to educate Congress and other policymakers on high “swipe” fees credit card networks and big banks charge merchants to process transactions and the impact the fees have on consumers, small businesses and the U.S. economy. The campaign comes […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories On Harrisburg/PA Politics Last Week
March 7, 2022Because In Politics Everything Is Connected To Everything Else– — New Voting Districts – Senate, House, Congressional — Spotlight PA: A Complete Guide To PA’s Redistricting Court Challenges — AP: U.S. Supreme Court Asked To Intervene In PA Congressional Voting Districts Case — WHYY: Will U.S. Supreme Court Wade Into The Battle Over PA Congressional […]
Read More →Hello world!
March 2, 2022Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!
Read More →PA Senate Republicans File To Intervene To Oppose The DEP Lawsuit To Publish Final RGGI Carbon Pollution Reduction Regulations
February 28, 2022On February 25, Senate Republicans filed a motion with Commonwealth Court to intervene in opposition to the DEP lawsuit against the Legislative Reference Bureau to publish the final Carbon Pollution Reduction regulations covering power plants consistent with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. The motion was filed by Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman (R-Centre), Senate […]
Read More →PA Republican Senators Introduce Resolution Urging Biden To Restart Keystone XL Pipeline
February 28, 2022Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-Bedford), Senator Joe Pittman (R-Indiana) and Senator Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) announced their intent to introduce a resolution urging President Biden to restart the Keystone XL pipeline. This week, oil prices soared over $100 per barrel and currently, the United States imports over 800,000 barrels of oil per day from Russia. The […]
Read More →Reminder! Annual EPCRA TIER II Reports Must be Filed With State Emergency Response Authorities By March 1, 2022
February 28, 2022EPCRA TIER II forms must be submitted no later than March 1, 2022. The Emergency Preparedness and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986 was created to help communities plan for chemical emergencies. All facilities that store over 10,000 pounds of hazardous chemicals (including petroleum products) onsite at any point during the previous calendar […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Russia/Ukraine Crisis; Gas Tax Holiday? State Of The Union
February 28, 2022Last week, Washington quickly turned its focus towards Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which sent oil prices soaring over $100/barrel. Retaliatory sanctions announced by President Biden on Thursday did not target Russia’s energy sector, reportedly at the request of European allies, including Germany and Italy, who are worried about potential effects on their own economies. More […]
Read More →EMA Participates At The National Ethanol Conference
February 28, 2022Last week, EMA’s Motor Fuels Committee Chair Glenn Hasken, chief operating officer and vice president of Molo Companies, represented EMA during a retailer’s roundtable on the future of liquid fuels at the National Ethanol Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. Participating alongside Mr. Hasken were Eric Fobes, Head Trader, Ethanol, Pilot Company, SIGMA, NATSO, and Doug […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories On Harrisburg/PA Politics Last Week
February 28, 2022Because In Politics Everything Is Connected To Everything Else– — New Voting Districts – Senate, House, Congressional — AP: PA Supreme Court Picks New Map Of Congressional Voting Districts — PennLive: New Congressional Districts Map Has Keller, Meuser Vying For Same Seat — Inquirer: Is New Congressional Districts Map Better For Democrats or Republicans? We […]
Read More →Register Now For PPA Summer Leadership Conference June 13-14 in Avalon, NJ
February 21, 2022The Pennsylvania Petroleum Association is excited to again bring together current and future leaders within our industry at the 2022 PPA Summer Leadership Conference on June 13-14 at the ICONA in Avalon, NJ. The theme of the 2022 leadership conference will be achieving high performance leadership. Two major trends that have emerged in the past […]
Read More →PPA Member Jamie Barton Announces Campaign For 124th State House Seat
February 21, 2022The Pennsylvania Petroleum Association is pleased to share that one of our members, Jamie Barton, has announced a campaign to pursue the Republican nomination for a seat in the state House. Jamie is the Vice President of Jack Rich, Inc. and is a long time PPA member who currently serves on the PPA Board of […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Govt. Doesn’t Close, Build Back Better Delayed, EV Funding
February 21, 2022Thursday, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution extending government funding until March 11, 2022, giving Congress only a few weeks to resolve negotiations. As a reminder, a Continuing Resolution continues existing government funding at Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 levels. It is critical that Congress pass an FY 2022 package to fully fund portions of the Bipartisan […]
Read More →U.S. Senators Voice Long-Standing Frustrations Over RFS Program
February 21, 2022On Wednesday, the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee held a hearing focused on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). This was the first EPW hearing on the RFS since 2016 and comes as the EPA proposes to increase biofuel blending requirements. During the hearing, Senators expressed frustration over the Biden Administration’s handling of the […]
Read More →IRS Paid $3.2 Billion In Interest To Taxpayers for Delayed Refunds; Expect More Delays In 2022
February 21, 2022The director of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) told the U.S. Senate Finance Committee at a hearing on IRS customer complaints this week that in fiscal year 2021, the IRS paid $3.27 billion dollars in interest payments to taxpayers due to delayed processing of refund claims. The amount of interest paid by the IRS is […]
Read More →Biden To Return California’s Authority To Set Auto Emission Standards More Stringent Than EPA
February 21, 2022The Biden administration is preparing to reinstate California’s authority to set auto emissions rules that are more stringent than federal standards. California’s regulatory authority over mobile emissions was rescinded by the Trump Administration in 2019. Restoration of regulatory authority over automobile emissions represents a return of California’s influence on the nation’s climate and clean air […]
Read More →Berks-Schuylkill Oil Heat Association Donates $6,100 To Salvation Army
February 21, 2022The Berks-Schuylkill Oil Heat Association donated a total contribution of $6,100 to both the Berks and Schuylkill County Salvation Army on February 17 with each Corps receiving half of the total donation. Since 2006, this is the second largest annual donation BSOHA has presented to the Salvation Army. The BSOHA annual charitable contribution has directly […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories On Harrisburg/PA Politics Last Week
February 21, 2022Because In Politics Everything Is Connected To Everything Else– — New Voting Districts – Senate, House, Congressional — AP: House Republican Leader Asks PA Supreme Court To Throw Out House Voting District Map — PA Cap-Star: House Republicans Ask Court To Toss House Voting District Map, Reuse Current Lines In 2022 — MCall – Ford […]
Read More →PA Receives First $25.3 Million For Electric Vehicle Charging Investments From Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
February 14, 2022On February 10, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Pennsylvania will receive the first $25.3 million from an estimated $171.5 million over the next five years to invest in electric vehicle charging stations along previously designated Alternative Fuel Corridors and Interstate lookalikes. The funding is from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. PennDOT and DEP – […]
Read More →Continuing RGGI Developments Within State Legislature
February 14, 2022There was a significant development this past week in regard to the RGGI. The House Appropriations Committee added an amendment to House Bill 637 that would provide $250 million for carbon capture technology and other control measures to address emissions from coal-fired power plants. This bill, which is being held in the Committee to provide […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Keeping Govt. Running, China Trade, Build Back Better
February 14, 2022Congress is expected to pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) extending government funding through March 11. Meanwhile, it appears both sides have reached a baseline agreement to finalize a full government funding package so that many of the programs authorized in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law can be fully funded. As of now, government funding expires on […]
Read More →EMA Requests Speedier Federal Motor Fuel Excise Tax Claim Processing
February 14, 2022EMA is receiving reports from energy marketers that they are once again experiencing delays in the processing of federal motor fuel excise tax (FET) ultimate vendor claims for sales of clear, tax excluded diesel fuel to state and local governments. In response, EMA sent a letter this week to IRS Commissioner Charles P. Rettig expressing […]
Read More →Federal Legislation Would Temporarily Suspend The Gasoline Tax
February 14, 2022Last Wednesday, U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) introduced legislation that would suspend the 18.3 cpg federal excise tax on gasoline and 0.1 cpg leaking underground trust fund (LUST) tax through the end of 2022. “The Gas Prices Relief Act,” S. 3609, could prove popular during an election year. S. 3609 would […]
Read More →Governors’ Races In PA, Other States May Impact Energy Policy, Here’s How
February 14, 2022Races in Pennsylvania, Arizona, Georgia and Florida will determine the future of emissions reduction pledges and will establish key administrators within their state energy offices and utility regulators, according to Energy News Network. The governors will influence how to use the funding in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which includes money for electric vehicle […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories On Harrisburg/PA Politics Last Week
February 14, 2022Because In Politics Everything Is Connected To Everything Else– — PA’s Role In Assault On U.S. Capitol — LancasterOnline: Ex-Ephrata Lawyers’ Statement He Would Kill Democratic U.S. Senators Allowed By Judge — ScrantonT: Lackawanna County Man Charged With Crimes Related To Assault On U.S. Capitol Rejects Plea Deal, Plans For Trial — New Voting Districts […]
Read More →DEP Files Lawsuit Against Reference Bureau To Publish Final RGGI Carbon Pollution Reduction Regulations
February 7, 2022On February 3, the Associated Press reported the Department of Environmental Protection filed a lawsuit in Commonwealth Court to compel the Legislative Reference Bureau to publish the final RGGI Carbon Pollution Reduction Regulations covering power plants in the PA Bulletin so they can become effective. The lawsuit is a follow-up to Gov. Wolf’s January […]
Read More →PPA Welcomes Five New Members In January
February 7, 2022PPA would like to highlight the following new members joining the association in January. Active Members Active Members are independent branded and non-branded petroleum marketers who sell gasoline, heating oil, diesel fuel, kerosene, and other petroleum products at both the wholesale and retail levels, including convenience stores. N/A in January Retail Convenience Store Operator This […]
Read More →Recognizing January PAC Contributors
February 7, 2022The PPA Political Action Committee would like to recognize POMPAC contributions from the following individuals in January: — Platinum Supporter: James Barber and Jason Flohr — Gold Supporter: N/A — Silver Supporter: Quincy Longacre*, Steve Oehlert*, Ted Harris*, and Timothy Naylor — Bronze Supporter: Mark Smith* — Supporter: Andrew Myers and David Karl *Denotes the […]
Read More →New FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training Requirement Beings Today (Feb.7)
February 7, 2022Monday, February 7, 2022, is the compliance date for the FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations, established in 49 CFR part 380 subparts F and G. The ELDT regulations include requirements for training providers, CDL applicants, and State Driver Licensing Agencies. Visit the Training Provider Registry for more information and make sure you are ready […]
Read More →FMCSA Extends Regional Emergency Declaration Waiver For Heating Fuels Until March 8
February 7, 2022FMCSA has just extended the Regional Emergency Declaration waiver which provides motor carriers and drivers with direct assistance in supporting emergency relief efforts transporting heating fuel, including propane, natural gas, and heating oil, into the Affected States with emergency relief from 49 CFR § 395.3, maximum driving time for property-carrying vehicles. This waiver was originally […]
Read More →Congressional Update: FDA Menthol Cigarette Ban, Competition With China
February 7, 2022Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it would soon issue regulations codifying its plan announced in 2021 to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. In Congress, the House focused on passing the US COMPETES Act, legislation to support US research and development and supply chain security to compete with China. The other […]
Read More →EMA Urges EPA To Reduce Corn Ethanol Mandate
February 7, 2022Friday, EMA sent comments to the EPA on its proposed ethanol blending mandates for 2020-2022 urging EPA to fully consider the impact the RFS places on small business energy marketers when setting the upcoming annual RVOs for 2020, 2021 and 2022. EMA said, “If ethanol volumes continue to rise as proposed in 2022, obligated parties […]
Read More →Federal COVID-19 Price Gouging Bill Introduced
February 7, 2022Last week, House Democrats introduced the “COVID-19 Price Gouging Prevention Act” (H.R.675) that outlaws “price gouging” during a “public health emergency” declared under federal law. Price gouging is defined as opportunistic behavior by sellers who take advantage of an emergency to raise prices of goods “unreasonably” to “unconscionably excessive” levels. All goods are covered by […]
Read More →EMA Urges Federal Highway Administration To Protect Small Business Marketers
February 7, 2022Last fall, Congress approved, and the President signed into law, a $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law– the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The IIJA provides $7.5 billion in funding for states to deploy an Electric Vehicle Formula Program (EV Charging Program) with a $2.5 billion set aside for a competitive grant program to build […]
Read More →Bills Introduced In Congress To Make Some Driver Waivers Permanent
February 7, 2022U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced a bill to help address supply chain shortages and increase the number of truck drivers transporting goods in the U.S. Their bill, the Licensing Individual Commercial Exam-takers Now Safely and Efficiently (LICENSE) Act, would streamline burdensome licensing regulations by making permanent several waivers that the […]
Read More →NORA Names Michael Devine Incoming President
February 7, 2022On February 3, the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) announced the appointment of Michael Devine as incoming President following the retirement of current President John Huber effective March 1, 2022. Devine comes to NORA after having served as Vice President of Sales & Business Development for World Energy. As part of the Senior Management Team, […]
Read More →National Biodiesel Board Is Now Clean Fuels Alliance America
February 7, 2022Industry Association Rebrands to Reflect Diversity of Fuels, Modern Approach The National Biodiesel Board today unveiled its new name and new brand, Clean Fuels Alliance America, during the opening session of the 2022 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo. The transformation to Clean Fuels helps further the organization’s position as a proven, innovative part of America’s […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories On Harrisburg/PA Politics Last Week
February 7, 2022Because In Politics Everything Is Connected To Everything Else– — 2022 Priorities — Spotlight PA: Gov. Wolf’s Final Budget Address Will Seek To Cement His Legacy — AP: What To Watch For In Gov. Wolf’s Budget Proposal — Gov. Wolf Announces $1.7 Billion Spending Plan For Federal American Rescue Plan Money — PennLive – Jan […]
Read More →PA House Passes Bill To Prevent Local Government From Adopting All-Electric Building Codes
January 31, 2022The Energy Choice legislation (House Bill 1947) passed the state House this past week by a vote of 118-83. That is significantly short of the 134 votes needed to override a veto by the Governor who previously indicated that he would take that action for the current version of the bill. The bill preempts […]
Read More →PA-IRRC Approves Final Regulations On Decommissioning Stage II Vapor Controls
January 31, 2022On January 26, the Independent Regulatory Review Commission unanimously approved final Environmental Quality Board regulations establishing the process for decommissioning Stage II VOC emission controls at service stations. The DEP regulation applies to the five-county Philadelphia area– Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties– and the seven- county Pittsburgh area– Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, […]
Read More →TSA Urges Drivers To Apply For Background Check 60 Days In Advance Of HME Renewal Due To Processing Delays
January 31, 2022EMA has received an increasing number of calls from CDL drivers who are experiencing delays in processing security background checks required for hazardous material endorsements (HME). EMA reached out to TSA to inquire whether the delays are significant enough to warrant a temporary waiver of the Security Threat Assessment (STA) similar to the waiver granted […]
Read More →Pennsylvania Officially Eliminates Weight Class Registration Sticker Requirement
January 31, 2022On January 29, 2022 the final rulemaking was published in the PA Bulletin to officially delete Chapter 55 of PA Code 67. This will now eliminate the need for trucks that operate at weights greater than 5,000 pounds to display a registration class sticker and replace a registration class sticker when stolen, damaged or destroyed. […]
Read More →Have You Completed Your Annual CDL Driver Drug And Alcohol Violation Clearinghouse Queries?
January 31, 2022Employers of CDL drivers are required to conduct an annual drug and alcohol violation query in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse for each CDL driver they employ. Employers are only required to make a “limited query” to check for drug and alcohol violations for these drivers. Only if a violation is found must the […]
Read More →OSHA Withdraws COVID-19 Temporary Emergency Standard Requiring Vaccination Or Weekly Testing
January 31, 2022OSHA has withdrawn its COVID-19 vaccination and testing emergency temporary standard (ETS) for employers with 100 or more employees. The withdrawal went into effect Wednesday. The agency also has filed a motion with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, asking the appeals court to dismiss the pending, consolidated legal challenges to the […]
Read More →EMA Votes No On Proposed NFPA Code That Would Restrict EV Charging Placement At Retail Gasoline Stations
January 31, 2022EMA submitted a “no” vote on a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Temporary Interim Standard (TIA) regulating the placement of EV charging stations at motor fuel dispensing stations. The setback requirements in the proposed standard are so restrictive that it could prevent the installation of EV chargers at most existing retail gasoline stations. The proposed […]
Read More →Biden Administration Moving Forward With Ban On Menthol Cigarettes
January 31, 2022After consideration beginning in April 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is moving forward with plans to ban menthol cigarettes. The FDA announced on January 28 that it would issue two proposed rules, one prohibiting menthol as a characterizing flavor in cigarettes and another prohibiting all characterizing flavors (including menthol) in cigars—by spring. The […]
Read More →Fuels Institute Examines Environmental Impact of EVs vs. ICEVs
January 31, 2022The Fuel Institute released a new report titled Life Cycle Analysis Comparison – Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles. The report provides an evaluation of the life-cycle costs and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), and battery electric vehicles (BEV). The GHG life cycle includes vehicle manufacturing, […]
Read More →Analysis Shows Carbon Reduction Cost Out Of Reach
January 31, 2022A new analysis from McKinsey & Co. estimates that the investment, in new infrastructure and systems, needed to meet international climate goals could be $9.2 trillion a year annually through 2050. That’s at least $3.5 trillion more a year than the world is currently laying out for both low-carbon and fossil-fuel infrastructure and changes in […]
Read More →Reminder: IRS Warns of Significant Claim Processing Delays In 2022
January 31, 2022The Internal Revenue Service is warning taxpayers to expect significant delays in the processing of tax returns during 2022 according to a new report to Congress by the IRS’s Taxpayer Advocate. The warning applies to all filings, including those related to federal motor fuel excise tax (FET) and biodiesel blender claims. Energy marketers have been […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories On Harrisburg/PA Politics Last Week
January 31, 2022Because In Politics Everything Is Connected To Everything Else– — 2022 Priorities — WITF: Republican Budget Chiefs Want PA’s Plethora Of Pandemic-Era Cash Used ‘Judiciously’ — Governor’s Budget Address Feb. 8 — PA’s Role In Assault On U.S. Capitol — AP: U.S. House Committee Investigating Assault On U.S. Capitol Subpoenas 2 Fake 2020 Republican Electors […]
Read More →Invitation To Participate On A PPA Committee In 2022
January 24, 2022PPA encourages you to participate in a committee this year. Your voice will help shape the direction of the association on important topics and initiatives. PPA Committees — Convention Committee: Assist the association in coordinating the various conferences that take place throughout the year as well as the annual membership meeting. The committee will provide […]
Read More →Commonwealth Developing EV Spending Plan For Federal Infrastructure Funding
January 24, 2022At the January 20 meeting of DEP’s Drive Electric Pennsylvania Coalition, a presentation was made by PennDOT regarding the plan being developed by the Commonwealth to distribute the several hundred million dollars coming to the state for electric vehicle infrastructure rebates pursuant to the recently enacted federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The priority of these grants […]
Read More →PA House Hosts Public Hearing To Consider Privatizing Pennsylvania Liquor Sales
January 24, 2022On January 24, the House Liquor Control Committee will conduct a public hearing on House Bill 2272 sponsored by Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny) that seeks to abolish the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Commission by amending the state constitution. If passed by the General Assembly in two separate legislative years, the question would then go on the […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Build Back Better-Lite?
January 24, 2022Lawmakers departed Washington Friday with a recess scheduled for this week and Democrats reeling from a lack of progress on voting rights and filibuster reform. As for the latest on the stalled Build Back Better (BBB) Act – Democrats’ $1.75 trillion climate change, tax, health care, and education package – President Biden said that Congress […]
Read More →FMCSA’s New Vision Standard Replaces Current CDL DRIVER Vision Exemption Program
January 24, 2022The FMCSA issued a final rule that allows certain CDL drivers with otherwise disqualifying visual acuity and field of vision conditions the chance to maintain their CDL medical qualification under a new alternative vision standard. Currently, drivers with visual acuity and field of vision deficiencies are prohibited from driving CMVs in interstate commerce unless they […]
Read More →Annual EPCRA TIER II Reports Due March 1st
January 24, 2022The Emergency Preparedness and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986 was created to help communities plan for chemical emergencies. EPCRA requires facilities to report each year on the storage, use and release of hazardous chemicals (including petroleum products) during the previous calendar year. Typically, Tier II reports are filed with the state or […]
Read More →Swipe Fees Still On Schedule To Rise In April
January 24, 2022On January 13, 2022 Visa and Mastercard reminded retailers that the plan that was originally set for 2020 but delayed because of the pandemic, will take place this April – an increase of 0.5 percent in retailer fees. Bloomberg estimates that when Visa and Mastercard increase their fees by 0.5 percent, expect the merchant fees […]
Read More →How To Order Your Free COVID Tests
January 24, 2022Remember to order your household’s 4 free Covid tests by going to: COVIDtests.gov – Free at-home COVID-19 tests. Tests will start shipping the week of January 24. To place an order, all you need is your name and residential address. No ID, credit card, or health insurance information is required. You may also share your […]
Read More →Bill Introduced In Congress To Electrify LIHEAP Funding
January 24, 2022Last week, Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) and Rep. Jammal Bowman (D-NY) introduced the “Heating and Cooling Relief Act,” which would increase LIHEAP funding to $40 billion per year through 2031 and expand eligibility from 150 percent of the poverty level to 250 percent. Unfortunately, the bill would allow states to use approximately one-third of LIHEAP […]
Read More →ExxonMobil Pledges To Meet Net-Zero Carbon Emissions By 2050
January 24, 2022On Tuesday, ExxonMobil announced its “ambition” to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions for operated assets by 2050, backed by a comprehensive approach to develop detailed emission-reduction roadmaps for major facilities and assets. Click Here to read the Reuters article. TAP HERE for all articles in January 24 EXPRESS Update
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories On Harrisburg/PA Politics Last Week
January 24, 2022Because In Politics Everything Is Connected To Everything Else– — 2022 Priorities — Gov. Wolf Highlights Strong Financial Position Of Commonwealth Going Into Next Budget [He forgot to thank Biden & Congress for billions in federal aid] — PA Cap-Star: Wolf Touts Multi-Billion State Surplus, But Projections Depict Gloomy Fiscal Future — TribLive: Wolf Joins […]
Read More →Gov. Wolf Vetoes Resolution That Would Keep PA Out Of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative; Republicans Call For Override
January 17, 2022On January 10, Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed and disapproved Senate Concurrent Regulatory Review Resolution 1, which would have disabled the Commonwealth’s opportunity to enter the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and effectively achieve climate goals and reduce carbon emissions. The concurrent resolution is also procedurally defective, as the General Assembly failed to adopt it within […]
Read More →U.S. Supreme Court Strikes Down OSHA Vaccine Or Test Rule
January 17, 2022On January 13, in a 6 to 3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Biden administration from enforcing the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) COVID 19 vaccine or test requirements. The ruling effectively kills the vaccine or test rule for private employers. The OSHA rule required workers at businesses with more than […]
Read More →IRS Warns Of Significant Claim Processing Delays; Marketers Urged To File Electronically To Minimize Refund Delays
January 17, 2022The Internal Revenue Service is warning taxpayers to expect significant delays in the processing of tax returns during 2022 according to a new report to Congress by the IRS’s Taxpayer Advocate. The warning applies to all filings including those related to federal motor fuel excise tax (FET) and biodiesel blender claims. Energy marketers have been […]
Read More →U.S. House Agriculture Committee Holds Hearing On Implications Of EVs On Rural America
January 17, 2022Last week, the U.S. House Agriculture Committee held a hearing discussing the implications of electric vehicle (EV) investments for rural America. Representatives from the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), Southern Company, General Motors (GM), Sheetz, and others participated. Lawmakers broadly argued that consumers – not government – should drive EV market incentives and noted the importance […]
Read More →FMCSA Releases Random Drug And Alcohol Testing Rates For 2022
January 17, 2022The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) last week announced calendar year 2022 minimum random drug and alcohol testing rates for CDL drivers and other hazardous material employees. The test rates are the minimum percentage of employees subject to U.S. DOT drug and alcohol requirements who must undergo a random test during the 2022 calendar […]
Read More →EMA Joins Other Industries In Comments Concerning The Drive Safe Pilot Program
January 17, 2022Last week EMA joined other organizations in a letter strongly supporting the apprenticeship pilot program contained in section 23022 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and urging the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) efforts to implement the program in a timely manner. However, we have concerns with requirements submitted by FMCSA to […]
Read More →U.S. Supreme Court Won’t Hear Appeal of Lower Court Decision Overturning Year-Round E15 Rule
January 17, 2022Last week the U.S. Supreme Court denied a request to hear an appeal brought by the ethanol industry to allow the year-round sale of E15 gasoline blends. The Court’s action effectively ends the long running fight by the ethanol industry to permit year-round sales of E15 absent an amendment to the language of the Clean […]
Read More →EMA To Congress, White House: Focus On Labor Shortages, Supply Chain Constraints Instead Of Hurting Americans With Tax Increases
January 17, 2022EMA joined other business trade groups in a letter urging Congress and the Administration to end efforts to pass the multi-trillion-dollar tax increase included in the Build Back Better (BBB) bill and focus instead on the challenges confronting American families and businesses today – rising prices, labor shortages, and ongoing supply chain constraints. $500 billion […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories On Harrisburg/PA Politics Last Week
January 17, 2022Because In Politics Everything Is Connected To Everything Else– — 2022 Priorities — TribLive Guest Essay: Final Year Will Focus On Issues That Matter Most – Gov. Wolf — MCall Guest Essay: How We Helped Stabilize PA’s Economy During Pandemic – Sen. Browne (R) — PA’s Role In Jan. 6 Assault On U.S. Capitol — […]
Read More →Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming PPA Events In 2022
January 10, 2022Save the date for 2022 PPA conferences and events. More details will be released in the upcoming months– — May 22-25: Eastern Energy Expo. Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT — June 13-14: PPA Summer Leadership Conference. ICONA Avalon, Avalon, NJ — October 11: PPA & Women In Energy Golf Outing. Hershey Country Club, Hershey — October […]
Read More →FMCSA Issues Regional HOS Waiver For Heating Fuel, Propane Drivers
January 10, 2022On January 7, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a regional driver hours of service (HOS) waiver for heating oil, propane and natural gas. According to the FMCSA, the emergency is in response to winter storms and high demand resulting in decreased availability of heating fuel, including propane, natural gas, and heating oil, […]
Read More →PPA’s Monthly Webinar Series Resumes In February
January 10, 2022PPA is excited to announce the return of our monthly webinar series! Here’s what’s on tap so far–. — February 1 – 9:00 a.m.: New FMCSA Requirements for CDL Entry-Level Drivers. This FMCSA change becomes effective February 7, 2022 and will impact all PPA members who transport fuel. — March 1 – 9:00 a.m.: Understanding […]
Read More →Automated Highway Work Zone Speed Enforcement Now Being Implemented
January 10, 2022PennDOT, the PA Turnpike and the State Police are now actively using an Automated Highway Work Zone Speed Enforcement Program in order to improve worker safety and driver behaviors in highway work areas. Since 2020, they have set up automatic equipment in selected work zones to photograph license plates of vehicles going in excess of […]
Read More →Annual OSHA Workplace Injury And Illness Posting Begins February 1st
January 9, 2022The 2021 posting cycle for OSHA’s workplace injury and illness reporting rule begins on February 1, 2022 and runs through April 30. The OSHA injury and illness recording and posting requirements apply to most establishments (workplaces) with more than 10 employees. However, there are exemptions from recordkeeping for certain establishments such as gasoline stations. OSHA […]
Read More →EMA Testifies Before EPA On Proposed Ethanol Blending Mandates For 2020, 2021, 2022
January 9, 2022Last week, EMA President Rob Underwood provided comments during an EPA public hearing regarding the proposed ethanol blending mandates for 2020-2022. Rob urged the EPA to fully consider the impact the RFS places on small business energy marketers when setting the upcoming annual RVOs for 2020, 2021 and 2022. “If ethanol volumes continue to rise […]
Read More →Reminder: OSHA COVID-19 ETS
January 9, 2022OSHA released a final emergency temporary standard (ETS) in November requiring employee COVID-19 vaccination or weekly testing at all employers with 100 or more employees. The ETS was stayed by a federal court last month which delayed the original December 5, 2021 compliance deadline. On Dec. 17, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals lifted […]
Read More →Capitol Hill Update: Build Back Better In A Bind
January 9, 2022The Senate made no progress on the Build Back Better Act (BBB) in the first week back in session following Senator Manchin’s (D-WV) announcement that he could not support the current plan. While Senator Manchin affirmed that he agreed with Democratic leaders and the White House on certain aspects of the bill, including much of […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories On Harrisburg/PA Politics Last Week
January 9, 2022— 2021 Year In Review — PennLive – Charles Thompson: 20 Pennsylvanians To Watch In 2022 — PA’s Role In Jan. 6 Assault On U.S. Capitol — Spotlight PA: Jan. 6 Assault On U.S. Capitol: A Complete Guide To What We Know About Pennsylvania’s Role — PA Cap-Star: Assault On U.S. Capitol Lays Bare PA […]
Read More →PA Petroleum Association 2021 Year In Review
January 3, 2022Click Here for a complete recap of advocacy and education activities. As the year comes to an end, we would like to express what an honor and privilege it is to represent the 400+ member companies who support our association. Your membership has a direct impact on our ability to advocate, educate, and inform on […]
Read More →PPA Welcomes Four New Members In December
January 3, 2022PPA would like to highlight the following new members joining the association in December. Active Members: Active Members are independent branded and non-branded petroleum marketers who sell gasoline, heating oil, diesel fuel, kerosene, and other petroleum products at both the wholesale and retail levels, including convenience stores. — N/A in December Retail Convenience Store Operator: […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories On Harrisburg/PA Politics Last Week
January 3, 2022— 2021 Year In Review — TribLive: Looking Ahead To 2022: Pandemic Continues, Campaigns Heat Up, New Pittsburgh Mayor And More — PA Cap-Star: Top 5 Stories Of 2021 – PA Republican Cong. Kelly Came Closer Than You Think To Stealing The Election For Former President — WHYY: The Top Destination For Biden During His […]
Read More →2022 – 2023 PPA Advertising Opportunities
December 27, 2021PPA has several exciting advertising opportunities for members in 2022-23– Membership Directory Please consider placing an advertisement in the 2022 – 2023 PPA membership directory. Our membership directory (both print and digital) is utilized by 400+ petroleum and energy professionals. Most of the individuals who receive the PPA membership directory are owners or key […]
Read More →FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Annual Reminder
December 27, 2021Here’s a quick update on the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse– Annual Queries – Are You Up-To-Date? Employers of CDL drivers must conduct a query in the Clearinghouse at least once per year for each CDL driver they employ (for more details on employer requirements, see 49 CFR?382.701). A limited query satisfies the annual […]
Read More →New York Governor Signs Low-Carbon Heating Fuel Law, Requires Heating Oil Contain 20% Biodiesel
December 27, 2021New York State took a major step forward on the path to net-zero emissions, when Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill phasing in a requirement for all heating oil sold in state to contain 20 percent biodiesel. Once fully implemented, the new law will reduce New York’s annual petroleum diesel consumption by approximately two hundred […]
Read More →EMA Urges FMCSA To Delay Entry Level Driver Training Requirements
December 27, 2021Thursday, EMA sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation to extend the compliance deadline for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) rule. The ELDT rule establishes new knowledge and behind the wheel testing for new applicants who wish to obtain a CDL license for the first time […]
Read More →OSHA Issues Emergency Standard Requiring Employee COVID-19 Vaccination Or Testing
December 27, 2021OSHA released a final emergency temporary standard (ETS) in November requiring employee COVID-19 vaccination or weekly testing at all employers with 100 or more employees. The ETS was stayed by a federal court last month which delayed the original December 5, 2021 compliance deadline. On Dec. 17, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals lifted […]
Read More →New Rule Allows DOE To Once Again Consider Increased Appliance Energy Efficiency
December 27, 2021The U.S. Department of Energy released a new rule on Tuesday that revokes a rule finalized during the Trump Administration. Essentially, the Trump rule barred the Department of Energy from using different techniques in appliance designs to increase efficiency, such as venting changes. As a result, DOE could not proceed with a rulemaking to increase […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Sen. Manchin Temporarily Derails Build Back Better Budget Bill
December 27, 2021In a move that surprised many in the Democratic party, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) said he could not support the current form of the Build Back Better Act (BBB) – President Biden’s partisan $1.75 trillion climate change, healthcare, and education package. The House passed the BBB in November on partisan lines, while the legislation […]
Read More →2022 Federal Motor Fuel Excise Tax Rates And Credits
December 27, 2021As a service, EMA published Federal motor fuel excise tax rates that include the 1/10th cpg non-refundable LUST tax imposed on both dyed and clear liquid fuel. There is no refund of the LUST tax. Tax exempt parties are required to pay the .001 cpg. Click Here for a table of 2022 Federal Motor […]
Read More →Biden Administration Finalizes Vehicle Fuel Economy Standards Rule
December 27, 2021On Monday, the Biden Administration released its final Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards (CAFE) to significantly tighten light truck and car fuel efficiency. The new efficiency standards will result in a 40-mpg requirement for light trucks and cars by 2026. By comparison, the Trump era CAFE standards required a 32-mpg efficiency requirement by 2026. Under […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories On Harrisburg/PA Politics Last Week
December 27, 2021— New Voting Districts – Senate, House — Inquirer: Reapportionment Chair Mark Nordenberg On Drawing New Voting Districts, Republican Attacks And What Comes Next — Spotlight PA: PA Redistricting Maps: Search How To See Your Old, New Voting Districts — AP: PA Secretary Of State Issues Warnings To Lawmakers Over Voting District Map Delays Affecting […]
Read More →PA House Passes Resolution To Block Final RGGI Regulation, But Wolf Plans Veto
December 20, 2021On December 15, the House voted 130-70 to adopt a concurrent resolution to block final regulations limiting carbon dioxide pollution from power plants consistent with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. However, the vote margin was not enough to achieve the two-thirds vote needed to override Gov. Wolf’s expected veto of the resolution. That […]
Read More →PA House Advances Version Of Energy Choice Bill
December 20, 2021The state House this past week advanced House Bill 1947 (O’Neal-R-Washington) that would preempt municipalities from enacting local ordinances that would regulate or prohibit energy use in their jurisdictions. The legislation, also known as the Ban the Ban bill, was introduced in the House by Representative Tim O’Neal (R-Washington) in October. Last week the bill […]
Read More →Co-Sponsorship Memo Released To Reform Beer Law For PA Convenience Stores
December 20, 2021PPA has been working on a legislative proposal that would give convenience store operators easier access to acquire licenses to sell beer. Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington) has drafted a bill that would create a C Store License category in the Liquor Code. This past week, he officially circulated a co-sponsorship memo to all members of […]
Read More →PA Legislation Introduced To Establish Legality Of Skill Games
December 20, 2021Earlier this month, Rep Jeff Wheeland (R-Lycoming ) introduced legislation that would establish in state law the legality of skill games. House Bill 2133 would create licensee and tax requirements for the operation of the games. Skill games currently have been operating in the state because of two county court decisions which held that skill […]
Read More →Biden Administration Initiates Plan To Relieve Nationwide CDL Driver Shortage
December 20, 2021The Biden Administration on Thursday announced a comprehensive plan to address the nationwide shortage of qualified CDL drivers. The Action Plan to Strengthen America’s Trucking Workforce takes several steps to speed up the CDL licensing process and recruit new drivers into the profession. The plan is part of a wider effort by the administration to […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Sen. Manchin No Vote On Build Back Better Budget, Biofuels Proposal Floated
December 20, 2021President Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) acknowledged last week that the Senate does not have the votes to approve the House-passed $1.75 trillion Build Back Better Act (BBB) before Christmas. Then, Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) told Fox News on Sunday morning that after five-and-half months of negotiations among Democrats in which he […]
Read More →Biden Administration Releases Plan To Build 500,000 EV Charging Stations
December 20, 2021On December 13, the Biden Administration released a federal strategy to build 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations across the country with the goal of bringing down the cost of electric vehicle ownership. The funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which sets aside $5 billion for states to build the charging stations and provides […]
Read More →Federal Highway Administration Prohibits Fee Paid EV Chargers At Rest Areas
December 20, 2021The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued guidance last week clarifying that fee paid EV charging stations cannot be located within the interstate right of way (ROW), including rest areas. This is good news for energy marketers who have long fought against commercialization of rest areas. Commercialized rest areas siphon customers away from local gas stations […]
Read More →California Board Outlines Timeline To Phase Out Gasoline Vehicle Sales By 2035
December 20, 2021On December 16, NACS reported the California Air Resources Board has outlined a timeline for phasing out gasoline vehicle sales by 2035. According to the plan, zero-emission would make up 34 percent of sales in 2027, 43 percent in 2028, 51 percent in 2029, 61 percent in 2030, 76 percent in 2031, 82 percent in […]
Read More →Life Cycle Carbon Emissions Of Electric vs. Combustion Vehicles
December 20, 2021The Fuels Institute has recently completed an analysis of the life cycle carbon emissions for electric and combustion vehicles. The “Life Cycle Analysis Comparison – Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles,” report, due to be released in January 2022, looks at the carbon emissions from each phase in the life cycle of battery electric vehicles […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg Last Week
December 20, 2021Here are the Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg last week– — New Voting Districts – Senate, House — PA Cap-Star: 2022 PA Incumbent Retirement And Primary Tracker — PA Cap-Star: Reapportionment Panel Approves New Senate, House Voting District Maps That Leaves Incumbents In The Lurch — TribLive Editorial: Republicans Shouldn’t Overreact To New Proposed Senate, […]
Read More →PPA Elects New Officers At December Board Of Directors Meeting
December 13, 2021The Pennsylvania Petroleum Association Board of Directors elected the following individuals to serve in the top leadership positions for the organization. The elections took place at the December 1, 2021 Board of Directors meeting held at the Hilton Harrisburg. The three (3) year officer terms will become effective on January 1, 2022 and expire on […]
Read More →Pennsylvania Oil Franchise Tax Set For 2022
December 13, 2021The Department of Revenue has published a notice in the December 11 PA Bulletin announcing the Oil Company Franchise Tax Rate for 2022. For comparison purposes, Click Here for the PA Bulletin notice announcing the Oil Company Franchise Tax Rate for 2021. Click Here to compare the rate in previous years. TAP HERE for all […]
Read More →EMA Summary Of 2022 Federal Motor Fuel Excise Tax Rates And Credits
December 13, 2021EMA put together a summary of Federal motor fuel excise tax rates that include the 1/10th cpg non-refundable LUST tax imposed on both dyed and clear liquid fuel. EMA noted there is no refund of the LUST tax. Tax exempt parties are required to pay the .001 cpg. Click Here to read the summary. TAP […]
Read More →PA Attorney General’s Office Approves RGGI Final Regulation, House Poised To Vote On Resolution To Block The Rule
December 13, 2021Last week the Office of Attorney General approved the final DEP regulation allowing Pennsylvania to participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to reduce carbon pollution from power plants, in spite of comments raising serious concerns about the regulation by Josh Shapiro. His Office said its review for “form and legality” prevents it from […]
Read More →USDA To Make $100 Million Available In New Funds For Biofuel Infrastructure Grants
December 13, 2021On Tuesday, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced USDA intends to make up to $100 million available in new funds for grants for biofuels infrastructure, such as blender pumps which ensure biofuels have greater availability in the retail market. The funding will provide grants to refueling and distribution facilities for cost of installation, […]
Read More →EPA Proposes To Slash Ethanol Blending Mandates For 2020 And 2021
December 13, 2021The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued proposed RFS annual blending mandates this week that significantly lower renewable fuel (ethanol) volumes for 2021. The EPA is proposing to set the 2021 renewable fuel blending mandate at 13.3 billion gallons. Also, in an unprecedented move, the agency is proposing to retroactively reduce the 2020 renewable fuel (ethanol) […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Vaccine Mandate Rejected; Debt Ceiling; Build Back Better Taxes
December 13, 2021Last week, the U.S. Senate passed a Congressional Review Act to formally disapprove of President Biden’s vaccine mandate on private employers. The vote was 52-48, with Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Jon Tester (D-MT) joining all 50 Senate Republicans. The Senate legislation is largely symbolic as it is highly unlikely to pass the House. The […]
Read More →Biofuel Proponents Seek To Exclude Refiners From Proposed Sustainable Aviation Fuel Credit
December 13, 2021Biofuel proponents and several fuel marketer groups want more information from Congress on a proposed tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel. In a letter Thursday, the groups asked Congressional leaders to exclude fuels made by co-processing biomass with petroleum at oil refineries from the Sustainable Aviation fuel Credit. The group argues that doing so would […]
Read More →Justice Department Urges Supreme Court To Deny Review Of Lower Court Decision Vacating E15 Rule
December 13, 2021The U.S. Department of Justice last week filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court urging the Court to deny a request by ethanol producers to review a decision by a lower federal court earlier this year vacating EPA rule allowing for the year-round sale of E15. The controversial EPA rule issued in 2019, extended […]
Read More →Edison Electric Institute (EEI) forms the National Electric Highway Coalition
December 13, 2021The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) is forming the National Electric Highway Coalition which currently consists of 51 investor-owned electric companies, one electric cooperative and the Tennessee Valley Authority. The coalition aims to provide electric vehicle (EV) fast charging ports along major U.S. travel corridors by the end of 2023. Click Here for the story. TAP […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg Last Week
December 13, 2021Here are the Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg last week– — Drawing New Voting Districts — NextPittsburgh: House Expected To Vote On Proposed PA Congressional Redistricting Map Monday — Spotlight PA: See How The Proposed PA Congressional Voting District Map Scores In Every Key Area — AP: Lawmakers To Take First Steps Toward New Congressional […]
Read More →PPA Welcomes Six New Members In November
December 6, 2021PPA would like to highlight the following new members joining the association in November. Active Members Active Members are independent branded and non-branded petroleum marketers who sell gasoline, heating oil, diesel fuel, kerosene, and other petroleum products at both the wholesale and retail levels, including convenience stores. — Button Oil Company (Mountain Top, PA) — […]
Read More →FMCSA Extends National Waiver for HOS, Medical Exams, Medical Certificates & Renewal of CDL Licenses
December 6, 2021The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is extending a number of expiring nationwide regulatory waivers authorized under the March 13, 2020 presidential declaration of national emergency and the January 31, 2020 public health emergency issued in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Several of the extended regulatory waivers are beneficial to energy marketers and […]
Read More →Congressional Update: No Govt. Shutdown For Now; New COVID Plan; FTC Investigation
December 6, 2021Thursday, Congress reached an agreement to continue government funding at fiscal year 2021 levels through February 18, 2022. No Senate Budget Action Meanwhile, the Senate has yet to focus in earnest on the House-passed Build Back Better Act (BBB) – President’s Biden’s $1.75 trillion tax-and-spend package covering the Administration’s priority issues including climate change, […]
Read More →Report: EPA Likely To Lower Corn Ethanol Mandate For 2020 And 2021
December 6, 2021According to Reuters, the U.S. EPA plans to publish its long awaited proposed Renewable Fuels Standard in a matter of days. The EPA is expected to reduce blending mandates for 2020 to 17.1 billion gallons and 18.6 billion gallons for 2021. The EPA delayed decisions on 2021 blending obligations by more than a year and […]
Read More →U.S. DOT Calls For Comments About New Charging, Fueling Infrastructure Programs
December 6, 2021The recently enacted Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests in the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure through a National Electric Vehicle Formula Program (EV Charging Program). The law provides funding to States to strategically deploy EV charging infrastructure and to establish an interconnected network to facilitate data collection, access, and reliability. Specifically, funds from the […]
Read More →Fuels Institute Releases The Diesel Fuel Sampling Study
December 6, 2021The Fuels Institute’s Diesel Fuel Quality Council released the final report on the Diesel Fuel Sampling Study. The study sampled diesel fuel from 190 nozzles and 134 tanks at 119 retail and 15 non-retail fueling facilities throughout the US. Samples were analyzed for a variety of parameters important to fuel quality. T he report provides […]
Read More →In Memoriam: Kenneth E. Jones, President Of Reed Oil Company
December 6, 2021PPA regrets to inform you of the passing of Kenneth E. Jones, President of the Reed Oil Company in New Castle, on November 2 at the age of 70. Ken proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era. The things that mattered the most to Ken […]
Read More →Husky Energy Offering Co-op/Internship Opportunities In Ohio & Wisconsin In 2022
December 6, 2021Columbus, Ohio-based Husky Energy announced the availability of co-op and internship opportunities in Ohio and Wisconsin for the Spring, Summer and Fall Semesters in 2022. The co-op/intern positions offer competitive wages, relocation assistance and the opportunity to work alongside industry leading professionals. Preference will be given to students in the third or fourth […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg Last Week
December 6, 2021Here are the Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg last week– — Drawing New Voting Districts — WHYY: PA Lawmakers Prepare For A Month Of Intense Redistricting Negotiations — TribLive/Inquirer: Wolf Will Use Computer-Drawn Maps And Other Tools To Help Spot PA Gerrymandering — PA Cap-Star: Advocates Want More Diverse General Assembly; But Making That A […]
Read More →PPA Launches Robert V. Boltz Scholarship Foundation For Technical Students!
November 29, 2021The Pennsylvania Petroleum Association is excited to introduce the Robert V. Boltz Scholarship Foundation! This newly established 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation was created to offer tuition assistance for individuals who will be enrolling into the PPATEC 10-week HVAC & Energy Professional Program. PPATEC plans to begin offering this gateway training program in July 2022 to encourage […]
Read More →SBA Offering Billions In COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loans Before December 31
November 29, 2021The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced updated guidance for COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program applicants to better serve small business owners in need, while funding remains available. The COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance programs still have billions of dollars available to help small businesses hard hit by […]
Read More →Important Information On Retail Engine Oil Labeling Change
November 29, 2021The 2022 edition of the National Conference on Weights and Measures’ Handbook 130 will include new requirements for inactive or obsolete engine oil service categories. The two key changes are as follows: The SAE J300 cautionary statement for obsolete American Petroleum Institute (API) service categories must appear on the front or forward-facing container label. It […]
Read More →White House Taps Strategic Petroleum Reserve in an Effort to Lower Fuel Prices at the Pump
November 29, 2021The White House said on Tuesday it would release millions of barrels of crude oil available from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to help reduce rising oil prices. The national average for a gallon of gas is $3.41, which is $1.29 more than it was a year ago. Under the plan, the United States […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Build Back Better Budget Work Continues; RFS Action
November 29, 2021On Friday, November 19, the House passed the Build Back Better Act – President Biden’s $1.75 trillion climate change, healthcare, and education package – by a vote of 220-213. The bill now moves to the Senate, which has an uncertain timetable. First, the Senate Parliamentarian will take meetings with Republican and Democratic Senators to review […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg Last Week
November 29, 2021Here are the Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg last week– — Flurry Of Constitutional Amendments — ABC27: Naked Power Grab? PA Republican-Controlled Legislature Increasingly Pushing Constitutional Amendments To Get Their Way — PA Cap-Star Guest Essay: PA Republicans Attack On Executive Power Is An Undemocratic Attack On Our System Of Democracy – By Patrick Beaty […]
Read More →PA Environmental Quality Board Approves Final Stage I & II Reg. Changes
November 22, 2021On November 16, the Environmental Quality Board voted to approve the final regulations making changes to Stage I and II volatile organic compound emission controls on underground gasoline storage tanks. The EQB voted 17-2 to approve the regulation. The representatives of the Republican Chairs of the Senate and House opposed the approval-later citing concerns regarding […]
Read More →Quebec Begins Phaseout Of Heating Oil Systems; 3 Voting Days Left In PA To Consider Energy Choice Bills
November 22, 2021The Montreal Gazette reported last week a regulation was adopted by the Provincial Government of Quebec banned heating oil systems in all new construction as of December 31 and the installation or replacement of a heating oil system will be banned as of December 31, 2023. Quebec believes the measures it announced on Wednesday will […]
Read More →Last Three Governors Abandon Regional Transportation & Climate Initiative
November 22, 2021Last week the last three states in the Regional Transportation & Climate Initiative– Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island– announced they were dropping out, leaving only the District of Columbia. In December 2020, Pennsylvania decided not to sign on to the TCI initiative. Read more here. The TCI was intended to reduce the climate […]
Read More →U.S. Dept. Of Human Services Releases $3.37 Billion In LIHEAP Grants; PA’s Share $182.8 Million
November 22, 2021The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) announced the release of nearly $3.37 billion of Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 regular block grant funding to Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) recipients. Pennsylvania’s share is $182.8 million. States may use LIHEAP funds to help low-income households pay for heating and cooling […]
Read More →U.S. House Passes Build Back Better Budget Plan; Changes Coming In Senate
November 22, 2021Friday morning, the U.S. House approved the $1.75 trillion Build Back Better Act (BBB), the second piece of President Biden’s legislative agenda that focuses on climate change, health care, education, and tax reform. Click Here to read an updated summary of provisions with changes from the original proposal highlighted. The House had planned to vote […]
Read More →President Asks FTC To Investigate Fuel Prices At The Pump
November 22, 2021Last Wednesday, President Biden asked the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate prices at the pump, suggesting illegal conduct by the oil industry is the cause of the recent price spike. To support his claim of “anti-consumer behavior by oil-and-gas companies,” the president said in his letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan that, “Usually, prices […]
Read More →Federal Court Orders OSHA To Suspend Enforcement Workplace Vaccinate/Test Mandate
November 22, 2021The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced last week it is suspending enforcement of its controversial COVID-19 vaccine mandate for private businesses. OSHA made the announcement after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit upheld an injunction preventing the rule from taking effect. In a written opinion, the […]
Read More →IRS Clarifies Timing, Allocation Of Forgiven PPP Loans
November 22, 2021The IRS released guidance last week clarifying when amounts excluded from gross income in connection with forgiven Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans are considered received or accrued for tax purposes and how partnerships should allocate such amounts– — Rev. Proc. 2021-48 said amounts excluded from gross income in connection with forgiven PPP loans can be […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg Last Week
November 22, 2021Here are the Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg last week– — AP: State Lawmakers, Officials, Judges Get Big Automatic Pay Raises In 2022 Inflation is driving up consumer prices and will drive a big salary increase for Pennsylvania state lawmakers, judges and top executive branch officials in 2022. For many of these positions, it’s the […]
Read More →PPATEC Announces 2022 Training Schedule – Register Now For Classes
November 15, 2021PPA is excited to announce the release of the 2022 PPATEC training schedule! The 2022 schedule currently features 75+ classes. Additional classes will be added in the upcoming months. Please visit the PPATEC website to view the schedule. TAP HERE for all articles in November 15 EXPRESS Update
Read More →PPA: Contact Your State Legislator To Support Energy Choice Legislation
November 15, 2021Earlier this year Senate Bill 275 was introduced by Senator Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) to prohibit municipalities from adopting ordinances that would restrict specific energy sources within their jurisdictions. The PPA initially consulted with Senator Yaw’s staff to confirm that the bill covers heating oil and propane. The PPA then submitted written testimony in May to […]
Read More →Gov. Wolf Highlights Anticipated Funding For PA Under Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan
November 15, 2021Gov. Tom Wolf shared an overview of enhancements Pennsylvania anticipates receiving through the passage of President Joe Biden’s bold, historic $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. “This comprehensive package will provide critical federal funding to Pennsylvania’s infrastructure, support economic growth throughout the Commonwealth, and provide stable, good-paying jobs for Pennsylvanians,” said Gov. Wolf. “Restoring […]
Read More →DEP Suspends Enforcement Of California Heavy-Duty Diesel Emissions Control Program; Federal Standards Will Still Apply
November 15, 2021The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the November 6 PA Bulletin it is suspending the enforcement of the California Heavy-Duty Diesel Emissions Control Program in Pennsylvania through July 31, 2023. The suspension means the federal standards for heavy-duty diesel vehicles and engines will apply in Pennsylvania. According to the PA Motor Truck Association, […]
Read More →PA House Committee Reports Out Resolution To Block Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Regulation
November 15, 2021On November 8, the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee voted along party-lines– Republicans supporting– to report out Senate Concurrent Resolution #1 disapproving of the final regulation limiting carbon emissions from power plants consistent with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. The resolution now goes to the full House for consideration and then, if passed, […]
Read More →DEP Sets Jan. 7 Deadline For Clean Diesel Grants Through Driving PA Forward Program
November 15, 2021The Department of Environmental Protection will be accepting applications for Clean Diesel Grants under the Driving PA Forward Program until January 7, 2022. (formal notice) The Department is seeking applications for projects that will replace or retrofit diesel-powered highway and nonroad fleet vehicles, engines and equipment. The majority of the vehicle or engine’s annual operation […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Biden’s Build Back Better Budget Proposal Next On Agenda
November 15, 2021On November 5, the House passed the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), by a vote of 228-208, sending the bill to the President’s desk. Meanwhile, Congressional Democrats and President Biden continue to navigate an uncertain future for the partisan Build Back Better (BBB) reconciliation bill. Thirteen Republicans voted […]
Read More →Federal Appeals Court Temporarily Stays OSHA’s Mandatory Vaccinations Rule
November 15, 2021The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has granted a stay of OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS), which was announced last Thursday, temporarily halting the requirement that employers with 100 or more employees implement policies mandating that workers be vaccinated against the coronavirus or provide documentation of a negative COVID-19 test at least […]
Read More →Flurry Of Legal, Other Actions Challenging Federal Vaccine Mandates
November 15, 2021At least seven states with State Plans are considering whether to challenge the Biden Administration’s ETS in court, despite the Biden Administration warning that State Plans that fail to comply could be revoked. This includes Alaska, Arizona, Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina, Utah, and Wyoming. Separately, numerous Republican state Attorneys General have filed lawsuits against the […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg Last Week
November 15, 2021Here are the Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg last week– — General Assembly Wants To Expand Powers Over Executive — House Speaker Cutler: People Have A Right To Restore Balance In Constitution — Spotlight PA: Republican House Speaker Wants To Greatly Expand Lawmakers’ Power Over Governor, Executive Branch — City & State: Republicans Unveil New […]
Read More →Congressional Update: U.S. House Sends $1 Trillion Infrastructure Bill To Biden’s Desk
November 8, 2021Late on November 5, the U.S. House voted to approve the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, sending it to President Biden for his approval. Pennsylvania’s Congressional Delegation voted along party lines on the legislation– Republicans opposing, except for Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick who voted in favor of the bill. Among other provisions, the […]
Read More →PPA Welcomes Five New Members In October
November 8, 2021PPA would like to highlight the following new members joining the Association in September. Active Members Active Members are independent branded and non-branded petroleum marketers who sell gasoline, heating oil, diesel fuel, kerosene, and other petroleum products at both the wholesale and retail levels, including convenience stores. None added in October Associate […]
Read More →PA Environmental Quality Board Meets Nov. 16 On Final Stage I & II Reg. Changes
November 8, 2021The Environmental Quality Board is scheduled to meet on November 16 to take action on the final regulations making changes to Stage I and II volatile organic compound emission controls on underground gasoline storage tanks. The regulation allows owners and operators of gasoline dispensing facilities (GDFs) to remove or decommission all Stage II vapor […]
Read More →Robert V. Boltz Scholarship Foundation Receives IRS Tax Exemption Status
November 8, 2021Earlier this year, the PPA established the Robert V. Boltz Scholarship Foundation. The newly created 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation was created to offer tuition assistance for individuals who will be enrolling into the PPATEC 10-week HVAC & Energy Professional Program. PPATEC plans to begin offering this gateway program in July 2022 to encourage more individuals to […]
Read More →OSHA Issues Emergency Standard Requiring Employee COVID-19 Vaccination or Undergo Weekly Testing
November 8, 2021Thursday, OSHA released a final emergency temporary standard (ETS) that mandates employers with 100 or more employees to require workers to be vaccinated for COVID-19 or produce evidence of a negative covid-19 test once per week. Employers are not responsible for the cost of vaccines or testing. Employers are required to provide up to 4 […]
Read More →Free Webinar Nov. 10: OSHA’s New Vaccine Or Test Rule: What Employers Need to Know
November 8, 2021The Energy Marketers of America (EMA) is inviting PPA members to this Small Business Legislative Counsel (SBLC) webinar Wednesday, November 10 starting at Noon EST. In this webinar, SBLC Strategic Policy Director and Paley Rothman employment law attorney Jessica Summers will discuss the new OSHA emergency rule requiring employers with 100 or more employees to […]
Read More →EMA Opposes Tax Hikes In Biden’s Build Back Better Plan
November 8, 2021Last week, EMA joined other associations in a letter urging Congress to oppose tax hikes on “Main Street businesses” that are in the Biden Administration’s Build Back Better Framework. The BBB would expand the 3.8 percent Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) to all pass-through business income; impose a new surtax of up to 8 percent […]
Read More →Congressional Republicans Release Climate Change Legislation
November 8, 2021Last week, Republican Senators Dan Sullivan (AK), Kevin Cramer (ND), and Cynthia Lummis (WY) — all representing major oil producing states released the “American Energy, Jobs, and Climate” plan, which aims to cut global emissions up to 40 percent from today’s levels by 2050. Click Here for the full announcement. TAP HERE for all […]
Read More →Recognizing October POMPAC Contributors
November 8, 2021The PPA Political Action Committee would like to recognize the following POMPAC contributions in October: POMPAC Monthly Supporters Scott Walton (Platinum), Quincy Longacre (Gold), Steve Oehlert (Gold), Ted Harris (Sliver), & Mark Smith (Bronze) PPA Fall Energy Conference & Golf Outing The PPA would like to recognize and thank all of […]
Read More →EMA Joins Coalition In Open Letter To Biden On Supply Chain
November 8, 2021EMA joined 100 other associations in a letter to President Biden on Supply Chain Solutions this week. The 5 solutions include support for the Drive Safe Act to allow younger, qualified drivers – between the ages of 18 and 20 – who satisfy rigorous safety, training, and technology requirements to operate in interstate commerce. We […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg Last Week
November 8, 2021Here are the Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg last week– — November 2 Election Results – Analysis — AP: 2021 Gives PA Republicans More Hope For Big 2022 Election — AP: Local Democrats Warn Party: Growing Republican Wave Is Real — ErieT: What This Year’s PA Election Results Mean For Critical 2022 Races — PA […]
Read More →PA Senate Passes Energy Choice Bill; House Companion Bill Moves Out Of Committee
November 1, 2021On October 27, the Senate passed The Energy Choice bill– Senate Bill 275 (Yaw-R-Lycoming)– by a vote of 35 -15. The bill, also known as the Ban the Ban bill, would preempt municipalities from adopting regulations that would prohibit or regulate energy sources within their jurisdictions. The bill is in response to reports of local […]
Read More →PA Senate Passes Resolution To Block Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Regulations; Now Goes To House
November 1, 2021On October 27, the Senate voted 32 to 18, just short of a veto-proof margin, to adopt a concurrent resolution to block final DEP regulations from going into effect setting limits on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants consistent with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. The resolution had been on the Senate Calendar since […]
Read More →Nacero To Build A Natural Gas – Renewable Natural Gas To Gasoline Production Plant in Luzerne County
November 1, 2021On October 29, Nacero Inc. announced plans to build a $6 billion manufacturing facility on the site of a former coal mine in Newport Township and Nanticoke, Luzerne County that will bring thousands of jobs and produce tens of thousands of barrels per day of low and zero lifecycle carbon footprint gasoline made from natural […]
Read More →Congressional Update – What’s In/Out Of Revised Biden Build Back Better Plan
November 1, 2021Last Week, Congressional Democrats moved closer towards passing President Joe Biden’s legislative agenda by announcing a $1.75 trillion domestic policy package focusing on climate change, healthcare, and tax reform. Notably, this new framework excludes several harmful provisions from the original proposal. The $1.75 trillion framework comes after extensive negotiations between progressive Democrats, Senators Joe Manchin […]
Read More →Coalition Formed To Strengthen Price Discrimination Law
November 1, 2021Yesterday, the National Grocers Association formed the Main Street Competition Coalition to promote competition by strengthening enforcement of the Robinson-Patman Act (“RPA”), the only federal price discrimination law to ensure a level playing field for the benefit of both businesses and consumers. Members of the MSCC include the Energy Marketers of America as well as […]
Read More →Bills Introduced In Congress To Study Biofuels vs Electricity
November 1, 2021In an effort to expand uses for biofuels, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) recently introduced the “Comparison of Sustainable Transportation (COST) Act” and the “Biojet Fuel Research Act.” These new proposals will explore ways the federal government could use biofuels to reduce transportation costs while lowering carbon emissions. “We should not be so quick to […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg Last Week
November 1, 2021Here are the Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg last week– November 2 Election– — Spotlight PA: Last-Minute Guide To Essential PA Voter Prep For 2021 General Election — PennLive – John Baer: Election Day Is Looming, What’s A Voter To Do? — PennLive Guest Essay: If You Care About The Future Of This Country, Vote […]
Read More →PPA Now Has Available Results From 2021 Field Employee Wage & Benefit Survey
October 25, 2021The results are now available for the fourth annual field employee wage & benefit survey. Thank you to all of the companies who participated this year. Click Here to see the results and survey results from the previous three years. TAP HERE for all articles in October 25 EXPRESS Update
Read More →PA Energy Choice Bill Reported Out Of PA Senate Committee
October 25, 2021The Energy Choice bill (SB 275) introduced by Senator Yaw (R-Lycoming) was reported from the Senate Local Government Committee last week. Also known as the Ban the Ban bill, the legislation would preempt municipalities from adopting regulations that would prohibit or regulate energy sources within their jurisdictions. The bill is in response to reports of […]
Read More →PA Now Accepting Applications For Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
October 25, 2021On October 18, Department of Human Services Acting Secretary Meg Snead joined Public Utility Commission Chair Gladys Brown Dutrieuille to announce the start of the annual Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application process for the 2021-22 season. LIHEAP is a federally funded program administered by DHS that provides assistance for home heating bills so […]
Read More →FMCSA PA Division Hosting Webinars On Entry Level Driving Training, Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse
October 25, 2021The FMCSA Pennsylvania Division will be hosting FREE educational seminars designed to help carriers familiarize themselves with important safety programs impacting the motor carrier industry. The webinars are scheduled to be held from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on these dates– — November 10: Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT). The Entry Level Driver Training requirements will […]
Read More →EMA Opposes Proposals To Transfer More Banking Data To The IRS
October 25, 2021Recently, EMA joined 100 other associations in a letter to Senate and House Leadership in opposition to any proposal that would require financial institutions to report to the IRS on transactions in business and personal accounts. Click Here to read the letter. The proposed new tax information reporting regime as described by the Department of […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Still Working On Budget; Infrastructure Bills
October 25, 2021As of October 22, negotiations continue between House Democrats, Senate Democrats, and the White House over how to pass the two most consequential portions of President Biden’s legislative agenda: (1) the bipartisan Senate-passed $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, and (2) a partisan reconciliation package containing a variety of Democratic climate change, tax, and healthcare priorities. Initially, […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg Last Week
October 25, 2021Here are the Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg last week– — November 2 Election — Inquirer: Republican National Committee Chair: ‘Freedom Will Win’ In PA Judicial Elections Next Month — Inquirer: PA Bar Assn. Criticizes TV Ad By Republican PA Supreme Court Candidate Kevin Brobson — Spotlight PA: Things To Know About Nov. 2 Election […]
Read More →PPA Elects Four New Directors at October 14 Annual Membership Meeting
October 18, 2021The PPA is excited to announce Jason Flohr (Edris Oil Service, Inc.), Mike Hinds (Hinds Energy), Tim Redshaw (Countywide Petroleum) and Tom Studebaker (Star Group, L.P.) have been elected to serve on the Board of Directors. Their three year terms will become effective January 1, 2022. Click Here to view a complete list of […]
Read More →DHS/PUC To Announce LIHEAP Opening October 18
October 18, 2021The Department of Human Services and the Public Utility Commission will announce the opening of Pennsylvania’s 2021-22 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program for applications on October 18. Among the changes for the new year– — Income eligibility guidelines have increased to $6,810 per person in a household– up $90 from last year– starting at $19,320 […]
Read More →DEP Proposes To Require 22% Of Passenger, Light Duty Vehicle Fleet Be Zero Emission
October 18, 2021On October 14, the Department of Environmental Protection presented a proposed regulation that would adopt California’s existing Zero Emission Vehicle Program that requires 22 percent of the new passenger and light duty vehicle fleets offered for sale in the state be zero emission vehicles starting in model year 2025. The 22 percent requirement equals […]
Read More →OSHA Vaccination/Testing Mandate Takes One Last Step Before Final Rulemaking
October 18, 2021Last week, OSHA formally submitted its “COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard Rulemaking” to the Office of Management and Budget for review. OMB will attempt to review the rule quickly to make it effective as soon as possible. How OSHA will enforce the mandate, which is estimated to cover over 80 million workers, is […]
Read More →EMA Urges Congress To Make Current Limit On Business Interest Deduction Permanent
October 18, 2021EMA joined other associations, representing thousands of businesses and workers throughout the country, in a letter to leadership of the tax writing committees in the House and Senate in strong opposition of the Small Business Tax Fairness Act (S.2387) and other recent proposals to change the 199A deduction. EMA has serious concerns that the proposed […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Budget Discussions Continue; Concessions On Energy?
October 18, 2021President Joe Biden and Congressional Democrats are continuing negotiations to trim their once-$3.5 trillion signature domestic policy package (the Build Back Better Act) to a topline figure between $1.5 and $2.3 trillion. Paring down topline spending means lawmakers will not need as many “pay-fors” to cover the cost of social programs (i.e., tax increases), though […]
Read More →Associations Urge FDA To Provide List Of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Products
October 18, 2021Thursday, NACS, SIGMA, NATSO, EMA and FMI asked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) to provide a list of electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) products for which the Agency has issued marketing denial orders (MDOs) in a letter on September 10. The groups argued that the MDO list […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg Last Week
October 18, 2021Here are the Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg last week– — WITF: Communities Of Color Want To Be ‘Stewards,’ Not ‘Victims’ Of PA Redistricting Plans Touting census data that shows a strong uptick in Pennsylvania’s non-White population, representatives from some of Pennsylvania’s communities of color say new political boundaries should give them a chance for […]
Read More →PPA Fall Energy Conference & Annual Meeting Taking Place This Week!
October 11, 2021Thank you to all of the members and industry stakeholders who pre-registered for the upcoming PPA Fall Energy Conference & Annual Meeting at Omni Bedford Springs Resort October 13 & 14. Conference registration is currently closed for the in-person conference due to a significant increase in 2021 attendance and limitations in venue capacity. The finalized […]
Read More →PPA Hosting State Rep. O’Neal To Review Expansion Of C-Store Beer Licensing
October 11, 2021As the result of many conversations with many PPA members, the Association has been engaged in crafting a legislative proposal that would address the inherent unfairness to smaller convenience store operators in the current beer licensing system in Pennsylvania. The existing requirement of a prospective facility license to have thirty seats in place for customers […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Infrastructure, Federal Budget Bills Still Center Of Attention
October 11, 2021Congress continues to wrestle with ways to pass three major legislative items: (1) the bipartisan Senate-passed $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act); (2) a partisan reconciliation measure totaling roughly $3.5 trillion; and (3) increasing the debt ceiling before October 18. Last week, the Senate reached a tentative solution to the debt ceiling […]
Read More →EPA Approves Temporary DEF Sensor Bypass Patch Due To Microchip Shortage
October 11, 2021The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency together with engine manufacturers have come to an agreement on a software bypass patch that will prevent heavy duty diesel engines from shutting down automatically due to faulty DEF fluid sensors. The software bypass is needed due to the current COVID induced worldwide shortage of microchips needed to manufacture DEF […]
Read More →FMCSA Rule Requires States To Identify And Suspend CDL Drivers With Outstanding Drug And Alcohol Violations
October 11, 2021The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a final rule last week that will make it easier for CDL drivers to be pulled out of service by state traffic enforcement officers and lose driving privileges. The rule is important to energy marketers because it means employers must be diligent about regularly checking driver drug […]
Read More →Ethanol Group Asks U.S. Supreme Court To Allow Year-Round Sale Of E15
October 11, 2021Growth Energy has filed an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, asking the Court to review a D.C. Circuit opinion (American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, et al. vs. EPA) in which the D.C. Circuit overturned a 2019 Trump era rule allowing year-round sales of E15. The federal Clean Air Act prohibits the summertime sale of […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg Last Week
October 11, 2021Here are the Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg last week– — PennLive Guest Essay: Redraw PA’s Congressional Voting Districts For Residents, Not Politicians – T.J. Rooney (D) & Alan Novak (R) In every campaign, there are political winners and losers. We should know. As former chairmen of the state’s Republican and Democratic parties, we’ve been […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Infrastructure Bill, Budget Package
October 4, 2021Negotiations continue among Congressional Democrats over how to pass the two most significant portions of President Biden’s legislative agenda: (1) the bipartisan Senate-passed $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, and (2) a partisan budget reconciliation package, in excess of $3.5 trillion. Over the weekend, Democratic leaders and President Biden delayed votes on both the infrastructure and […]
Read More →PPA Welcomes Six New Members In September
October 4, 2021PPA would like to highlight the following new members joining the association in September. Active Members Active Members are independent branded and non-branded petroleum marketers who sell gasoline, heating oil, diesel fuel, kerosene, and other petroleum products at both the wholesale and retail levels, including convenience stores. — ECI Comfort (Langhorne, PA) Associate Members Associate […]
Read More →Groups Ask OSHA For Answers About New Vaccine Mandate
October 4, 2021Last week, EMA joined NACS, NATSO and SIGMA in a letter to OSHA Acting Assistant Secretary Jim Frederick concerning questions in response to President Biden’s executive order (EO) directing businesses with more than 100 employees to either require workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or produce a negative COVID-19 test weekly. The Emergency Temporary Standard […]
Read More →U.S. House Judiciary Committee Legalizes Marijuana
October 4, 2021The House Judiciary marked-up and approved H.R. 3617, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act of 2021. Last Congress, the House passed similar legislation in a bipartisan manner, however, the Senate did not consider the legislation. The MORE Act would make three major changes to federal law. It would: –Remove marijuana, or cannabis, from […]
Read More →EMA Urges EPA To Lower Corn Ethanol Mandate
October 4, 2021This week, EMA sent another letter to the EPA requesting urgent action to reduce the corn ethanol mandate. The Administration is under significant pressure to provide relief from labor union leaders and Senators from his home state of Delaware. The EPA is currently considering whether to lower RFS blending obligations. EMA fully believes in renewable […]
Read More →EMA Joins Coalition In Letter To Senate Members On Data Privacy Legislation
October 4, 2021Last week, EMA joined 18 national trade group members of the Main Street Privacy Coalition in sending a letter to Chair Cantwell and Ranking Member Wicker with our views on federal data privacy legislation in connection with the Senate Commerce Committee hearing on “Protecting Consumer Privacy.” Click Here to read the letter. TAP HERE for […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg Last Week
October 4, 2021Here are the Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg last week– — WESA: PA Legislative Reapportionment Chair Says Process Has Been Transparent, Cites Hearings, Comments Mark Nordenberg, chair of the legislative reapportionment commission, explains how the group tasked with drawing state House and Senate districts is trying to maintain a transparent process while also operating on […]
Read More →PPATEC In The News!
September 27, 2021The Pennsylvania Petroleum Association Technical Education Center (PPATEC) continues to receive recognition for ongoing training initiatives. Below is a summary of recent articles in the past three months. Learn more about PPATEC by clicking here. — September 21, 2021: LP GAS Magazine – Pennsylvania association launches training facility, program — September 2, 2021: Central Penn […]
Read More →More Details Available About LIHEAP Opening October 18 For Applications
September 27, 2021Pennsylvania’s 2021-22 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program will begin accepting applications on October 18, according to the Department of Human Services. Among the changes for the new year– — Income eligibility guidelines have increased to $6,810 per person in a household– up $90 from last year– starting at $19,320 for the initial person– Up $180 […]
Read More →Reminder: Please Participate In The 2021 PPA Employee Wage & Benefit Survey
September 27, 2021PPA is asking you to participate in our annual wage and benefit survey to provide better metrics for our industry. The deadline to take the survey is September 30. CDL drivers and HVAC technicians are some of the most valuable employees within your organization and this survey helps provide an important benchmark for wages and […]
Read More →Gov. Wolf Releases 2021 PA Climate Action Plan, Calls For Action Now On Climate Change
September 27, 2021On September 22, Gov. Tom Wolf announced the Pennsylvania Climate Action Plan 2021 and called for statewide action on climate change by all sectors: legislative, government, industry, business, agriculture, and community organizations. “As thousands of Pennsylvanians try to recover from historic flooding and tornadoes related to the remnants of Ida this month, the message is […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Infrastructure, Budget Bills, Government Shutdown?
September 27, 2021U.S. House and Senate Democrats continue negotiating a way forward for the $1 trillion bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and a partisan $3.5 trillion reconciliation package. On Saturday, September 25, the House Budget Committee will combine the House committees’ individual portions of the reconciliation package – including the tax provisions – into one […]
Read More →EPA Set To Adopt Significant Cuts In Annual RFS Ethanol Blending Mandates
September 27, 2021According to Reuters news wire service, the Biden administration is set to move forward with significant cuts to the annual blending mandates under the RFS. If true, it would mark a significant victory for EMA and the energy marketers it represents. According to documents obtained by Reuters, the Environmental Protection Agency will reduce blending mandates […]
Read More →IRS Reminds Businesses To Correctly Identify Workers As Employees Or Independent Contractors
September 27, 2021The Internal Revenue Service issued a reminder to business owners of the importance of correctly determining whether individuals providing services are employees or independent contractors. According to IRS an employee is generally considered to be anyone who performs services, if the business can control what will be done and how it will be done. What […]
Read More →EMA Opposes Proposals To Transfer More Banking Data To The IRS
September 27, 2021Under pressure from U.S. House moderates, President Joe Biden’s plan to require financial institutions to report account flows to the IRS in a bid to improve tax compliance will likely be set at a threshold higher than the $600 proposed. Some estimates are focused on raising the threshold to $10,000. Recently, EMA joined 42 other […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg Last Week
September 27, 2021Here are the Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg last week– — AG Shapiro: Sues Senate Republicans Over Plan To Subpoena Voters’ Private Data Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced his Office has filed a lawsuit against Pennsylvania state senators Chris Dush and Jake Corman as well as the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee for their efforts to […]
Read More →Congressional Update: House Works On Burdensome Biden Budget Package
September 20, 2021Last week, all U.S. House Committees of jurisdiction advanced their portions of the Build Back Better Act– the Democratic-led budget reconciliation package. The House Ways and Means Committee approved a host of significant tax increases to pay for the package, which as of now would cost in excess of $3 trillion. The burdensome legislation takes […]
Read More →PA Senate & House Committees Pass Resolution Against RGGI
September 20, 2021Last week, the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee reported out a concurrent resolution that would stop the adoption of the final regulation that would have Pennsylvania join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). On September 2, the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee reported out a similar concurrent resolution. The regulation, which would […]
Read More →EPA Approves Software Patch To Bypass Faulty DEF Sensors That Shutdown Diesel Engines
September 20, 2021The EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) are working with diesel engine and vehicle manufacturers to address the growing number of reported diesel exhaust sensor failures that have left thousands of diesel engines temporarily inoperable. The sensor monitors the quality of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) used in the engine. When the device senses too […]
Read More →Drug And Alcohol Clearinghouse Registration For Student Drivers
September 20, 2021The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has updated the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse registration process to clarify how student drivers with a commercial driver’s license or commercial learner’s permit will register. Student drivers who are employed by a motor carrier must register as a driver (download instructions). Student drivers in a training program that is […]
Read More →EMA, Other Groups Request Swift Release Of ENDS Nicotine Products List With Marketing Denial Orders
September 20, 2021On September 10, EMA joined FMI (the Food Industry Association), NACS, NATSO and SIGMA in a letter to Janet Woodcock, M.D. Acting Commissioner of Food and Drugs, U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and Mitchell Zeller, JD, Director of the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP), FDA, urging swift announcement of the list of electronic nicotine […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg Last Week
September 20, 2021Here are the Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg last week– — WHYY: Wolf Creates New Redistricting Oversight Panel Ahead Of Fraught Map-Drawing Process Pennsylvania’s governor issued an executive order Monday creating a new panel of experts to advise him on passing a new congressional map next year. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, says he’s trying to […]
Read More →U.S. Energy Information Administration Starts State Heating Oil & Propane Price Survey In October
September 13, 2021The U.S. Energy Information Administration will start its weekly State Heating Oil and Propane Price Survey (SHOPP) the first week of October and end it the first week in April. A list of respondents is assembled by EIA and respondents are contacted initially by letter during the summer explaining the survey. If you are part […]
Read More →Hotel Deadline Approaching – PPA Fall Energy Conference & Annual Meeting
September 13, 2021September 20 is the deadline to register for the hotel to attend the October 13-14 PPA Fall Energy Conference at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort. To get special rates, call 1-800-THE-OMNI and use the Group Code: PA Petroleum Association or Click Here to register for a room online. The two-day conference will also feature […]
Read More →State Legislative Session Resumes September 20
September 13, 2021The state Senate and House will reconvene session on September 20 after breaking for summer recess. The following are bills are legislation PPA will be particularly engaged in the fall session– — SB 435 (Mensch): The bill would require electric utilities to submit plans to buildout the electric vehicle (EV) charging networks allowing them to […]
Read More →PPA Welcomes Seven New Members In August
September 13, 2021PPA would like to highlight the following new members joining the association in August. Active Members Active Members are independent branded and non-branded petroleum marketers who sell gasoline, heating oil, diesel fuel, kerosene, and other petroleum products at both the wholesale and retail levels, including convenience stores. — Kratzer Oil Company (Subury, PA) — Seth […]
Read More →New Federal COVID-19 Program Places Additional Regulatory Burdens On Small Businesses
September 13, 2021On Friday, President Biden announced a multi-pronged program to fight the spread of the COVID-19 delta variant. The program will require mask and testing requirements for certain public and private employers, mandatory paid time off for testing and vaccination, additional funding for the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and streamlining the Paycheck Protection […]
Read More →LIHEAP Introduces Clean & Tune Pilot Program For Heating Systems
September 13, 2021Over the past few years, subgrantees and members of the LIHEAP Advisory Committee (the PPA holds and appointed member seat on this committee) have suggested that a clean and tune program for LIHEAP Crisis clients would be helpful to help clients maintain their new or repaired heating systems and decrease the number of return customers. […]
Read More →U.S. House Committee Proposes $1 Billion To Support Higher Biofuel Blends Infrastructure
September 13, 2021The U.S. House Agriculture Committee proposed a $1 billion USDA program to push E10 and B20 plus blends into the motor and heating fuels market which Congressional Democrats hope to include in a $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation package. It is double the amount lawmakers proposed earlier this year. The USDA program is expected to offer […]
Read More →EMA Urges U.S. House Tax Committee To Continue Stepped-Up Basis
September 13, 2021Last week, EMA joined other members of the Family Business Estate Tax Coalition in a letter to Ways and Means Committee Chairman Neal and Ranking Member Brady to state our unequivocal support for the continuation of stepped-up basis. Stepped-up basis prevents family-owned businesses and farms from being hit with two significant and damaging tax bills […]
Read More →Congressional Update: $3.5 Trillion Budget; Debt Ceiling; EVs; Tax Changes
September 13, 2021U.S. House Committees continue to markup their respective portions of the Build Back Better Act, the $3.5 trillion reconciliation package that includes Democratic priorities not included in the Senate-passed infrastructure bill. Clean Electricity/Electric Vehicles The House Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee released details about its planned portion of the bill, which will invest $150 […]
Read More →EPA Issues New Guidance On Protection & Recovery for USTs, ASTs Subject To Wildfire Threat
September 13, 2021The EPA’s Office of Underground Storage Tanks (OUST) has just released a new guidance document to help prepare and protect both UST and AST systems from wildfires. OUST is releasing the guide in response to the escalating number of wildfires occurring now and expected in the future that threaten thousands of UST and AST facilities […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg Last Week
September 13, 2021Here are the Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg last week– — PA Cap-Star: PA Grapples With Competing Redistricting Priorities: ‘It’s A Rubik’s Cube’ Pennsylvania politicians must redraw 17 congressional districts, and 253 legislative seats by the end of the coming fall to match population shifts. But differing priorities, from as simple a goal as compact […]
Read More →PPA Fall Energy Conference Seminar Schedule Now Available
September 7, 2021The seminar schedule for the October 13-14 PPA Fall Energy Conference at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort is now available. The seminars include– October 13– — Conference Golf Outing — Leadership 2021: 5 Winning Strategies To Thrive In The Post-COVID Era — PPA Committee meetings: Next Generation, Propane, Motor Fuel & Convenience Store, Heating Fuels […]
Read More →Please Participate In The 2021 PPA Employee Wage & Benefit Survey
September 7, 2021PPA is asking you to participate in our annual wage and benefit survey to provide better metrics for our industry. CDL drivers and HVAC technicians are some of the most valuable employees within your organization and this survey helps provide an important benchmark for wages and benefits. Survey responses are anonymous and limited to one […]
Read More →Final RGGI Regulation Covering Power Plants OK’d By IRRC; House Committee Starts Process To Block Them
September 7, 2021On September 1, the Independent Regulatory Review Commission voted 3 to 2 to approve the final Environmental Quality Board regulation to reduce carbon emissions from power plants. The Commission acted after hearing comments on the regulation for over four hours of comments from those supporting and opposing the regulation. The IRRC approval order […]
Read More →Nominate A Future PPA Board Member – Including Yourself!
September 7, 2021The PA Petroleum Association is seeking four (4) new Directors to serve on the Board of Directors. The three year Director term begins on January 1, 2022. If you are interested in nominating someone– including yourself– please notify the PPA prior to September 15. Click Here to make a nomination online. The election of new […]
Read More →Save The Date: PA To Open LIHEAP Heating Assistance Program Early This Year
September 7, 2021PPA has learned the Department of Human Services will open the Low Income Energy Assistance Program for applications on October 18, about two week earlier than usual. Although the details are not yet available, PPA understands there may be an increase in cash and crisis grant amounts for this year. PPA will let […]
Read More →FMCSA Issues Amendment & Extension To Emergency Declaration
September 7, 2021On August 31, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued an extension and an amendment of its emergency declaration under 49 CFR Section 390.25 effective in all fifty states and the District of Columbia. The amendment now covers the transportation of certain fuels which was removed from previous waivers. “The extension and amendment of Emergency […]
Read More →Congressional Update: $3.5 Trillion Federal Budget Proposal Grinds On
September 7, 2021With members instructed by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) respectively to release their portions of the proposed $3.5 trillion reconciliation package by September 15, House and Senate Committees are actively working to prepare draft text in advance of committee consideration. Among these, the House Ways and […]
Read More →FTC To Ramp Up Focus On Gas Station Acquisitions
September 7, 2021As part of the Biden Administration’s efforts to stem the recent increase in retail gasoline prices, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has indicated an intent to increase its scrutiny of mergers and acquisitions in the petroleum industry. The FTC’s Chairperson, Lina Kahn, stated that the FTC is interested in determining whether large national chain retailers […]
Read More →FDA Denies Marketing Applications for 55,000 Flavored E-Cigarette Products
September 7, 2021The FDA issued the first marketing denial orders (MDOs) for electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) products for about 55,000 flavored ENDS products from three applicants. The products from JD Nova Group LLC, Great American Vapes, and Vapor Salon are non-tobacco-flavored ENDS and they include flavors such as Apple Crumble, Dr. Cola and Cinnamon Toast Cereal. […]
Read More →Reminder: Free Commercial Routing App Available To Marketers
September 7, 2021Last year, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL) launched an exemplary new Commercial Routing Assistance (CRA) app, which DHS funded and INL developed in partnership with EMA through the All Hazards Consortium’s working group, and other industry and government operational professionals. This free app […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 12 Stories From Harrisburg Last Week
September 7, 2021Here are the Top 12 Stories From Harrisburg last week — — WITF: House Lawmakers Get An Earful On How To Redraw PA’s Congressional Maps: ‘Do No Harm’ House lawmakers of the chamber’s powerful State Government committee are starting to get ideas and input on their once-in-a-decade task of redrawing Pennsylvania’s congressional districts. In an […]
Read More →PPA Hosts Ribbon Cutting Event To Celebrate Expanded Technical Training Facility
August 30, 2021The Pennsylvania Petroleum Association held a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 26 to celebrate an expanded facility, a new 10-week training program, and a new scholarship named for a long-time industry leader, Robert V. Boltz. The ceremony drew over 60 attendees including a visit from state Senator Scott Martin, Chairman of the Senate Education Committee. […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Federal Budget Resolution Passes Clearing Way For Infrastructure Bill
August 30, 2021Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives returned from recess to pass the Senate’s budget resolution, which formally unlocks the reconciliation process that will allow Congressional Democrats to pass a domestic spending package without Republican votes. The vote on the resolution was held up due to disagreements with several moderate House Democrats who had threatened […]
Read More →EPA Expected To Seek Reduction In 2021 RFS Blending Mandates To Below 2020 Levels
August 30, 2021The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is expected to recommend to the White House a reduction in 2021 federal renewable fuel blending mandates to below levels approved for 2020. The EPA also is expected to make a separate recommendation to increase blending mandates for 2022 above the previous two years. Annual blending mandates are determined in […]
Read More →USDA Awards $26 Million for Higher Blend Renewable Fuel Infrastructure
August 30, 2021The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced it is providing $26 million to build the infrastructure to expand the availability of higher blend renewable fuels at retail sites across the nation. The funding, made through the Higher Blend Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP), is designed to help transportation fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities offer higher ethanol […]
Read More →U.S. House Bill Seeks To Increase Demand For Biofuels
August 30, 2021Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL), along with five other Democrats and Republicans, recently introduced a bill known as the “Next Generation Fuels Act” that seeks to establish a minimum 98 Research Octane Number (RON) standard for gasoline and require sources of additional octane resulting in at least 30 percent fewer GHG emissions than unblended gasoline. The […]
Read More →Fuels Institute’s Diesel Fuel Quality Council Releases Best Practices Document
August 30, 2021The Fuels Institute’s Diesel Fuel Quality Council (DFQC) released its second-best practices document related to the handling of diesel fuel. “Diesel Fuel Loading and Delivery: Industry Practices to Minimize Degradation and Improve Fuel Quality” is a seventeen-page document that provides recommended practices for the loading of diesel fuel onto a tanker at a terminal and […]
Read More →Biden Administration Targets Excessive Swipe Fees
August 30, 2021Recently, the U.S. Justice Department’s Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) endorsed a May proposal by the Federal Reserve to strengthen the 2011 debit card interchange fee rules (Regulation II) to reign in the rapidly growing “card-not-present” (CNP) transactions such as online shopping, automatic bill payments and new payment methods such as Apple […]
Read More →BGOV Report: EV Infrastructure Push Brings Cyber Concerns
August 30, 2021Cyber security experts are concerned that a rush to push EV infrastructure could lead to unintended consequences as EV charging stations are potentially vulnerable to hacking. Click Here to read a Bloomberg Government report as EV charging stations face heightened security concerns as the Biden Administration pushes electrification on American motorists. TAP HERE for all […]
Read More →New Federal Government Website Opened To Help Mitigate Ransomware Risks
August 30, 2021StopRansomware.gov is the new ransomware homepage for federal government agencies to pool resources that can give businesses and organizations of all sizes the opportunity to better protect their networks. The website will also highlight the latest ransomware-related alerts from these agencies. Ransomware cases are on the rise. In 2020 there was a 300 percent increase […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg Last Week
August 30, 2021Here are the Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg last week– 1. Spotlight PA: In Major Shift, PA Reapportionment Panel Votes To Count Incarcerated People In Home Districts, Not State Prisons Thousands of people incarcerated in state prisons will be counted in their home communities rather than in corrections facilities when Pennsylvania redraws its legislative maps, […]
Read More →PPA Fall Energy Conference & Annual Meeting Hotel Cut-Off Date Is Sept. 20
August 23, 2021The hotel cut-off date for the 2021 PPA Fall Energy Conference & Annual Meeting is September 20, so act now and make your reservations. Call 1-800-THE-OMNI or Click Here to make reservations at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort using Group Code: PA Petroleum Association. The 2021 PPA Fall Energy Conference & Annual Meeting will take […]
Read More →PA Senate Committee Urges IRRC Disapproval Of Final RGGI Regulation
August 23, 2021On August 18, Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), approved sending a letter urging the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) to disapprove the “CO2 Budget Trading Program,” proposed regulation – #7-559 (IRRC #3274). The vote was 7 to 4, Republicans supporting the letter. The IRRC is scheduled to […]
Read More →Fuels Institute Releases Best Practices For EV Charging Infrastructure
August 23, 2021Fuels Institute’s Electric Vehicle Council released a Best Practice Guide for Installing and Operating Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure last week. The report provides a discussion of questions and issues that sites can expect to encounter when evaluating and installing public EV charging points at a site. The discussion is grouped into three categories: 1) […]
Read More →New OSHA Guidance On Unvaccinated Employees And Ways To Protect All Employees
August 23, 2021The CDC recently updated recommendations for fully vaccinated people to reduce their risk of becoming infected with the Delta variant and potentially spreading it to others by: — Wearing a mask in public indoor settings in areas of high transmission; — Choosing to wear a mask regardless of level of transmission, particularly if individuals are […]
Read More →Biofuel Producers Challenge Federal Court Decision Blocking Summertime E15 Sales
August 23, 2021The Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy and the National Corn Growers Association filed a legal petition in the D.C. Court of Appeals requesting a full nine judge panel review of the Court’s recent decision that blocks the sale of gasoline with 15 percent ethanol during summer months. That decision was handed down by a panel […]
Read More →Supply Chain Panel OKs Recommendation For Multi-Agency Effort To Address Driver Shortage
August 23, 2021Last week, the International Trade Administration’s Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness, voted to recommend the U.S. Department of Commerce lead a multi-agency effort to immediately address the truck driver shortage. ACSCC Workforce Development Subcommittee Chair Anne Strauss-Wieder told the panel that “our recommendation focuses on the driver shortage. We had a shortage prior to […]
Read More →EMA Regulatory Reminder On Driver Hours Of Service Requirements
August 23, 2021EMA has been asked to provide a review of the FMCSA’s CDL Drivers Hours of Service (HOS), including record of duty logs and the short haul exception to the HOS requirements. EMA recently was able to expand hour and distance limitations of short haul exception from 100 air-mile radius and 12 hours maximum on duty […]
Read More →Attending The NACS Show? Use EMA Registration Code
August 23, 2021The NACS Show education sessions, designed by retailers for retailers, can help teams grow and excel in the constantly evolving convenience store industry. With more than 45 education sessions to choose from, the learning possibilities are limitless. From embracing new technology to enhancing the customer experience, there’s an opportunity for every convenience role and pain […]
Read More →Mastercard To Begin Eliminating The Magnetic Stripe In 2024
August 23, 2021Magnetic stripe credit cards have been around since 1960, but now Mastercard plans to be the first to stop using the stripe for credit and debit cards. Beginning in 2024, new cards will not be required to have the magnetic stripe, and by 2033, Mastercard says the technology will be removed from all cards. Chips […]
Read More →Learn How To Retrofit Your Pumps For EMV During Free Aug. 26 Webinar
August 23, 2021Freedom Electronics and Sound Payments will host a webinar August 26 starting at 2:00 p.m. on retrofitting your pumps cost-effectively for EMV. The webinar will start off about the importance of EMV compliance and then talk about all the different options. Freedom will then speak on their specific kit and show field/installation examples and images. […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg Last Week
August 23, 2021Here are the Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg last week– 1. MCall: PA Redistricting Experts Demand Better Map-Drawing Process; Partisan Interest Shouldn’t Define It Carol Kuniholm, an expert on how the state’s elected leaders have drawn heavily criticized political maps, says the latest map-drawing process is off to a fair start — but the final […]
Read More →U.S. Capitol Hill Update: U.S. Senate Passes Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill; Moves Budget Resolution
August 16, 2021Last week, the U.S. Senate passed the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, by a vote of 69-30, with several senior Republican Senators voting in favor – notably Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). The bill was a product of bipartisan negotiations between ten Senators, and includes historic spending on […]
Read More →PPA Publishes Addendum to 2021-2022 Membership Directory
August 16, 2021The PPA recently published an addendum to outline a few membership corrections to the 2021-2022 PPA Membership Directory. The one page addendum can be found here. Any additional changes will be updated quarterly in the online directory. To view the updated digital PPA membership directory please click here. If you have any updates/corrections to […]
Read More →New Drug & Alcohol Testing Custody And Control Form Must Be Used Beginning August 30
August 16, 2021Last year, the Office of Management and Budget approved a new Department of Health and Human Services Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form. The form must be used by employers performing drug and alcohol testing for CDL drivers. In order to allow for an orderly transition to the new form, the OMB authorized the […]
Read More →White House Asks FTC To Investigate U.S. Gasoline Prices
August 16, 2021In an August 11 letter to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan, Brian Dees, the Director of the National Economic Council, asked the FTC to “Use all of its available tools to monitor the U.S. gasoline market and address any illegal conduct that might be contributing price increases for consumers at the pump.” Citing […]
Read More →FMCSA Issues Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Registration Process for Student Drivers
August 16, 2021The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) updated the CDL Driver Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse registration process to clarify how student drivers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or commercial learner’s permit (CLP) should register. The Clearinghouse is a secure online, searchable electronic database where all CDL driver drug and alcohol violations are now posted. […]
Read More →ExxonMobil and Chevron Aim to Produce Lower Emission Fuels
August 16, 2021ExxonMobil and Chevron aim to produce more sustainable low carbon liquid fuels without having to spend billions to upgrade their refineries. Click Here for the story. TAP HERE for all articles in August 16 EXPRESS Update
Read More →EMA Backs Remanding Climate Case To Federal Court
August 16, 2021Last week, the Energy Marketers of America, NACS and National Association of Manufacturers filed an opposition to a Rhode Island federal court’s remand of a state climate challenge against major oil companies. Citing a May decision of the U.S. Supreme court finding in BP v. Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, a climate change case […]
Read More →NHTSA Proposed Fuel Efficiency Standard Aims for Fleetwide Average of 48 MPG by 2026
August 16, 2021The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this week issued a proposed rulemaking that would require automakers to achieve an 8 percent annual improvement in fuel efficiency for model years 2024-2026. The new fuel efficiency requirements are significantly more stringent than the 1.5 percent annual gains in fuel efficiency set by the Trump administration in 2020. […]
Read More →Coordinating Research Council Releases Study on the Cause of Accelerated Corrosion in UST Systems
August 16, 2021The Coordinating Research Council (CRC), a non-profit research arm of the petroleum equipment and automotive industry, has released a final report on a major research project aimed at identifying causes of accelerated corrosion in underground storage tank systems containing ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD). The study is important to energy marketers because accelerated corrosion is […]
Read More →PA Capitol Report: Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg Last Week
August 16, 2021Here are the Top 10 Stories From Harrisburg last week– 1. WITF: Census Data Drop Puts PA Lawmakers Closer To Drawing State’s New Political Voting District Boundaries State lawmakers will soon be able to start redrawing Pennsylvania’s political boundaries now that the U.S. Census Bureau has released detailed computerized data from last year’s population count. […]
Read More →Reminder: Registration Now Open – PPA Fall Energy Conference & Annual Meeting
August 9, 2021The 2021 PPA Fall Energy Conference & Annual Meeting will take place at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford, PA. This award-winning destination is a perfect venue to host all segments of PPA membership in one location. Conference Registration – Now Available! Registration is now open for the 2021 Fall Energy Conference & Annual Meeting! Attendees […]
Read More →U.S. Senate Committee Passes Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
August 9, 2021On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee approved the bipartisan Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, S. 1486. U. S. Senator Robert Casey (PA) is prime sponsor of the bill. The bill is supported by several labor and business groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which seeks to promote women’s health and […]
Read More →EMA: Driver Shortage And Foreign Workers
August 9, 2021EMA has been working with state association executives, the Department of Immigration, DOT and DOE on solutions to the driver shortage. In particular, the need for more EB3 Visas for foreign workers to deliver fuel in the U.S. as the shortage of drivers stretches across all industries and has been a problem for years. The […]
Read More →New CDC, OSHA Guidance On Masks And Letter Seeking Protection From Enforcement For Employees
August 9, 2021Last week, EMA joined NACS and seven other associations in a letter to CDC and OSHA regarding the revised mask use guidance, asking to protect employees from being required to be enforcers of state and local policies mandating wearing masks in public areas. The letter urged CDC and OSHA to lead on this worker safety […]
Read More →PPA Welcomes Six New Members in July
August 9, 2021PPA would like to highlight the following new members joining the association in July. Active Members Active Members are independent branded and non-branded petroleum marketers who sell gasoline, heating oil, diesel fuel, kerosene, propane and other petroleum products at both the wholesale and retail levels, including convenience stores. All Seasons Fuel LLC (Coopersburg, PA) Dixie […]
Read More →Biden Administration Proposes 52 MPG Standard By 2026; Sets Goal Of 50% Market Share For EVs By 2030
August 9, 2021Thursday, President Biden released a comprehensive multi-pronged plan to significantly tighten light truck and car fuel efficiency and begin a dramatic shift to electric vehicles over the next decade. Current CAFE standards are 46.1 mpg for passenger cars and 32.6 mpg for light duty trucks. Those standards are set to gradually increase to 55.3 mpg […]
Read More →Senate Infrastructure Update
August 9, 2021The Senate continues to move forward in approving the bipartisan infrastructure bill (BIB) before it adjourns for August recess. The Senate has considered over twenty amendments – of several hundred offered by Senators. The U.S. Senate is expected to approve the bipartisan infrastructure bill before it adjourns for August recess, likely early next week. The […]
Read More →PPA Fall Energy Conference October 13 Golf Outing Details
August 2, 2021Kick off the 2021 PPA Fall Energy Conference by joining industry colleagues for a fun round of golf and networking at the Bedford Springs Old Course the morning of October 13. The Bedford Springs Old Course is ranked #2 in Pennsylvania on the list of “The Best Courses You Can Play” by GolfWeek magazine. Golfer Registration Now […]
Read More →House Environmental and Energy Committee Oppose RGGI
August 2, 2021On July 27,2021, the House Environmental and Energy Committee voted to approve a letter to be sent to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC), conveying the Committee’s disapproval of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) proposed in a regulation advanced by DEP. Under the provisions of the IRRC statute, standing committees- and ultimately the full […]
Read More →Transportation Revenue Options Commission Submits Report To Wolf, General Assembly
August 2, 2021The Transportation Revenue Options Commission released its final report on July 30,2021. Created by an executive order signed by Governor Wolf in March, the Commission was tasked with developing a strategy for ultimately replacing the current state gas tax with other revenue streams. According to PennDOT, other revenue options are needed as motor fuel tax […]
Read More →Congressional Update
August 2, 2021This week, the Senate voted in favor of moving forward on a Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal (BID), although, legislative text has not been released. The deal reportedly includes $550 billion in new spending, which includes funding for roads, bridges, and major projects, electric grid upgrades, rail and Amtrak improvements, broadband expansion, clean drinking water, transit, ports […]
Read More →PPA Signs Onto Two Industry Letters To US Congress on Liquid Heating Fuels
August 2, 2021The PPA has signed onto two different congressional letters to Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) regarding the Zero-Emissions Homes Act of 2021. The recently introduced bill incentivizes the purchase of new energy efficient heating appliances through federal rebates and tax credits. Unfortunately, the tax credits are limited to purchasers of new heating appliances powered by electricity […]
Read More →SBA Announces Opening of Paycheck Protection Program Direct Forgiveness Portal
August 2, 2021The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched a new online application portal that allows borrowers with PPP loans of $150,000 or less to apply for forgiveness directly through the SBA instead of through participating lenders. The new application portal is designed to streamline and simplify forgiveness for small businesses. According to the SBA, most […]
Read More →EMA Comments on Zero Emissions Home Act of 2021
August 2, 2021Yesterday, the Energy Marketers of America (EMA) and its heating fuel state associations sent a letter to Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) regarding the Zero-Emissions Homes Act of 2021, a bill he recently introduced to incentivize the purchase of new energy efficient heating appliances through federal rebates and tax credits. Unfortunately, the tax credits are limited […]
Read More →IRS Expands Employer Tax Credits for Providing Employees Paid Sick and Family Leave Due to COVID
August 2, 2021The IRS has updated frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the paid sick and family leave tax credits available under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP). The paid sick and family leave tax credits reimburse eligible employers for the cost of providing paid sick and family leave for reasons related to COVID-19. The revised […]
Read More →Reminder: IRS Issues Hefty Fines for Failure to Display Nontaxable Use Dispenser Labels
August 2, 2021EMA continues to hear from energy marketers who have received hefty fines for failure to display IRS nontaxable use warning labels on dispensers. The IRS requires all dyed diesel and dyed kerosene dispensers to have a specific label indicating that the fuel is for nontaxable use only. Dispensers supplying undyed, untaxed kerosene sold from a […]
Read More →Midwest Republican Senators Raise Concerns over EVs, Urge Biden Administration to Support Biofuels
August 2, 2021On Wednesday, midwestern GOP Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), John Thune (R-SD), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Ben Sasse (R-NE) sent a letter to President Biden over their concerns with the Administration’s all-in approach for electric vehicles while not supporting biofuels as an immediate way to lower […]
Read More →EMA Opposes Treasury Department Proposal Requiring Burdensome Financial Reporting
August 2, 2021This week, EMA joined several small business associations in a letter opposing a Treasury Department proposal which would require financial institutions to report to the IRS on the deposits and withdrawals of all business and personal accounts, as well as transfers between accounts of the same owner. EMA objected to the proposal due to the broad, untargeted […]
Read More →EMA Again Joins Coalition in Letters Opposing Minimum Liability Insurance Increase
July 26, 2021This week, EMA joined a coalition in letters to Senate Democratic Leadership and Senate Republican Leadership urging them not to include language that would increase the minimum liability insurance requirements for motor carriers. Such language was included in the recently passed House INVEST in America Act highway bill but was not included in the Senate […]
Read More →White House Further Delays 2021 RFS Blending Mandates
July 26, 2021The Biden Administration has delayed the EPA’s proposed RFS biofuel blending mandates for 2021 and possibly 2022 pending a decision how to address the competing interests of the ethanol and oil industries and their political backers. The RFS divides Democrats and Republicans along regional lines that pit Midwestern biofuels supporters against biofuel supporters against and […]
Read More →Northeast States Enact New Biodiesel Blending Requirements
July 26, 2021Governors in Connecticut and Rhode Island signed legislation into law earlier this month that will require higher blends of biodiesel in home heating oil in the coming years. Consistent with previous changes to fuel specifications, the implementation dates fall on July 1 in each respective year. On Monday, July 12, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed […]
Read More →Congressional Update
July 26, 2021Negotiations continue in the Senate for a bipartisan infrastructure agreement. Though Senate Republicans blocked a motion to advance the framework this week, lead GOP negotiators have assured Democrats that Republicans will be ready to proceed next week. According to negotiators, nearly every major issue has been resolved, with the exception of transit funding. Eighty percent […]
Read More →Register Now – Fall Energy Conference & Annual Meeting
July 19, 2021The 2021 PPA Fall Energy Conference & Annual Meeting will take place at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford, PA. This award-winning destination is a perfect venue to host all segments of PPA membership in one location. Conference Registration – Now Available! Registration is now open for the 2021 Fall Energy Conference & Annual […]
Read More →Pennsylvania Regulatory Adoption of RGGI Continues to Move Forward
July 19, 2021On July 13, 2021 the Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board approved the regulation that would result in the Commonwealth joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). This program would establish a cap-and-trade emissions requirement on fuels used for electric power generation within the state. The plan is the centerpiece of the Wolf Administration’s climate change mitigation […]
Read More →Recognizing June POMPAC Contributors
July 19, 2021The PPA Political Action Committee would like to recognize the following POMPAC contributions in June: POMPAC Monthly Supporters: Scott Walton (Platinum), Mark Smith (Bronze), Quincy Longacre (Silver), Steve Oehlert (Silver), Rodney Derstine (Sliver), Russell Newell (Bronze), Ted Harris (Sliver) Regional Golf Outings: The PPA would like to specially thank the Berks-Schuylkill Oil Heat Association (BSOHA), […]
Read More →Commission Report to Phase Out PA Gas Tax Expected Soon
July 19, 2021The Transportation Funding Options Commission appointed by Governor Wolf earlier this year (to search for alternatives to the gas tax) is expected to submit its report by the end of the month. The Commission is in the final stages of reviewing the recommendations. Included in the provisions under consideration is the phase in of an […]
Read More →Federal Legislative Update
July 19, 2021Senators continue negotiating the details of the bipartisan infrastructure deal that was agreed to in principle a few weeks ago. The framework will likely incorporate the highway and surface transportation bill that already has strong bipartisan support. While the bipartisan group had planned to turn the framework into formal legislative text this week, the group […]
Read More →Bipartisan Bills to Permit Year-Round E-15 Sales Introduced in Senate and House
July 19, 2021A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced bills this week to permit the sale of E15 blends throughout the year. The bills, introduced by Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), along with Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN) and Adrian Smith (R-NE), are designed to counteract a recent federal court ruling that blocked EPA from allowing […]
Read More →FMCSA Publishes List of Upcoming Rules Affecting Energy Marketers
July 19, 2021The U.S. DOT has published its latest Regulatory Agenda update showing where rules stand in the regulatory process and which rules will be proposed in the coming months. The Regulatory Agenda is important to energy marketers because it provides a “heads up” on rules and regulations that will have an impact on their businesses. EMA […]
Read More →Senate Energy Committee Passes Senator Manchin’s Infrastructure Act
July 19, 2021On Wednesday, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee passed 13-7 Senator Joe Manchin’s (D-WV) 500-page Energy Infrastructure Act which will serve as the legislative text for key portions of the final $1 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework. Along with the Committee’s democrats, three republican Senators also voted in favor of the bill, Senators Murkowski (AK), […]
Read More →Indiana and Perdue to Develop First Concrete Charging Highway Segment
July 19, 2021On the first of June, the Indiana Department of Transportation and Purdue University announced plans to develop the world’s first contactless wireless-charging concrete pavement highway segment. The project will use magnetizable concrete – developed by German startup Magment GmbH – enabling wireless charging of electric vehicles as they drive. The project is part of the […]
Read More →In Memoriam Bruce D. Howe
July 19, 2021Bruce D. Howe, of Lake Ariel, was born Nov. 22, 1931, son of the late John T. Howe and Marie (Dodge) Howe, Lake Ariel, Pa. With great sadness, he died peacefully at St. Mary’s Villa with his family by his side. Bruce was a graduate from Lake Consolidated High School, Wyoming Seminary and Penn State […]
Read More →Registration Now Open – 2021 Fall Energy Conference & Annual Meeting
July 12, 2021The 2021 PPA Fall Energy Conference & Annual Meeting will take place at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford, PA. This award-winning destination is a perfect venue to host all segments of PPA membership in one location. Conference Registration – Now Available! Registration is now open for the 2021 Fall Energy Conference & Annual […]
Read More →FMCSA Launches Registry for Entry-Level Driver Training
July 12, 2021In preparation for the February 7, 2022 Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) compliance date, training providers in compliance with the Federal regulations may now register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) via the Training Provider Registry. FMCSA will review all registration requests to ensure that the information provided is complete and in alignment with […]
Read More →Regulatory Alert: Federal Appeals Court Strikes Down Rule Allowing Summertime E15 Sales
July 12, 2021The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit last week scrapped EPA’s Trump-era rule authorizing the use of E15 during the summer driving season. In a unanimous opinion issued July 2, the three-judge panel struck down EPA’s interpretation of Clean Air Act language relating to waivers from summertime RVP limits. EPA’s original […]
Read More →President Biden to Propose Stringent MPG Standards Designed to Speed-up Transition to EVs
July 12, 2021The Biden administration is set to propose an ambitious two prong plan to reduce automobile greenhouse gas emissions designed to make electric cars the dominant vehicle sold in the United States. The plan is a key part of the administration’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent of 2005 levels by 2030. That […]
Read More →Small Refinery Exemption Clarification Act Introduced
July 12, 2021Last week, Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN) and Randy Feenstra (R-IA) introduced the “Small Refinery Exemption Clarification Act of 2021.” The bipartisan legislation would clarify that only oil refineries that have been continuously receiving small refinery exemptions (SREs) since 2011 would be eligible to petition for extensions of renewable fuel blending requirement exemptions. Reps. Craig and […]
Read More →PPA Welcomes Four New Members In June
July 6, 2021PPA would like to highlight the following new members joining the association in June. Active Members T & M Fuel LLC (Fairless Hills, PA) Associate Members Qualpay Qualpay combines innovation and flexible technology with the best in class reporting and cash flow management for the Energy industry. Qualpay’s focus is on the customer experience and […]
Read More →State Repays 2002 USTIF Loan
July 6, 2021On June 30, the Office of the Budget Office made two transfers into the Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund (USTIF) cash account at the Pennsylvania Treasury totaling $86,474,925.68. This represents the entire repayment of the General Fund loan from 2002. The principal amount of $67,500,000.00 was repaid as well as the entire amount of the […]
Read More →Reminder: Federal Regulatory Compliance Deadlines
July 6, 2021Click here to read EMA’s Compliance Bulletin regarding Annual HAZMAT Registration for Expiring Certificates Click here to read EMA’s Compliance Bulletin regarding Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax for Vehicles For vehicles first used on a public highway in July, file Form 2290 between July 1 and August 31. For vehicles first used on a public […]
Read More →Midwestern Senators Introduce Biofuels Infrastructure Legislation
July 6, 2021This week, Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced the “Biofuel Infrastructure and Agricultural Product Market Expansion Act of 2021” which would provide $1 billion in grant funding over ten years for state and localities to provide fuel retailers with incentives to install dispensers and UST systems compatible with ethanol blends beyond E10 […]
Read More →Senate Bill to Propose Billions of Dollars in Federal Grants for Residential Conversion to Electric Heat
July 6, 2021Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) unveiled proposed legislation this week that would provide consumers with federal funds to convert home appliances to all electric service, including home heating equipment. The Zero Emissions Home Act will provide homeowners up to $10,000 in federal grant money to install new electric equipment needed for conversion away from natural gas, […]
Read More →FMCSA Working with EMA on Driver Shortage and Possible July 4th Outages
July 6, 2021All week, EMA has been working with FMCSA regarding the states that were anticipating fuel outages due to the driver shortage during the July 4 long weekend. We polled all of the states and began to let FMCSA know of the states that are already experiencing outages as well as those that anticipate outages and […]
Read More →Congressional Update
July 6, 2021This week, President Biden walked back his previous statements tying the success of a bipartisan infrastructure package to a partisan reconciliation bill. President Biden said he would sign the bipartisan package on its own with or without a larger reconciliation package, which reassured Senate Republicans who expressed immediate concern that the White House negotiated in […]
Read More →EPA’s Proof of Economic Hardship is the New Focus in Battle Over Small Refinery Exemptions
July 6, 2021Biofuel proponents are pressuring the EPA to release its policy on granting small refinery waivers from blending obligations under the RFS in light of last week’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling that sides with refiners on the issue. The biofuel industry demands come after the Supreme Court ruled in HollyFrontier Cheyenne Refining, LLC, et al., v. […]
Read More →EMA Again Joins Coalition in Letter Opposing Minimum Liability Insurance Increase
July 6, 2021This week, EMA joined a coalition in a letter to members and staff of the House Rules Committee in support of the Rep. Bost (R-IL) Amendment #220. The Bost Amendment, which was not included in the INVEST in America Act, would have eliminated Section 4408, a harmful and unnecessary minimum liability insurance increase for motor […]
Read More →Compliance Bulletin: 2021-2022 Federal Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Payment Due August 31
June 28, 2021The 2021 Heavy Highway Vehicle Use (HHVU) tax reporting period runs from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. The HHVU tax is paid on each commercial motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 55,000 pounds or greater that travels 5,000 miles or more per year. The HHVU applies to most petroleum cargo tank […]
Read More →State Legislator Breaks for Summer Recess with No Action on SB 435 or HB 1285
June 28, 2021The two bills in the General Assembly that PPA have been actively opposing since January were stalled from being considered prior to the summer recess. SB 435 (Mensch) would require electric utilities to build out the electric vehicle charging network. The legislation (strongly pushed by PECO) permits the utility to charge all electric customers […]
Read More →Book Your Hotel Room for the PPA Fall Energy Conference & Annual Meeting!
June 28, 2021A discounted room rate of $189 per night (excluding tax & resort fees) is currently available for the PPA Fall Energy Conference & Annual Meeting October 13-14 at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort. This award-winning destination is a perfect venue to host all segments of PPA membership in one location. Click Here to reserve your […]
Read More →Congressional Update
June 28, 2021The House is scheduled to vote the week of June 28 on the INVEST in America Act (H.R.3684), legislation that would authorize $547 billion for highways and surface transportation programs for the next five years. As the legislation is considered on the House floor, members have an opportunity to amend the bill text. Currently, the […]
Read More →EMA to Biden Administration: Fix the Corn Ethanol Mandate Now
June 28, 2021This week, EMA sent a letter to the EPA Administrator Michael Regan and National Economic Council Director Brian Deese requesting urgent action to reduce the corn ethanol mandate to 9.7 percent of projected gasoline demand to address the current E15 crisis. The Administration is under significant pressure to provide relief from labor union leaders and […]
Read More →EMA Joins Coalition in Letter of Support for 199A
June 28, 2021This week EMA joined other associations in a letter of opposition of any reduction of the 20-percent deduction for qualified business income under Section 199A of the Tax Code, including phasing out the deduction above certain income thresholds. The letter to the Majority and Ranking members of the Senate and House tax committees outlines that […]
Read More →Conservative Climate Caucus Announced This Week
June 28, 2021On Wednesday, Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) announced the creation of the Conservative Climate Caucus, designed to educate House Republicans on climate policies and legislation consistent with conservative values in order to fight against radical progressive climate proposals that would hurt our economy, American workers, and national security. Curtis and the fifty other members of the […]
Read More →Reminder: Please Complete the 2021 PPA Membership Questionnaire
June 21, 2021The PPA is distributing a questionnaire to ensure accurate membership data. The association is committed to protecting the confidently of information of our membership. The voluntary information submitted in this questionnaire will strictly be used for internal purposes. This includes but not limited to the following items: 1. Membership Contact Information: The PPA is continuing […]
Read More →Update On State Legislative Session
June 21, 2021The legislature is rushing to pass the state budget by the end of this week. PPA has been continuing its intense campaign to defeat SB 435 and HB 1285, both currently under consideration in the General Assembly. SB 435 would require electric utilities to build out electric vehicle charging stations, recovering costs of those projects […]
Read More →Call For Speakers – PPA Fall Energy Conference & Annual Meeting
June 21, 2021The 2021 PPA Fall Energy Conference & Annual Meeting will take place at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford, PA. This award-winning destination is a perfect venue to host all segments of PPA membership in one location. We’re looking for industry experts to be a part of the 2021 seminar program. Our Request for […]
Read More →NEFI Provides Guidance On Selling Heating Oil as Diesel Fuel
June 21, 2021The National Energy & Fuels Institute (NEFI) released the following regulatory guidance on June 18. Dealers may incur steep fines for using or selling heating oil as diesel. Recently, price differentials between the costs of fuels have prompted some dealers to ask if they may legally use heating oil as on-road or off-road diesel, or […]
Read More →EMA Joins Coalition in Letter of Support for 18-Year-Old Interstate Drivers
June 21, 2021EMA joined others this week in a letter of support for the DRIVE Safe Act amendment to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation mark-up of S.2016, the “Surface Transportation Investment Act.” Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) offered the amendment which would allow people under the age of 21 to operate a commercial motor vehicle […]
Read More →Congressional Update
June 21, 2021Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-NY) plan to advance President Biden’s economic agenda on dual tracks hit roadblocks Thursday as moderate Democrats said they are still working on the details of a bipartisan infrastructure plan. On Tuesday, the new Senate bipartisan infrastructure working group announced the latest compromise proposal framework, a $1 trillion proposal focused […]
Read More →Biden Administration Under Pressure to Reduce RFS Blending Mandates
June 21, 2021The Biden Administration is considering relief for refiners from volumetric blending mandates under the RFS standard. The Administration is under significant pressure to provide relief from labor union leaders and Senators from his home state of Delaware. The EPA is currently considering whether to keep RFS blending obligations flat, opt for a modest increase or […]
Read More →Supreme Court Dismisses Latest Challenge to The Affordable Care Act
June 21, 2021Yesterday, the Supreme Court rejected the latest challenge to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The consolidated case of California, et al. v. Texas, et al. posed two critical questions for the Justices: (1) is the ACA’s individual mandate unconstitutional now that there is no penalty for not buying insurance? and (2) if the individual mandate […]
Read More →Transportation Climate Initiative Program Releases Final Model Rule Only a Few States Support
June 21, 2021Recently, the Transportation Climate Initiative Program (TCI) released a final model rule which will now head to a public comment period. Last year, the Governors of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island as well as the Mayor of the District of Columbia announced their intention to join the regional Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI). The TCI […]
Read More →Court Overrules Ban on New Drilling Rights
June 21, 2021On Tuesday, Louisiana-based U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty ruled against the Biden Administration’s temporary ban on selling new drilling rights on federal lands and waters. This is a victory for the thirteen Republican state attorneys who sought the preliminary injunction which blocks President Biden’s January 27 Executive Order to halt the sale of new oil […]
Read More →TC Energy Terminates the Keystone XL Pipeline Project
June 14, 2021On Wednesday, thirteen years after the initial proposal, TC Energy Corporation and its partner the Government of Alberta, announced the termination of the $9 billion Keystone XL Pipeline Project. On January 20, his first day in office, President Biden revoked the pipeline’s permits, thereby reversing former President Trump’s approval of the line. The company said […]
Read More →Biden Administration Announces Roll Back of Trump-Era Waters of the U.S. Rule
June 14, 2021The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced this week that it plans to revise a Trump-era rule that limits the types of water bodies that warrant federal protection from pollution. The scope of the waters of the U.S. rule is important to energy marketers because it largely determines whether costly land use restrictions will be imposed […]
Read More →Labor Leaders Ask Biden to Waive RFS Ethanol Mandate to Preserve Refinery Infrastructure Jobs
June 14, 2021Labor leaders are pressing the Biden administration to waive renewable fuel blending mandates under the RFS in response to requests from governors, mayors and others to take immediate action. In a letter to the President, labor union leaders requested urgent action to “reduce the skyrocketing cost” of biofuel blending credits (RINs) “and preserve American union […]
Read More →House T&I Committee Advances Highway Bill
June 14, 2021This week, President Biden ended bipartisan infrastructure negotiations with Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) after both sides remained hundreds of billions of dollars apart and could not agree on pay-fors. Now, infrastructure discussions are being led by a group of ten bipartisan Senators, who late Thursday announced a tentative infrastructure agreement. Although the plan has […]
Read More →OSHA Releases COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard
June 14, 2021Nearly three months after its original due date, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) finally released its much-anticipated COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). To the surprise (and relief) of many, the ETS is much more limited than anticipated and only applies to healthcare and healthcare support service workers. As we previously reported, one of […]
Read More →Senate Bill 435 Establishes Unfair EV Infrastructure Expansion & Utility Involvement – Act Now!
June 14, 2021Speculation is swirling in the State Capitol as to whether the Senate will vote on Senate Bill 435 before the summer recess scheduled to begin at the end of June. Reports indicate that an increasing number of Senators may be rethinking their initial support of the bill, which would require electric utilities to submit plans […]
Read More →House Bill 1285 Taxes Ratepayers To Expand Electric And Natural Gas Infrastructure – Act Now!
June 14, 2021The House Consumer Affairs Committee may vote in the near future on House Bill 1285. The provisions of this bill could prove disastrous for the deliverable heating fuel industry, as it would permit natural gas utilities to subsidize the expansion of pipelines to potential residential and commercial customers. The bill would also allow utilities to recover […]
Read More →Reminder: Room Block Is Open For PPA Fall Energy Conference & Annual Meeting
June 7, 2021Special rooms are still available for the PPA Fall Energy Conference & Annual Meeting October 13-14 at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford. This award-winning destination is a perfect venue to host all segments of PPA membership in one location. Click Here to reserve your room or call 1-800-THE-OMNI with Group Code: PA […]
Read More →Update on Senate Bill 435 & House Bill 1285
June 7, 2021In the State Capitol, June is a time when significant pieces of legislation are enacted-often within the framework of state budget deals. PPA has been engaged in opposing two bills that appear to be gaining traction in the current legislative discussions. Senate Bill 435 (Mensch-R-Montgomery) would create a requirement for electric utilities to build out […]
Read More →Recognizing May POMPAC & Energy Defense Fund Contributors
June 7, 2021The PPA Political Action Committee would like to recognize POMPAC and Energy Defense Fund contributions in May: POMPAC — Platinum Supporter: Ron Kukuchka — Gold Supporter: N/A — Silver Supporter: Quincy Longacre*, Steve Oehlert*, and Ted Harris* — Bronze Supporter: James Apgar, James Firmstone, Mark Smith*, Steven Firmstone — Supporter: Curtis Martin, Kelly Brown, Stephen […]
Read More →PPA Welcomes New Association Members In May!
June 7, 2021PPA would like to highlight the following new members joining the association in May– — Shine Transport, Inc.: Shine Transportation, Inc. is a family owned transportation business based in Winchester, VA with a satellite office in East Earl, PA. We specialize in hauling petroleum, propane, and refrigerated goods. It is our desire to build meaningful, […]
Read More →PennDOT Extends Expiration Dates for Apportioned Vehicle Registrations To June 16
June 7, 2021The Department of Transportation announced the expiration date for apportioned vehicle registrations for Pennsylvania residents that were set to expire between May 31, 2021 and June 16, 2021 are extended through June 16, 2021. Apportioned registrants should mail their apportioned renewal applications to the Department for processing, or it may be completed in person at […]
Read More →Congressional Update: New Tax Changes, Infrastructure Talks, Transportation Proposal
June 7, 2021In conjunction with the President’s Budget request, the U.S. Department of the Treasury released its “Greenbook” detailing the Administration’s tax proposals. The proposals would increase the top marginal tax rate for individuals from 37 percent to 39.6 percent; raise the corporate tax rate to 28 percent (from 21 percent); tax capital gains as ordinary income […]
Read More →Avoid Processing Delays, Renew Expiring Annual Hazmat Registrations Certificates Online Now
June 7, 2021The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) online portal for annual HAZMAT registration opened on May 1. Registration renewals must be completed by July 1, 2021. However, due to COVID-19 workplace restrictions and processing delays, marketers should register online this year and do so early. Important! Due to COVID-19 workplace […]
Read More →White House Releases Memo Urging Businesses To Protect Against Ransomware
June 7, 2021On Thursday the White House released a memo to corporate executives and business leaders outlining what the government is doing to disrupt and deter ransomware actors. President Biden also urges the private sector, businesses of all sizes, to immediately convene their leadership teams to discuss the ransomware threat and review corporate security posture and business […]
Read More →Pennsylvania Carbon Pricing Wars Continue – The Latest On RGGI
June 7, 2021PPA has been following the progress of Gov. Wolf’s proposal to reduce carbon pollution from power plants consistent with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative by putting a price on carbon. Here’s a short update on where it stands. Nominations Senate Republicans are holding fast to their position that they will not confirm any of […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: Legislators Sprint To Budget Deadline Awash In Money; Never Ending Election; Ending Emergency?
June 7, 2021What a difference 11 weeks makes! At the beginning of March, Pennsylvania faced a state budget deficit of $2.5 to $3.5 billion by everyone’s estimates [Read more here]; COVID percent positivity was at 5.7 percent, but starting to drop; Gov. Wolf just started easing gathering limits on businesses slightly; and a new Vaccine Task Force […]
Read More →PennDOT: New Law Updates CDL Licensing Requirements
June 1, 2021On May 25, the PA Department of Transportation announced a recently enacted state law– Act 131 of 2020— extends the validity period of a commercial learner’s permit from 180 days to one year and helps address the issue of human trafficking through severe penalties levied on commercial drivers or those who wish to obtain a […]
Read More →PA Mask Requirement To Lift June 28 Or When 70% Of Adults Fully Vaccinated, Whichever Comes First
June 1, 2021In Pennsylvania, most of the COVID-related restrictions, including crowd capacity at businesses, were lifted on May 31 across Pennsylvania. Read more here. On Sunday, Gov. Wolf issued a statement saying the mask order for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals will remain in place until June 28 OR when 70 percent of Pennsylvanians age 18 and […]
Read More →DEP Computer Maintenance To Affect Storage Tank Program Forms June 11-12
June 1, 2021The Department of Environmental Protection posted a notice on its website saying computer upgrades and maintenance will make some online forms used by the agency unavailable June 11 and 12, including several forms in the Storage Tank Program. Click Here for the notice and the list of forms available. TAP HERE for all articles […]
Read More →U.S. Senate Readies Surface Transportation Bill, Bipartisan Infrastructure Discussions Continue
June 1, 2021On May 26, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee unanimously approved the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 (STRA-21), the highway title of the surface transportation reauthorization. STRA-21 provides $303.5 billion for federal-aid highway programs for fiscal years (FY) 2022-2026, a 34 percent increase over current law. It is important to note that […]
Read More →IRS Maintains Interest Rate Paid To Taxpayers For Delayed Refund Processing
June 1, 2021The Internal Revenue Service announced interest rates will remain the same for the calendar quarter beginning July 1, 2021. The rates are important to energy marketers who have outstanding refunds (underpayments) due from the IRS for the sale of clear untaxed diesel to state and local governments and other exempt groups. The IRS continues to […]
Read More →EMA Joins FBETC In Support For Continuation Of Stepped-Up Basis
June 1, 2021EMA joined the Family Business Estate Tax Coalition (FBETC) in a letter to members of Congress indicating support for the continuation of stepped-up basis and a study from EY illustrating that GDP would decrease by $100 billion over 10 years if stepped-up basis were repealed by imposing a tax on unrealized gains at death. Repealing […]
Read More →U.S. Senate Finance Committee Addresses Energy Tax Credits; Biodiesel Tax Credit Bill is Introduced
June 1, 2021The U.S. Senate Finance Committee last week advanced a $260 billion package reforming and consolidating energy tax credits. The Clean Energy for America Act, which advanced on a party-line vote, would consolidate a variety of federal incentives into technology-neutral investment or production tax credits. The bill also increases benefits for EVs, adding a separate $2,500 […]
Read More →Biden Administration Further Delays OSHA COVID-19 Workplace Health Standard
June 1, 2021The White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) is extending its policy review of an OSHA temporary emergency rule that would require employers to follow workplace health protocols designed to protect workers from contracting COVID-19. The emergency rule is controversial because it is believed to impose a one-size-fits-all health standard onto employers across […]
Read More →FMCSA Issues Warning To CDL Drivers About Use Of Hemp and CBD Products
June 1, 2021The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a “Clearinghouse Update” on May 27, 2021 reminding commercial motor vehicle drivers who are regulated by the FMCSA that they should exercise caution when considering whether to use hemp and cannabidiol (CBD) products. Specifically, the update stated that it is important for all employees who perform safety-sensitive […]
Read More →EMA Joins Coalition Urging Governments Not To Require Employees To Confirm Maskless Customers Are Vaccinated
June 1, 2021EMA joined a coalition of 10 associations in sending a letter to the CDC, DHS and OSHA asking them to urge states not to put the onus of verifying vaccination status on employees, as Oregon has done, as that will put employees at risk. The letter said retail and other employees are not equipped to […]
Read More →FMCSA PA Division To Hold Motor Carrier Safety Compliance Webinars In June
June 1, 2021In support of its mission to improve truck and bus safety, the FMCSA Pennsylvania Division will be hosting three different FREE educational seminars designed to help carriers familiarize themselves with important safety programs impacting the motor carrier industry. The webinars will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.– — June 3 – Drug & Alcohol […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: Biden Saves PA Republicans; Vague Emergency Resolution; Still 70% Vaccination Goal
June 1, 2021The Independent Fiscal Office issued its first revenue estimates for FY 2021-22 last week and if it wasn’t clear before it is very clear now– the Biden Administration’s push to provide state and local governments with money to prop up their budgets has saved Pennsylvania Republicans. Instead of facing big deficits, Senate and House […]
Read More →Eastern Energy Expo Begins Today – Register For Free!
May 24, 2021The PPA is a proud partner of the Eastern Energy Expo 2021 Education Summit & Marketplace which officially begins today! The May 24 – 26 event will take place through a state-of-the-art video conference platform. EEE 2021 will feature live business and technical education programs as well as interactive networking opportunities for attendees, sponsors and […]
Read More →Upcoming PPA Webinar: Grant Opportunities for EV Charging Stations
May 24, 2021The Department of Environmental Protection will provide an overview of state grants program available for the installation of electric vehicle charging facilities during a June 1 Webinar starting at 1:00 p.m. The presentation will include a description of the different levels of charger technologies, as well as perspectives on the direction electrification of vehicles and […]
Read More →U.S. DOE Launches New Initiative To Promote Electric Heat Pumps In Residential And Commercial Buildings
May 24, 2021U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm Friday announced sweeping actions to power more American homes and buildings with “cleaner” energy services intended to sharply reduce the buildings sector’s carbon footprint. The new Department of Energy’s (DOE) initiative is designed to cut the energy and emissions footprints of buildings by integrating them with electrified power. […]
Read More →Energy Marketers Win Important Strategic Victory In U.S. Supreme Court
May 24, 2021On May 17, 2021, the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in BP v. Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, a climate change case in which EMA submitted an amicus brief in support of BP and the other major oil company defendants. Although the case involved a procedural issue related to whether the case […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Biden Releases New Infrastructure Proposal; Transportation Authorization Coming
May 24, 2021Late Friday, the White House released a $1.7 trillion counter-offer infrastructure proposal– down from the original $2.3 trillion opening bid– in response to U.S. Senate Republicans’ $568 billion proposal. Read more here. This comes after continued meetings between top Senate Republicans and key White House officials, who recently discussed various pay-for options, such as an […]
Read More →U.S. EPA Will Likely Maintain Current RFS Blending Volumes For 2020 And 2021 Compliance Years
May 24, 2021The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s biofuel blending mandates for this year and next are likely to be in line with those of 2020 as the agency accounts for weaker fuel demand since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, three sources familiar with the matter said. The move is designed to spare the U.S. refining industry […]
Read More →FDA Releases List Of Deemed New Tobacco Products
May 24, 2021The Food and Drug Administration Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) released a list of deemed new tobacco products for which a premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) was submitted to FDA by September 9, 2020. The lists include deemed new tobacco products for which a premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) was submitted to FDA by September […]
Read More →IEA Report Outlines What Would Be Necessary to Meet Worldwide Zero Emissions by 2050
May 24, 2021The world’s leading energy agency, the International Energy Agency (IEA) released a report stating that governments and officials are not fully aware of what would be necessary to actually reach net zero emissions by 2050. According to IEA there is a list of things that would have to occur immediately to keep the average global […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: Republican 1% Mandate On Constitutional Changes; Percent Positivity Below 5%; Lobbying Reforms?
May 24, 2021Both constitutional amendments giving the Republican-control Senate and House the ultimate authority to determine what happens during an emergency were passed by voters in the Primary Tuesday. Statewide voter turnout was creeping up to 24 percent as the provisional and mail-in ballots continued to be counted by counties at the end of the week. […]
Read More →Register Now For Eastern Energy Expo 2021 Education Summit & Marketplace May 24-26
May 17, 2021The PPA is a proud partner of the Eastern Energy Expo 2021 Education Summit & Marketplace which officially begins next week! The May 24 – 26 event will take place through a state-of-the-art video conference platform. EEE 2021 will feature live business and technical education programs as well as interactive networking opportunities for attendees, sponsors […]
Read More →Colonial Pipeline Impacts On PPA Membership
May 17, 2021On May 12 the Colonial Pipeline initiated the restart of pipeline operations at approximately 5:00 p.m. ET, five days after taking its entire system offline May 7 to contain the threat from a ransomware incident. In response to the Pipeline shutdown, the PPA was in constant communication with PEMA, DEP, PennDOT, State Police, PUC, Homeland […]
Read More →Public Hearing On Senate Bill 275
May 17, 2021On May 11, the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy and Local Government Committees held a joint hearing on Senate Bill 275 (Yaw-Lycoming) which would establish state government as the authority empowered with energy regulation, preempting local government regulatory actions. Associations representing local governments expressed concerns with some provisions of the legislation that, in their view, […]
Read More →Moderate Congressional Democrats Balk At Biden’s Proposed Capital Gains Tax On Inherited Assets
May 17, 2021Moderate Congressional Democrats are expressing concern over the Biden Administrations proposed tax proposals including a plan to eliminate the stepped-up basis for unrealized gains at death that would impose a tax capital gains over $1 million on inherited assets. In a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D- CA) and other House leaders, thirteen Democratic […]
Read More →Federal Lawmakers Concerned Over Enhanced Unemployment Benefits
May 17, 2021For many Marketers, concerns over whether enhanced unemployment benefits are making it more difficult for businesses to get employees back to work are nothing new. Last week, the issue gained fresh attention following the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ release of the April jobs report which reflected surprisingly disappointing job growth numbers. On Tuesday, a coalition […]
Read More →U.S. House Poised To Pass Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
May 17, 2021The U.S. House soon expected to pass the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (H.R. 1065). The bill is co-sponsored in the House by 208 Democrats and 20 Republicans. If it becomes law, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act would apply to all public employers and private employers with 15 or more employees. These employers would be required […]
Read More →Update On Congressional Infrastructure Talks
May 17, 2021On Wednesday, President Biden and Vice President Harris held infrastructure discussions with the “big four” Congressional leaders: Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). Republican leadership reiterated their opposition to using tax increases to pay for infrastructure, and also […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: Republican-Wolf Battle Goes To Voters; Public Unmasked; Wages Permanently Higher?
May 17, 2021On Tuesday, voters will be put squarely in the middle of the political fight between Senate and House Republicans and the Governor over his extended use of disaster emergency declarations to fight the COVID pandemic. There are two questions on the ballot related to the issue that would amend the state constitution in different […]
Read More →2021 Fall Energy Conference & Annual Meeting Event Information
May 10, 2021The 2021 PPA Fall Energy Conference & Annual Meeting will take place at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford in October. This award-winning destination is a perfect venue to host all segments of PPA membership in one location. The hotel room block is currently open and can be found below. Conference registration and a […]
Read More →Colonial Pipeline Shutdown & Regional FMCSA Waiver
May 10, 2021On May 7, 2021 the Colonial Pipeline announced their system has been shut down due to a cyber-attack. As of today, there is no indication of when they will resume operation. The PPA has been in communication with Governor Wolf officials and other key state agency partners. Please send the PPA any relevant information on […]
Read More →Update On Senate Bill 275
May 10, 2021The PPA has previously reported on Senate Bill 275 which was introduced by Senator Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) to establish the State would have the legal authority in regards to the regulation of energy matters in the Commonwealth. Under the provisions of this bill, municipalities and counties would be preempted from adopting their own energy ordinances. […]
Read More →Please Take The 2021 PPA Membership Questionnaire
May 10, 2021The PPA is distributing a questionnaire to ensure accurate membership data. The Association is committed to protecting the confidentiality of information of our membership. The voluntary information submitted in this questionnaire will strictly be used for internal purposes. This includes but not limited to the following items: 1. Membership Contact Information: The PPA is continuing […]
Read More →Countywide Petroleum’s Nila Manning Appointed To USTIB
May 10, 2021Nila Manning from Countywide Petroleum (Pittsburgh, PA) was recently appointed by Governor Wolf to serve on the Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Board (USTIB). The board oversees the Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund (USTIF), which collects funds from tank owners to reimburse eligible participants for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred from releases into the environment. Ms. […]
Read More →PA Dept. Of Human Services Urges Renters To Apply For Utility Assistance
May 10, 2021The Department of Human Services last week reminded Pennsylvanians who need assistance paying utility bills they can apply for help through the federally funded Emergency Rental Assistance Program. With federal funds allocated through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, the Wolf Administration built the ERAP in partnership with the General Assembly through Act 1 of […]
Read More →Biden Administration Withdraws Independent Contractor Rule
May 10, 2021The Department of Labor (DOL) withdrew the Trump Administration’s final rule that clarified the standard for determining employee versus independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The withdrawal of the final rule took effect yesterday. Independent contractors are not entitled to the federal minimum wage, overtime pay and other benefits that covered […]
Read More →Legalized Marijuana, CBD Oil Strictly Prohibited Under U.S. DOT Drug Testing Regulations
May 10, 2021The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Drug and Alcohol has once again clarified the agency’s drug and alcohol policy concerning the legalized use under state laws of CBD oil and legalized marijuana by CDL drivers. The policy is important to energy marketers because it addresses how state legalization of CBD oil and marijuana […]
Read More →U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee Holds Another Hearing On Electrification
May 10, 2021On May 5, members of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing on “The CLEAN Future Act: Driving Decarbonization of the Transportation Sector.” The CLEAN Act is comprehensive legislation to reach a 100 percent “clean” economy no later than 2050. The Subcommittee focused on decarbonizing the transportation sector through […]
Read More →GAO Investigating Small Refiner Blending Waivers Issued Under Trump Administration
May 10, 2021The EPA is providing the Government Accountability Office (GAO) with confidential documents relating to small refiner’s petitions for exemptions to biofuel blending mandates under the RFS. The EPA announced it will provide the GAO with all documents, information, and data related to small refinery exemption petitions received by the agency from the start of the […]
Read More →EMA Urges President Biden To Support Healthy Workplaces Tax Credit
May 10, 2021EMA has joined a coalition of 50 associations representing millions of employees and many millions more customers in asking President Biden to include the bipartisan “Healthy Workplaces Tax Credit Act” (S. 537 and H.R. 1944) in the next federal legislative package to protect the safety of workers, customers, and the public. Sponsored by Senator’s Kyrsten […]
Read More →EMA Continues To Oppose Increases In Minimum Liability Coverage For Motor Carriers
May 10, 2021EMA has joined the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and other business groups in a letter to members of Congress who serve on the Blue Dogs and Problem Solvers caucuses urging them to oppose increases in the existing minimum liability coverage for motor carriers. Although the proposal to raise the minimum liability coverage is focused on […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: No $7 Billion Plan; We’ll Take The 5th; Fundraising In The Wild West; ID Changes?
May 10, 2021Republicans that run the Senate and House still have not released a plan yet for how they want to spend the $7.4 billion (or so) in federal stimulus money the state government will receive. Read more here. Beyond statements from House Speaker Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) and others expressing concerns about spending one-time federal stimulus funds […]
Read More →PPA Welcomes 6 New Association Members In April
May 3, 2021PPA would like to highlight the following new members joining the association in April — Apex Companies, LLC: Apex Companies, LLC provides responsive due diligence; environmental assessment (i.e. soil and groundwater), spill response, permit support, and remediation; engineering; regulatory compliance; NOV resolution; stormwater management; risk management; hazardous building materials (i.e. lead, mold, and asbestos) investigation, […]
Read More →Update On SB 435, HB 1285 – Expanding Electric, Natural Gas Vehicle Infrastructure
May 3, 2021PPA has been engaged in the process of communicating with the appropriate Committee chairs and other key legislators regarding our opposition to the bills that have been introduced that would permit utilities to expand electric and natural gas vehicle infrastructure and recover their costs from ratepayers. House Bill 1285 (Williams-R-Delaware) would also allow utilities to […]
Read More →PA Senate Republicans Move Bill To Require General Assembly Approval To Regulate Carbon Emissions
May 3, 2021A bill that would prohibit a Governor from joining multistate programs that would implement carbon cap and trade programs without legislative approval was voted out of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee on April 27. Senate Bill 119 (Pittman-R-Indiana) is aimed at the regulatory process continuing to be pursued by Governor Wolf to have […]
Read More →Recognizing April POMPAC Contributors
May 3, 2021The PPA Political Action Committee would like to recognize POMPAC contributions from the following individuals in April: — Platinum Supporter: Dell Cromie, Michael DeBerdine, Richard Scheibe Jr., Scott Walton* — Gold Supporter: N/A — Silver Supporter: Glenn Leighow, Kurt Haab, Steve Oehlert*, and Ted Harris* — Bronze Supporter: Mark Smith* and Quincy Longacre* — Supporter: […]
Read More →Chester County Fuel Dealers Association Donates $10,000 to PPA Training Program
May 3, 2021The Chester County Fuel Dealers Association recently approved a $10,000 donation of NORA funding to be earmarked by the PPA for the ongoing expansion of the Pennsylvania Petroleum Association Technical Education Center (PPATEC). This generous donation will support the PPATEC training program as the association continues to invest in strengthening workforce development initiatives for our […]
Read More →Renewal Of Expiring Annual HAZMAT Registration Certificates Due By July 1, 2021
May 3, 2021The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) online portal for annual HAZMAT registration opens May 1, 2021. Registration renewals must be completed by July 1, 2021. However, due to COVID-19 workplace restrictions and processing delays, marketers should register online this year and do so early. Important! Due to COVID-19 workplace […]
Read More →SB 382 Blocking Bridge Tolling Proposal Passes Senate, Now Goes To House
May 3, 2021A bill that would have the net effect of blocking a proposal pushed by PennDOT to toll nine interstate highway bridges passed the Senate by a 28-19 vote last week. Senate Bill 382, introduced by Senator Wayne Langerholc (R-Cambria), the chair of the Senate Transportation Committee) was in reaction to opposition that had intensified in […]
Read More →EMA Urges DOE, DHS, FMCSA to Address Problems Related To Winter Storm, Driver Shortage
May 3, 2021Over the past two months, EMA has been in frequent communication with DOE, DOT and DHS regarding lingering distribution problems in some parts of the South primarily caused by the dramatic winter storm in Texas. Since then, EMA has also been communicating that in the South there are already problems with keeping stations filled due […]
Read More →Biden Administration Issues Proposal To Ban Menthol Cigarettes
May 3, 2021The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Thursday the agency plans to propose new rules to adopt product standards to remove menthol from cigarettes and remove characterizing flavor additives from cigars. The proposed ban does not apply to e-cigarettes. In its announcement, the FDA states that the new proposed rules will be issued “within […]
Read More →Congressional Democrats Introduce Bill To Increase Tobacco Taxes
May 3, 2021U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-OR), along with Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and several other lawmakers, introduced the Tobacco Tax Equity Act of 2021 which would increase the federal tax rate on cigarettes, pegging it to inflation and setting the federal tax rate for all other […]
Read More →U.S. Supreme Court Hears Arguments On Validity Of Small Refinery Exemptions From The RFS
May 3, 2021The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments last week to determine whether small refineries can claim they are exempt from ethanol and biodiesel blending mandates under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). The case involves an appeal by small refiners of a lower federal court ruling last year that invalidated 3 small refinery exemptions (SREs) issued by […]
Read More →Congressional Update: American Families Plan; Infrastructure Plan; Clean Energy Tax Code Changes
May 3, 2021In his first address to the Joint Session of Congress April 28, President Biden announced the second of his two-part infrastructure proposal, the American Families Plan, which is being touted as a social and human infrastructure package. The 10-year, $1.8 trillion proposal includes investments and tax credits for American families and children in education, nutrition, […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: Feud Over Nominations Escalates; New Voting Districts Deadlock; How To Spend Federal Aid?
May 3, 2021In a few short weeks, the Senate, House and Gov. Wolf will face a July 1 deadline to put together a final state budget, including how to spend the extra $7.4 billion (or so) the state gets in federal stimulus aid, but partisan bickering over a proposed regulation to address climate change has now escalated […]
Read More →Senate Republicans Move To Stop RGGI By Blocking Governor’s Appointments To PUC
April 26, 2021The fight over the Wolf Administration’s plan to have Pennsylvania join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative was taken to a new level this week. In a letter to the Governor, the Senate Republicans announced they were refusing to confirm his nominees to the Public Utility Commission due to his pursuing the RGGI plan without legislative […]
Read More →House Bill Proposed To Allow Utilities To Charge Ratepayers For Expanding EV, Natural Gas Infrastructure
April 26, 2021A bill is being proposed that would authorize utilities to use revenue from ratepayers to subsidize the expansion of electric vehicle charging stations. It would also provide for ratepayer subsidy of the expansion of natural gas lines. The latter is reminiscent of the bill pushed a few years ago by the late Rep. Bob Godshall. […]
Read More →May Primary Ballot Question Seeks To Limit Gov. Wolf’s Disaster-Declaring Power
April 26, 2021The tensions between the General Assembly and the Governor over the use of executive power is also reflected in ballot questions that will be before voters in the May primary. Key among those is a proposed constitution amendment that would curtail an emergency disaster declaration by after Governor twenty one days unless a joint resolution […]
Read More →Energy Marketers Of America Comments On E15 Labeling, UST Compatibility Proposed Rule
April 26, 2021EMA submitted comments on the EPA’s E15 Labeling and UST compatibility proposed rule. EMA told the EPA that “energy marketers are willing to sell any liquid fuel that is compatible with existing storage and dispensing equipment, as well as the equipment it powers. Unfortunately, sealants, gaskets and other materials used to connect piping to tanks […]
Read More →IRS Rule Allows Deductions For Expenses Previously Disallowed Under The PPP Loan Program
April 26, 2021The IRS is providing businesses that received a first round Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan a way to deduct expenses they could not claim last year. Last week, the IRS issued a revenue procedure that provides a safe harbor for certain taxpayers who received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan between March 26, 2020 and […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Republican Infrastructure Plan; Climate Summit; Electric Vehicles
April 26, 2021U.S. Senate Republicans announced a $568 billion infrastructure framework that focuses on roads, bridges, water systems, and broadband as an alternative to President Biden’s infrastructure plan. The proposal, which Senate Democrats criticized as insufficient, would also impose user fees from drivers of electric, hybrid, and other vehicles not affected by the federal gas tax. House […]
Read More →U.S. Dept. Of Energy Announces $109 Million To Support Jobs, Economic Growth In Coal & Power Plant Communities
April 26, 2021On April 23, in connection with a White House report on economic revitalization in coal and power plant communities, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $109.5 million in funding for projects that directly support job creation in communities impacted by changes in the energy economy—the first results of a government-wide initiative launched by President […]
Read More →Biden Administration Considering Reducing Nicotine In Cigarettes
April 26, 2021The Biden Administration is considering a FDA proposed rule to reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes to make them no longer addictive as well as whether to outright ban menthol cigarettes in the U.S. by April 29th. Read more here. The Energy Marketers of America is concerned that such drastic measures could detrimentally impact small business […]
Read More →U.S. DOT Proposes Rule To Restore California’s Right To Set Its Own Vehicle Emission Standards
April 26, 2021The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced last week it is withdrawing part of a Trump-era rule that removed California’s waiver under the Clean Air Act to set their own stringent vehicle emission standards. The newly proposed rule change would restore California’s authority to set fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas […]
Read More →Only Half Of Large U.S. Banks Signed Net-Zero Banking Alliance
April 26, 2021On Wednesday, doubts were raised among environmentalists concerning the commitment of some large U.S. financial institutions to sustainability pledges to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 or to execute Paris Climate Agreement-aligned targets. Initial signatories of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero, or the Net-Zero Banking Alliance, were Morgan Stanley, Bank of America and Citigroup, […]
Read More →Fuels Institute Issues Diesel Fuel Quality Recommended Practices Guide
April 26, 2021The Fuels Institute’s Diesel Fuel Quality Council (DFQC) released its first publication earlier this month. The “Diesel Storage Tanks: Industry Practices to Minimize Degradation and Improve Fuel Quality” provides recommended practices for the management of storage tank systems to preserve diesel fuel quality and protect the vehicles using the fuel. The document discusses best practices […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: Senate R Rejection; House Rs Move To Help Business; Last Election Challenge
April 26, 2021Senate Republicans last week pulled the trigger on a major weapon. On April 21, they wrote a letter to Gov. Wolf to advise him they will reject all future nominees to the Public Utility Commission until he withdraws his executive order joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to reduce carbon pollution from power plants. Read […]
Read More →PPA Partnering With FMCSA For May Webinar Series
April 19, 2021The PPA is excited to again announce a partnership with the Pennsylvania Division of FMCSA/USDOT to offer a three-part webinar series in May. It will include a weekly one hour webinar beginning on May 4. This free educational opportunity is specifically catered towards energy marketers who haul hazardous materials. The scheduled includes these webinars all […]
Read More →Registration Now Open For 2021 Online Eastern Energy Expo Education Summit May 24-26
April 19, 2021Register now free for the 2021 Eastern Energy Expo Education Summit to be held online May 24 to 26. The Summit is being offered through a state-of-the-art video conference platform to host live business and technical education programs as well as interactive networking opportunities for attendees, sponsors and vendors. The Summit offers two tracks — […]
Read More →PPA Raises Concerns Regarding Senate Bill 435
April 19, 2021A Senate bill that would require electric utilities to submit plans for the extensive expansion of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure is being considered again this session. Senate Bill 435 (Mensch-R-Montgomery) would establish deadlines for the build out of charging and establish that process to be under regulation of the Public Utility Commission. The PPA […]
Read More →PA Commission Formed To Phase Out Gasoline Tax Hosts Second Meeting
April 19, 2021The Transportation Funding Revenue Options Commission held its second meeting on April 15. The PPA previously reported on the initial meeting which took place on March 25th. The Commission was appointed by Gov. Wolf to study and propose alternatives to the state’s current motor fuel tax. At the meeting, the Commission members were asked to […]
Read More →EMA, Other Groups Urge Midwest Senators To Include Small Business Safeguards In Potential Surface Transportation Bill
April 19, 2021Last week, EMA, FUELIowa and the Illinois Fuel & Retail Association sent a letter to Midwest U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) urging them to include small business protection should Congress enact the Alternative Energy Grant Program in a future transportation package. Last year, Congress proposed the creation of a grant program […]
Read More →EMA Urges Congress To Include The DRIVE-Safe Act In Infrastructure Bill
April 19, 2021Energy Marketers of America (EMA) along with more than 100 organizations sent a letter to the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure and Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Committees requesting that the DRIVE-Safe Act (S. 659/H.R. 1745) be included in any infrastructure legislation. Though 49 states and the District of Columbia allow individuals to obtain […]
Read More →FMCSA Warns Motor Carriers Of Fraudulent Vendors Posing As Government Agencies
April 19, 2021The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is warning motor carriers of predatory companies posing as government agencies seeking to collect $149 filing fees for U.S. DOT number renewal. One company sent past-due notices to motor carriers under the name “FMCSA Compliance Processing Group.” The letters warn motor carriers to “contact us immediately” or risk […]
Read More →U.S. Appeals Court Considers Legality Of EPA One Pound RVP Waiver Extension To E15 Blends
April 19, 2021The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit heard a challenge to the EPA’s one pound RVP Waiver for E15 issued in a 2019 final rulemaking. The EPA rulemaking extended the one-pound Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver to E15 blends, thus allowing its sale year-round. E15 was previously limited to the winter driving season […]
Read More →U.S. Senate Committee Holds Hearing On Highway Trust Fund Solvency
April 19, 2021Last week, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing titled “Long-term Solvency of the Highway Trust Fund: Lessons Learned from the Surface Transportation System Funding Alternatives Program and Other User-based Revenue Solutions, and How Funding Uncertainty Affects the Highway Programs.” The Committee heard from Joseph Kile Ph.D., Director of Microeconomic Analysis, […]
Read More →American Rescue Plan Subsidized COBRA Benefits To Laid Off Employees Thru Sept. 30
April 19, 2021The COVID relief legislation (the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021) that was signed into law in March included language providing COBRA premium health insurance coverage for laid off employees and their beneficiaries. COBRA provides certain employees and their beneficiaries with the right to retain coverage under an employer’s group health plan for a set […]
Read More →In Memoriam: John D. Cipollone, John Cipollone Inc.
April 19, 2021The PA Petroleum Association wishes to express its condolences to the family and many friends of John D. Cipollone, Sr. who passed away recently at the age of 97. After serving in World War II, he founded what is now John Cipollone, Inc. in 1953– a heating oil delivery and HVAC service company which […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: What’s Next For Election Law Changes, Vaccine Hesitancy, Speaker Pro Tempore
April 19, 2021The House State Government Committee finished its series of 14 hearings on the 2020 election last week looking at almost every possible aspect of the election process from the perspective of those involved in Pennsylvania, other states and national interest groups. Read more here. During the course of the hearings, the County Commissioners Association […]
Read More →Energy, Critical Infrastructure Workers Eligible For Vaccine In PA April 12
April 12, 2021Under the PA Department of Health’s revised schedule of vaccine eligibility, energy and critical infrastructure workers in Phase 1C are eligible to make COVD vaccine appointments starting April 12. Click Here for information from the Department of Health on local vaccine providers in your area and how to make appointments. TAP HERE for all […]
Read More →DHS Releases Employer Guidance Regarding Vaccination Hesitancy
April 12, 2021Employers of workers within the critical infrastructure sectors are essential to reducing vaccine hesitancy within their workforce by becoming messengers of accurate, reliable, and timely information. That is why DHS has released– CISA Insights: COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy within the Critical Infrastructure Workforce— which provides an overview of COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy and steps that critical infrastructure […]
Read More →Washington Report: Infrastructure Proposal Dominates Capitol
April 12, 2021In a major development last week, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced the Senate Parliamentarian has issued a ruling that will allow Democrats to revisit the budget reconciliation process as a legislative path forward. This would allow Democrats to pass the infrastructure package without any Republican support. However, securing all 50 Senate Democratic votes […]
Read More →U.S. Dept. Of Energy Sets Aside $61 Million For Biofuels R&D Grants
April 12, 2021Friday, the U.S. Department of Energy announced $61.4 million is now available for grants to support technologies that produce low-cost, low-carbon biofuels. Biofuels are derived from renewable resources and can power heavy-duty vehicles that are difficult to electrify with current technologies—including airplanes and ships—to help accelerate America’s path to a net-zero emissions economy by 2050. […]
Read More →VISA Declines To Extend Upcoming EMV Liability Shift Deadline
April 12, 2021Visa has declined to extend the upcoming mid-April EMV liability shift deadline for another six months that EMA requested. Click Here to read Visa’s response to EMA President Rob Underwood and Click Here for more information about the Visa Transaction Advisor. Last week, the Energy Marketers of America (EMA) along with NACS, SIGMA and NATSO […]
Read More →Options To Retrofit Your Pump As The EMV Deadline Approaches
April 12, 2021By: Bill Pittman, Sound Payments Petro Solutions Stations in Pennsylvania will have a busy period ahead of them as the EMV quickly approaches this month. According to the Conexxus survey results, only 15 percent of fuel retailers have updated their pumps to support EMV. It indicated that 39 percent of stations will not upgrade by […]
Read More →IRS Issues New Guidance Important For Marketers
April 12, 2021Recently, the IRS issued new guidance for employers on the rules that will apply to the Employer Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) for the first two quarters of 2021. As EMA previously reported, the ERTC provides businesses that have experienced a significant decline in revenue (as defined in the rules) or that were fully or partially […]
Read More →EMA, Coalition Urge Biden Administration To Reject Proposals To Commercialize Rest Areas
April 12, 2021EMA, along with organizations representing hundreds of thousands of mostly small businesses, urged U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to reject proposals to carve out any exceptions to the longstanding ban on commercial rest areas that would allow state departments of transportation to compete against the private sector by selling food and fuel, including electric vehicle […]
Read More →Federal Appeals Court Rejects New York City Climate Change Case Against Major Oil Companies
April 12, 2021The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit unanimously ruled that New York City’s climate change lawsuit against the major oil companies and other energy producers should be dismissed. The Court ruled that municipalities, like New York City, cannot utilize State law to hold multinational oil companies responsible for the damages caused by global […]
Read More →U.S. Department Of Labor Priorities
April 12, 2021In March, former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh was sworn in as the new U.S. Secretary of Labor. Secretary Walsh’s initial orders of business are expected to be largely focused on COVID and broader Administration agenda items, such as development of OSHA proposed DOL also has other regulatory items on its plate that are important for […]
Read More →PPA Formally Supports Senate Bill 275 Preempting Municipalities For Banning Energy Sources
April 12, 2021At the April 7, 2021 meeting, the PPA Board of Directors voted to support a bill that has been introduced in the state Senate that would block municipalities from adopting ordinances that would ban or regulate energy sources within their jurisdictions. Authored by Senator Yaw (R-Lycoming), Senate Bill 275 would establish that the regulation of […]
Read More →In Memoriam: David M. Schwanger, Schwanger Bros. & Company
April 12, 2021PPA is sad to let you know David M. Schwanger of Lancaster passed away April 8 at the age of 82. He was the second generation owner of Schwanger Bros. & Company, a full service energy provider that has been offering heating oil delivery, propane gas delivery, automatic delivery options, HVAC installations, heating and […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: New Unemployment Comp System; Vaccine Eligibility Expands; Direct Shipment Of Wine/Liquor
April 12, 2021The Senate held budget hearings, House Republicans had hearings and press events on abortion and transgender girls, investigations mutiplied into the PA School Employees Pension Fund, the race for the open U.S. Senate seat got bigger and there was good news on the direct shipment of wine and liquor. Let’s get to it….. Budget […]
Read More →Pennsylvania Announces New Vaccine Eligibility Schedule
April 5, 2021On March 31, the Department of Health, in conjunction with the COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force, announced the start of the special initiative to vaccinate targeted industry workers and to accelerate the vaccination timetable for those in Phases 1B, 1C and 2. The new schedule means employees of energy-related industries in Phase 1C will be […]
Read More →Biden Administration Releases Infrastructure Proposal
April 5, 2021This week, President Biden announced the first of a two-part infrastructure proposal, the American Jobs Plan, which includes the Made in America Tax Plan. According to the Administration’s fact sheet, the 8-year, $2.25 trillion proposal includes $621 billion in transportation and infrastructure improvements aimed to modernize 20,000 miles of roads and renovate at least 10,000 […]
Read More →PA Extends LIHEAP Application Deadline To April 30
April 5, 2021The Department of Human Services announced it is extending the deadline to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) Program until April 30. It had been set to close on April 9. The criteria to apply remains the same. Applications can be submitted to the same places. Just as a reminder, applications for […]
Read More →PPA Hosting April 6 Webinar: How Business Owners Can Prepare For A Low Tax Retirement
April 5, 2021On April 6 at 9:00 a.m. PPA will host a webinar on Everyone Exits: How to Prepare for a Successful Exit & High Cash Flow – Low Tax Retirement. There are few certainties in life, but one thing that is certain for all business owners, especially those in the oil, gas, and related industries, is […]
Read More →PA Dept. Of Human Services Urges Families, Landlords To Apply For Utility, Rental Assistance
April 5, 2021Last week, Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller encouraged individuals and families who pay rent and are at risk of eviction or loss of utility service to apply for help through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). Two critical points about this program for petroleum marketers– — ERAP helps tenant households with paying rent, […]
Read More →EMA Requests Card Networks To Extend Upcoming EMV Liability Shift Deadline
April 5, 2021Thursday, the Energy Marketers of America (EMA) along with NACS, SIGMA and NATSO requested that the card networks extend the EMV liability shift deadline for one final time through October 2021 to ensure small business fuel retailers have time to fully comply. EMA recently heard from its state association member companies that major equipment and […]
Read More →Reminder: New Edition Of DOT ERG Requires Update Of In-Cab Emergency Response Information
April 5, 2021Every four years, the U.S. DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) publishes an updated version of its Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) required for use by CDL drivers hauling hazardous materials. The latest version of the emergency response guide, ERG 2020, is now available. ERG 2020 updates and replaces the ERG 2016 edition currently […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: Want To Chair Reapportionment Commission? State Revenues Up
April 5, 2021If you’re looking for a good paying, but temporary job, the Senate and House leadership last week advertised the position of Chair of the PA Legislative Reapportionment Commission is available, if you like drawing maps, working with numbers and can sit through endless, mind-numbing political debates. The four Caucus leaders already appointed their four […]
Read More →PA Commission Meets To Review Options On Phasing Out Gasoline Tax
March 29, 2021The first meeting of the state’s Transportation Revenue Options Commission took place last week. Gov. Wolf issued an Executive Order on March 12 to create this group to explore new funding streams to pay for the state’s road and bridge construction and maintenance needs, as well as mass transit. The premise of the study is […]
Read More →EMA Highlights Transportation Priorities; Biden Infrastructure Bill Coming Wednesday
March 29, 2021This week, EMA sent a letter to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee as well as a letter to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee outlining energy marketers transportation and infrastructure priorities. EMA emphasized the importance of creating safeguards to ensure small business marketers can access vital federal funds to advance alternative energy goals. […]
Read More →SBA Triples Amount Small Businesses Can Borrow Thru EIDL Disaster Loan Program
March 29, 2021Small businesses harmed by the COVID pandemic can soon borrow up to $500,000 through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s emergency lending program. The SBA is more than tripling the maximum amount small businesses can borrow through its COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Beginning April 6, 2021, the SBA is raising the existing loan […]
Read More →U.S. Senate Approves Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Extension
March 29, 2021In good news for the country’s small businesses, Congress passed the PPP Extension Act of 2021 – which will extend the time for businesses to apply for, and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to grant, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. The President is expected to sign the bill into law. While the latest COVID relief […]
Read More →U.S. Senators Introduce Legislation To Greatly Expand EV Charger Credit
March 29, 2021Friday, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, as well as Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Richard Burr (R-NC) introduced the “Securing America’s Clean Fuels Infrastructure Act” which would greatly expand the electric vehicle tax credit which will otherwise expire at the end […]
Read More →U.S. Justice Department To Investigate Visa’s Debit Card Practices
March 29, 2021This week the Department of Justice notified Visa of plans to open an investigation into Visa’s U.S. debit practices. Click Here for the story. TAP HERE for all articles in March 29 EXPRESS Update
Read More →FHWA Considers Guidance To Commercialize Rest Stops For Transportation Electrification
March 29, 2021The Biden Administration’s broad-based attempts to fully electrify transportation continued Wednesday, when Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Acting Administrator Stephanie Pollack reported the Administration will issue guidance on how states may be able to get around the current prohibition of commercialization of rest stops so that electric charging stations can be installed on the federal right […]
Read More →California U.S. Senators Call On U.S. To Aggressively Decarbonize Transportation Sector
March 29, 2021On Monday, Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) pushed the White House to reinstate California’s authority to set greenhouse gas and zero-emission vehicle standards, to restore national standards that set fuel economy standards at the maximum level possible and to “… set a date by which all new cars and passenger trucks sold […]
Read More →American Petroleum Institute Backs Federal Price On Carbon, Market-Based Climate Solutions
March 29, 2021On Thursday, the American Petroleum Institute announced it endorsed a federal price on carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming. In a statement, API said, “We will support carbon pricing mechanisms that work across the entire economy to maximize environmental benefits,” reversing a long-held position. A spokesperson for API emphasized oil companies want “market-based […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: No In-Person School, No State Money; Election Help Plea – Again
March 29, 2021In a major policy shift, House Republicans Appropriations Committee Chair Rep. Stan Saylor (R-York) announced Wednesday he would work to require school districts, community colleges, technical schools and universities to return to in-person instruction as a condition of receiving state funding. Read more here. “Many schools in Pennsylvania have worked hard over the past year […]
Read More →Register Now! PA Summer Leadership Conference June 14-15 Avalon, NJ
March 22, 2021Just a reminder to register now for the Summer Leadership Conference will be held June 14-15 in Avalon, NY. The 2021 program will focus on the Blue Ocean Strategy. Retail energy marketers have operated in a red ocean market space for decades by fighting highly contested battles for capturing existing demand from your competitors. This […]
Read More →Reminder: All PennDOT Extensions For CDL Licenses Will End March 31
March 22, 2021PennDOT last week provided a letter to key partners as a courtesy reminder saying expiration dates for commercial driver licenses and commercial learner’s permits will end after the current extension expires for Pennsylvania residents in response to statewide COVID-19 mitigation efforts. There will be no further extensions. The final extension is currently in place […]
Read More →Schedule Of Upcoming PPA Monthly Webinars
March 22, 2021Check out newly added PPA monthly webinar series events in 2021! PPA monthly webinars normally take place the first Tuesday of each month.– — April 6: Everyone Exits – How To Prepare For A Successful Exit & High Cash Flow – Low Tax Retirement. 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Click Here to register. — May 4: […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Paycheck Protection Extension, Infrastructure, Electric Vehicles
March 22, 2021Last week, the U.S. House passed legislation that provides a two-month extension, through May 31, for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) applications. There is bipartisan Senate support to pass the extension, but Republican Senators introduced a modified version, which would prevent the SBA Administrator from prioritizing certain businesses without approval from Congress. News reports speculate this […]
Read More →AP Report: Autos Request A Compromise On Fuel Economy Standards
March 22, 2021The AP reported this week a coalition of automakers told the Biden administration it would agree to raise fuel economy standards but with tradeoffs and at rates lower than those brokered by California with five other car manufacturers. Fuel economy rules are important to energy marketers because federal fuel efficiency standards have a direct impact […]
Read More →U.S. House Hearing On The Business Case For Climate Solutions
March 22, 2021On Wednesday, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a hearing, “The Business Case for Climate Solutions.” With eight witnesses the hearing was long. Shameek Konar, Chief Executive Officer Pilot Flying J, testified on behalf of the National Association of Truckstop Operators (NATSO) who said, “Federal incentive policies should harness the core competencies of […]
Read More →Visa And MasterCard Postpone Swipe Fee Increases Another Year
March 22, 2021In response to pleas from retailers and pressure from Congress, Visa and Mastercard announced that because of the pandemic they are again delaying planned fee increases. The delayed increases have been moved to April 2022. Last week, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) sent a letter to VISA and MasterCard urging the […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: Redrawing Districts, Easing Restrictions, Closing Window, Changing Time
March 22, 2021The House and Senate were both in session last week and lots of issues were swirling around the Capitol Rotunda. Redrawing Voting Districts The process for redrawing legislative voting districts formally kicked off last week when Senate and House leaders– Republican and Democratic– named four members to the Legislative Reapportionment Commission– one for […]
Read More →Governor Wolf Makes Commitment to Phase Out Gas Tax
March 15, 2021Having discovered forming a bipartisan task force on the COVID vaccine rollout seems to be working, Gov. Wolf last week announced he was forming a Transportation Revenue Options Commission that he hopes will enable him to phase out the gasoline tax. Read more here. “Our economy, our communities, and our future rely on a strong […]
Read More →DEP Announces Equity Principles To Guide Investment Of RGGI Funds
March 15, 2021On March 10, the Department of Environmental Protection announced a set of guiding equity principles to help inform the public on the implementation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and investments of the program’s proceeds. Read more here. DEP has also partnered with the Delta Institute to engage with impacted communities and workers to […]
Read More →Congress Moving On To Infrastructure Bill, Confirms More Appointees
March 15, 2021With the $1.9 trillion federal COVID relief package done, the Biden Administration and Congressional leadership are turning attention to infrastructure to create new jobs and re-energize the economy. Thursday, House Democrats jump-started discussion with a $312 billion proposal that would make the country’s electric grid more resilient to natural disasters, replace lead drinking water pipes, […]
Read More →U.S. House Democrats Introduce Infrastructure Bill To Electrify America
March 15, 2021Friday, all Democratic members of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee reintroduced a broad infrastructure package called the “Leading Infrastructure for Tomorrow’s America Act,” or “LIFT America Act.” The massive infrastructure bill includes boosting “clean energy” and strengthening the power grid, as well as expanding broadband access and building healthcare infrastructure. The bill is […]
Read More →DRIVE Safe Act Reintroduced In U.S. Senate And House To Address Driver Shortage
March 15, 2021Last Week, U.s. Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Jon Tester (D-MT) reintroduced the Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy (DRIVE-Safe) Act to address the driver shortage in the trucking and logistics industry, and enhance safety training and job opportunities for young truckers. U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Angus King (I-ME), Joe […]
Read More →IRS Requirements for the Sale of Tax-Free, Undyed Kerosene
March 15, 2021Internal Revenue Service regulations allow for the tax-free sale of undyed kerosene at retail dispensers. Such sales are allowed so long as the undyed kerosene is sold from a “blocked pump”. Energy marketers may apply for a credit or refund of the federal tax on undyed kerosene provided the following conditions are met: — The […]
Read More →Federal Lawmakers Urge Credit Card Companies To Refrain From Increasing Swipe Fees
March 15, 2021Last week, U.s. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) sent a letter to VISA and MasterCard urging the companies to refrain from increasing swipe fees by $1.2 billion scheduled to take effect in April. An increase in processing fees could be especially hard for convenience stores now that cash has become a […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: Federal COVID Aid Gives State Budget Shot In The Arm; No More Gasoline Tax?
March 15, 2021The federal COVID relief bill signed into law by President Biden lifted a huge burden from Senate and House Republicans on how they were going to balance the state’s FY 2020-21 state budget. While Gov. Wolf praised the Biden Administration and Congress for passing the aid bill, he expressed disappointment Friday that it also dashed […]
Read More →U.S. House Energy & Commerce Democrats Introduce Climate Change Bill
March 8, 2021U.S. House Democrats reintroduced an expanded version of the “Climate Leadership and Environmental Action for our Nation’s (CLEAN) Future Act,” to reach zero carbon emissions in the areas of power, buildings and efficiency, transportation, and industrial sectors. Among the most significant plans, the proposal calls for: — Electricity suppliers to provide an increasing supply of […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Federal Relief Package Home Stretch; Infrastructure Next Up
March 8, 2021On Saturday, the U.S. Senate final action on the Biden Administration’s $1.9 trillion COVID aid package which contains changes from the House-passed version. The House must still take a vote to agree with the changes, before it goes to President Biden for his signature. The bill still contains major funding to plug holes in state […]
Read More →U.S. Fuel Distributors, Farmers Launch Joint Climate Initiative; March 8 Webinar Launch
March 8, 2021A cross-industry climate initiative by the U.S. liquid energy and agricultural sectors aims to affordably and equitably decarbonize five million homes across the Northeast by transitioning to renewable liquid heating fuel in alignment with state carbon-reduction targets. The launch of Project Carbon Freedom, coalition leaders say, will help facilitate advocacy and coordination between heating oil […]
Read More →New Gas Stations Targeted By Local Activists
March 8, 2021Last week, the City of Petaluma in California voted to ban new gas stations– in this case a Safeway Supermarket– and current stations will not be allowed to add new pumps. according to a story by Axios. Behind the effort to ban new gas stations is an environmental group called Stand.earth which ran a campaign […]
Read More →Federal Healthy Workplaces Tax Credit Act Reintroduced
March 8, 2021Last Tuesday, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) reintroduced the bipartisan Healthy Workplaces Tax Credit Act to help all businesses continue to safely stay open during the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring the safety of employees and consumers. The bill would allow a refundable tax credit against payroll taxes for 50 percent of […]
Read More →API Considers Support To Put A Price On Carbon Emissions
March 8, 2021Last week, it was reported the American Petroleum Institute (API) is considering supporting a market-based carbon pricing policy according to a Reuters report this week. API did not give specifics on whether or when the group would formally endorse a price on carbon but said it has been “focused on supporting a new U.S. contribution […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: Pandemic Unemployment; Remote Education; Senate Budget Hearings Coming Up
March 8, 2021The House budget hearings again re-lived some of the worst days of the pandemic for unemployed workers trying to get benefits and for school students after schools were forced to close. Unemployment Benefits Department of Labor and Industry Acting Secretary Jennifer Berrier was grilled and slowly roasted for an entire day over the […]
Read More →PPA Welcomes New Association Members In February
March 1, 2021PPA would like to highlight the following new members joining the association in February. Great Plains Industries / Porter Associates Founded in 1968 and privately held, Great Plains Industries, Inc. manufactures quality fuel transfer pumps, fuel meters, flowmeters and industrial instrumentation for global fluid transfer and liquid flowmeter markets. Headquartered in Wichita, KS (USA), the […]
Read More →SBA Adopts Changes to PPP Program to Make it Easier for Small Businesses to Obtain Loans
March 1, 2021The Small Business Administration (SBA) announced a plan this week to ensure that more funding from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) pandemic relief loans will go to the smallest of small businesses. PPP is a subsidized loan program designed to help small businesses stay afloat during temporary closures and revenue shortfalls caused by the corona […]
Read More →Congressional Update: House Passes COVID Relief Package, Minimum Wage Hike
March 1, 2021Early Saturday morning, the U.S. House passed President Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID/economic relief bill– a.k.a. American Rescue Plan– on a party-line vote, Democrats supporting. Read more here. The House version contained an increase in the federal minimum wage to $15, but that was only a nod to the importance of the issue for Democrats, […]
Read More →U.S. Senate Committee Holds Hearing On Highway Infrastructure
March 1, 2021On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing entitled: “Building Back Better: Investing in Transportation while Addressing Climate Change, Improving Equity, and Fostering Economic Growth and Innovation.” Testifying before the Committee included: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, Denver Michael Mayor Hancock, and American Association of State Highway […]
Read More →EMA Urges Congress To Uphold Prohibition Of Rest Stop Commercialization
March 1, 2021Last week, EMA, NATSO, NACS and SIGMA continued its decade long fight and joined other associations in a letter urging Congress to oppose commercialization of interstate Rest Stops. Last Congress, to the disadvantage of small and medium size business owners, H.R. 2 included a provision that would allow EV chargers at rest areas. Allowing EV […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: Reliving Pandemic, New Districts Later, Questions On Ballot Questions
March 1, 2021Members of the House Appropriations Committee continued budget hearings last week re-living the early days of the COVID pandemic with the departments of Health and Community and Economic Development and telling PennDOT what a bad idea it was to put tolls on bridges to fund major construction projects. Nursing Home Deaths One repeated […]
Read More →PPA Summer Leadership Conference June 14-15 Avalon, NJ
February 22, 2021The Pennsylvania Petroleum Association is excited to announce the Summer Leadership Conference will be held June 14-15 in Avalon, NY. The 2021 program will focus on the Blue Ocean Strategy. Retail energy marketers have operated in a red ocean market space for decades by fighting highly contested battles for capturing existing demand from your competitors. […]
Read More →PennDOT Issued Hours Of Service Waiver Through Feb. 28
February 22, 2021On Tuesday, PennDOT issued an Hours of Service waiver exemption statewide for the transport of road diesel fuels, home heating fuels, propane and kerosene which expires at midnight, February 28, 2021. Click Here for a copy of the state waiver. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Wednesday granted a regional Hours of Service […]
Read More →DEP To Propose New Regulation To Require Automakers To Offer Electric Vehicles For Sale In PA
February 22, 2021On February 19, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it is drafting new regulations, under the direction of Gov. Tom Wolf, to require automakers to offer electric vehicles for sale in Pennsylvania as part of its PA Clean Vehicles Program. The change would require automakers to include light-duty electric vehicles as a percentage of their […]
Read More →Congressional Update: Democrats To Move Relief Package; No Timeline For Infrastructure, Energy
February 22, 2021Congressional Democrats are pressing forward for a vote this week or during the weekend, on President Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID relief package. House Committees finalized their portions of the package, setting the stage for passage via budget reconciliation – a complex legislative tool that could allow Democrats to pass the package with a simple majority […]
Read More →Annual EPCRA Tier II Reports Must Be Filed By March 1, 2021
February 22, 2021It’s that time of year again for energy marketers to start preparing EPCRA Tier II reports for any facility storing petroleum during the 2020 calendar year. The federal Emergency Preparedness and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986 was created to help communities plan for and respond to chemical emergencies by requiring facilities to […]
Read More →FDA Updates Public On PMTA Application Progress
February 22, 2021The FDA Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) released new information regarding the number of premarket tobacco product applications (PMTA) it received by the September 9, 2020 deadline. Unfortunately, the FDA has yet to publish a list of all products for which PMTAs were received by the September deadline. According to the FDA, it has processed […]
Read More →Can A Company Require Employees To Get A COVID-19 Vaccine?
February 22, 2021Employers need to understand the rules on mandating the COVID-19 vaccine for its workforce. While an employer can require its employees to get the vaccine before returning to work, several exceptions exist. The two major exceptions are for employees with ADA disabilities and employees with sincere religious beliefs. Employees represented by unions may also have […]
Read More →Fed Reserve Governor Brainard Favors Mandatory Corporation Climate Change Risk Disclosures
February 22, 2021In a recent speech, Federal Reserve Governor Lael Brainard said the Fed is working to improve its understanding of climate risk while also “taking steps to mitigate the risks.” While not speaking for the entire Fed Board of Governors, Brainard said that she wants mandatory disclosures on corporate climate risks. “The long-time horizon associated with […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: Budget Season Begins, Another New Vaccine Plan, Tolling Bridges
February 22, 2021Budget season kicked off in the House last week with the grim news– no surprise– the state will have to make up for a $2.5 to $3 billion structure deficit and at least $2 billion more in one-time income– including federal COVID relief funds– before they even tackle the FY 2021-22 budget. Gov. Wolf’s […]
Read More →Reminder: Sign Up To Participate On A PPA Committee In 2021
February 15, 2021PPA invites you to participate in one of our committees this year so your voice can help shape the direction of the Association on important topics and initiatives. Committee meetings start in March! The committees include– — Convention Committee: assists the Association in coordinating the various conferences that take place throughout the year as well […]
Read More →PPA Requests Extension To Current Driver Hours of Service Waiver
February 15, 2021In a call with state officials on Friday February 12, members of the PPA Energy Assurance Task Force requested an extension of the driver hours of service waiver which is currently set to expire on February 16. The PPA Task Force has been meeting periodically over the last two years with representatives of state agencies […]
Read More →PPA Participates In Discussions On Rollout Of State COVID Relief For Renters/Energy Costs
February 15, 2021As previously reported in the EXPRESS, a state program aimed to give relief to renters impacted by the COVID economy for housing and energy costs has been enacted into law. Fuel oil and propane are eligible sources of energy defined under this statute. This past week, PPA participated in a meeting with the PA Department […]
Read More →2021 PPA Monthly Webinars Begin Tomorrow!
February 15, 2021The PPA is excited to announce the return of our monthly webinar series in 2021! Please the February – April webinars below. The schedule includes these webinars that all start at 9:00 a.m.– — February 16: New PA Small Business Energy Financing program: Trusted Commercial Financing for Oil, Gas, and other Energy Improvements. Click Here […]
Read More →IRS Issues Hefty Fines For Failure To Display Nontaxable Use Dispenser Labels
February 15, 2021EMA continues to hear from energy marketers who have received hefty fines for failure to display IRS nontaxable use warning labels on dispensers. The IRS requires all dyed diesel and dyed kerosene dispensers to have a specific label indicating that the fuel is for nontaxable use only. Dispensers supplying undyed, untaxed kerosene sold from a […]
Read More →EMA Congressional Update: Federal Budget; Minimum Wage; Infrastructure Funding
February 15, 2021Congressed passed budget resolutions last week, which will allow Democrats to leverage the budget reconciliation process to pass priority legislation, in this case a COVID-relief package, without Republican support. President Biden and the White House voiced preference to move a bipartisan agreement package under “regular order,” but maintained that reconciliation remains on the table. President […]
Read More →Study Shows Cost Of Electric Vehicles May Be Underestimated
February 15, 2021A newly released study by the National Bureau of Economic Research entitled “Low Energy: Estimating Electric Vehicle Electricity Use” reveals that, in California, drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) drive less than half that of drivers of gasoline powered cars. While this is significant regarding the trust that consumers have with EVs and range anxiety, it […]
Read More →Congressional House Democrats Release Energy Tax Incentives Proposal
February 15, 2021Congressional House Democrats released their energy tax incentives proposal known as the Growing Renewable Energy and Efficiency Now Act (GREEN Act, H.R. 7330) which is similar to the energy tax provisions included in the Democrats’ infrastructure legislation. The bill includes tax credit extensions and expansions for wind, solar, biodiesel, carbon dioxide capture and storage, and […]
Read More →Not All Congressional Democrats Likely To Approve Climate Legislation
February 15, 2021U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) vowed to make climate legislation one of the chamber’s top priorities and make the entire economy carbon neutral by 2050. However, seven Democrats joined all Senate Republicans in voting to block a fracking ban in last week’s budget resolution “vote-a-rama.” Additionally, Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Jon Tester […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: Budget Hearing Season Begins, Election Hearings Continue, New Vaccine Plan
February 15, 2021The House Republicans will fire the opening shots at Gov. Wolf’s FY 2021-22 budget proposal this week on several fronts when they start agency-by-agency budget hearings Tuesday. The Department of State– which runs Pennsylvania’s elections– will no doubt get some attention Wednesday, along with the Department of Corrections. The House Commerce Committee will […]
Read More →PPA Welcomes Nine New Association Members In January!
February 8, 2021PPA would like to highlight the following new members joining the association in January– Certified Financial Services, LLC Certified Financial Services, LLC is a comprehensive financial planning firm who specializes in working with business owners to increase the probability of a successful exit and create sales proceeds distribution strategies that significantly increases cash flow and […]
Read More →Pennsylvania Hours Of Service Waiver In Effect Until February 16
February 8, 2021On February 2, PennDOT issued hours of service waivers for the transportation of motor fuels, heating fuels, and propane. The waiver is currently in effect until February 16, 2021. The waivers in this exemption apply to motor carriers engaged in operations necessary to respond to the severe winter storm event disaster emergency declared by the […]
Read More →New PA Relief Package: Tax Exemption, Energy Assistance, Hospitality Industry Grants
February 8, 2021Friday, the Senate and House passed and Gov. Wolf signed Senate Bill 109 (Pittman-R-Indiana) into law that provides $912 million in economic, rent, utility and other relief to businesses, school districts and individuals, all but $145 million from federal funds. Here are the major provisions that affect PPA members. Tax Exemption The […]
Read More →Recognizing January PAC Contributors
February 8, 2021Political Action Committee Chairman John Reilly would like to recognize POMPAC contributions from the following individuals in January– — Platinum Supporter: Jim Barber and Scott Walton* — Gold Supporter: N/A — Silver Supporter: Steve Oehlert*, Ted Harris* — Bronze Supporter: Jane Domitrowits, Joseph Clemenson, Mark Smith*, and Tom Wingard — Supporter: Andrew Myers *Denotes the […]
Read More →Congressional Update: EMA Opposes $15 Minimum Wage; Power Sharing; New Transportation Secretary
February 8, 2021The Energy Marketers of America joined 30 other associations in a letter opposing the Raise the Wage Act of 2021 which would increase the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour over five years and allow for annual automatic increases without the consent of Congress. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is pushing to […]
Read More →U.S. Dept. Of Labor Ends Program Allowing Self-Reporting Of Federal Minimum Wage, Hour Violations
February 8, 2021The U.S. Department of Labor announced the immediate end of its Payroll Audit Independent Determination (PAID) program launched by the department’s Wage and Hour Division in 2018. The program was terminated effective January 29, 2021. The PAID program allowed employers to self-report federal minimum wage and overtime violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Once […]
Read More →FMCSA Reveals 56,000 Driver Violations Reported To Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse In 2020
February 8, 2021The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced more than 56,000 CDL driver drug and alcohol violations were recorded last year in the agency’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse database which began operation on January 6, 2020. The Clearinghouse is an online database that tracks all CDL drivers’ drug and alcohol compliance history. The purpose of […]
Read More →More Automakers Drop Out Of Trump Lawsuit Seeking To Roll Back Auto Emission Rules
February 8, 2021Toyota, Fiat Chrysler and several other automakers announced this week that they are abandoning a legal battle between the Trump Administration and California over the state’s right to set its own standards for greenhouse gas emissions and fuel economy rules. Last year, GM, Fiat Chrysler, Toyota and 10 other automakers sided with the Trump Administration […]
Read More →EMA Gets Out Front Against Minimum Liability Insurance Coverage
February 8, 2021EMA joined other organizations in a letter to members of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure in opposition to any increase in the minimum liability coverage for motor carriers in the next surface transportation reauthorization bill. Although marketers are not included in the current proposed language, EMA continues to oppose any efforts to unnecessarily […]
Read More →Massachusetts Energy Marketer Submits Op-Ed On Aggressive State Climate Change Proposal
February 8, 2021Matthew R. Allen, Vice President of W.H. Riley & Son Inc., a heating oil marketer in Massachusetts, wrote this op-ed that appeared in his local Fall River newspaper on climate change and bioheat. When my great-great-great-great-grandfather, William H. Riley, founded W.H. Riley & Son in 1873, he delivered the leading heating product of the day […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: Budget Address, $912 Million In Relief On The Way; Ending Emergencies Goes To Voters
February 8, 2021A $912 million relief package for business, individuals and school districts, fueled by federal funding, cleared the General Assembly in a bipartisan flurry and was signed into law immediately Friday by Gov. Wolf. The two other major events last week– final passage of a constitutional amendment to limit declared emergencies to 21 days and the […]
Read More →President Biden Issues Executive Orders To Address Climate Change
February 1, 2021On Wednesday, President Biden signed several Executive Orders (EOs) designed to make climate change a central Administration priority for the next four years and build upon last week’s EOs to rewrite the Trump Administration’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards (CAFE) and cancel the Keystone XL pipeline. U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) was quick […]
Read More →PA Senate Committee Holds Hearing On PennDOT Bridge Tolling Proposal
February 1, 2021On January 25, the Senate Transportation Committee held a public hearing to take testimony on a proposal by PennDOT to begin tolling designated bridges in Pennsylvania. Read more here. This initiative was approved by PennDOT’s Private Public Partnership Board (referred to as P3) at its November 20, 2020 meeting. Read more here. At the Senate […]
Read More →PennDOT: New Law Updates CDL Requirements For PA Veterans, Service Members
February 1, 2021On January 27, the departments of Transportation and Military and Veterans Affairs announced a new Pennsylvania law waives the requirement for Pennsylvania residents who are current and former military members and who operated a commercial vehicle as part of their duties, to take a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Knowledge Test when applying for a CDL. […]
Read More →PA Senate, House Moving Quickly On $912 Million COVID Relief Package
February 1, 2021The state Senate and House are moving quickly to take final action on a $912 million– primarily federal funded– COVID relief package for businesses, individuals and school districts. Senate Bill 109 (Pittman-R-Indiana) was passed by the Senate last week, and sent to the House, which has already reported the bill out of the House […]
Read More →PPA Monthly Webinar Series Resumes This Month!
February 1, 2021PPA is excited to announce the return of our monthly webinar series in 2021. This free webinar offering takes place the first Tuesday of every month. Some months will feature multiple webinar opportunities. The schedule includes these webinars that all start at 9:00 a.m.– — February 2: PA HVAC Home Improvement Financing: The Elephant in […]
Read More →EPA Now Accepting Applications For Diesel Emissions Reduction Grants
February 1, 2021The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced the availability of approximately $46 million in Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grant funds to support projects aimed at reducing emissions from the nation’s existing fleet of older diesel engines. The deadline to apply is March 16. The funding can be used for these eligible diesel vehicles, engines […]
Read More →OSHA Updated Guidance To Employers On Mitigating Spread Of COVID
February 1, 2021On January 29, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released updated recommendations and guidance to employers regarding procedures and practices to follow to mitigate the spread of COVID -19 in the workplace. Included in the announcement are several key recommendations– — Conduct a hazard assessment; — Identify control measures to limit the spread […]
Read More →U.S. Senate Power-Sharing Agreement, Nominations, COVID-Relief Package
February 1, 2021Last week, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) reached a power-sharing agreement to establish Senate rules and procedure for the 117th Congress. The agreement comes after Senators Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) reaffirmed their opposition to eliminating the filibuster, thus maintaining the Senate’s 60-vote threshold for […]
Read More →Annual EPCRA Tier II Reports Must Be Filed by March 1, 2021
February 1, 2021It’s that time of year again for energy marketers to start preparing EPCRA Tier II reports for any facility storing petroleum during the 2020 calendar year. The Emergency Preparedness and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986 was created to help communities plan for and respond to chemical emergencies by requiring facilities to report […]
Read More →Update On Outstanding IRS Motor Fuel Excise Claims
February 1, 2021EMA’s continual pressure on the IRS to clear up the backlog of outstanding motor fuel refund claims owed to energy marketers looks like it has finally paid off. U.S. Senator Toomey’s (R-PA) office recently informed EMA that the IRS developed a new systematic method to process the backlogged claims, all of which were filed on […]
Read More →General Motors Plans To Convert To Zero Emission Vehicles By 2035
February 1, 2021On January 28, General Motors announced it plans to become carbon neutral in its global products and operations by 2040 and hopes to transition to an all-electric future to eliminate tailpipe emissions from new light-duty vehicles by 2035. GM’s focus will be offering zero-emissions vehicles across a range of price points and working with all […]
Read More →Feds: COVID, Vaccines, Resources, And Updated Terrorism Threat Advisory
February 1, 2021In alignment with President Biden’s plan to respond to COVID-19, FEMA is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other federal agencies and coordinating with state, tribal and territorial authorities and private sector partners and others to assist, augment and expedite vaccinations in the United States. For more, see FEMA’s Role in […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: $912 Million Relief Package, 21 Day Emergencies, Wolf’s Priorities
February 1, 2021Bipartisanship accidentally broke out late last week in Harrisburg when the Senate and House and Gov. Wolf worked to move a $912 million COVID-related relief package for businesses, individuals and school districts. Senate Bill 109 (Pittman-R-Indiana) passed the Senate and was reported out of the House Appropriations Committee putting it in position for a […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: Republicans Move Constitutional Amendment On Emergencies
January 25, 2021Although neither the Senate and House were in voting session last week, Republicans took action to keep legislation to limit emergencies declared by a Governor to 21 days on track for a final vote so it can be on the May Primary election ballot. 21 Day Emergencies On January 22, as its first act […]
Read More →Keystone XL Pipeline Permit Revoked
January 25, 2021On Wednesday, among the many environmental policies that the new Administration is expected to reverse, President Biden signed an Executive Order revoking a critical permit for the Keystone XL pipeline. “The Permit is hereby revoked,” Biden’s executive order says. “Leaving the Keystone XL pipeline permit in place would not be consistent with my Administration’s economic […]
Read More →Federal Appeals Court Blocks Last Minute Trump Administration Refinery Exemptions
January 25, 2021Before President Trump left office, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a total of three small refinery exemptions from RFS blending mandates (two waivers for the 2019 compliance year and one waiver for the 2018 compliance year). However, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked implementation of the three refinery exemptions and gave EPA […]
Read More →Reminder: EMA’s COVID-19 Situational Update & Resources Webpage
January 25, 2021EMA is working closely with the U.S. Departments of Energy, Transportation, Small Business Administration (SBA), Homeland Security, Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, & Emergency Response, the EPA, and the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to mitigate any negative impact of the COVID19 coronavirus on energy marketers. The talks are a continuation of EMA’s ongoing emergency […]
Read More →U.S. Refiners Aim to Reduce Carbon Footprint
January 25, 2021U.S. refiners are issuing comprehensive documents to highlight their efforts to reduce GHG emissions through renewables. Click Here for the story. TAP HERE for all articles in January 25 EXPRESS Update
Read More →Free Train-The-Trainer Webinar Jan. 26 On Distracted Driving For CDL Holders
January 25, 2021The University of California-San Diego Training, Research and Education for Driving Safety (TREDS) Program will hold a free virtual train-the-trainer workshop January 26 on distracted driving for CDL holders starting at 12:45 p.m. Just Drive: Deliver Distraction-Free engages audiences through a PowerPoint presentation that includes videos, participant interaction, and strategies to promote safe driving. Workshop […]
Read More →Biden Administration Places Freeze On Federal Agency Rulemaking Process
January 25, 2021The Biden Administration last week, imposed a freeze on new and pending federal regulations. The freeze is designed to ensure that new and pending regulations are first reviewed by Biden appointees for consistency with the incoming Administration’s regulatory agenda before they take effect. The freeze is directly aimed at the flurry of regulations proposed or […]
Read More →Biden Administration Policy Priorities
January 25, 2021On January 20, Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States. At the top of President Biden’s policy agenda is COVID-19 relief and recovery. As outlined on January 14, the Biden Administration intends to pursue a $1.9 trillion COVID relief plan, which is expected to include an additional $20 billion for […]
Read More →Changes To PA Vaccine Distribution Plan Causes Confusion
January 25, 2021On January 19, the Department of Health announced a major change to its Vaccine Distribution Plan saying anyone 65 or over could be vaccinated and people 16 to 64 could get the shot if they had other medical conditions like Type 2 diabetes. The changes follow late federal guidance from the Trump Administration. Read more […]
Read More →Information Regarding PA DEP Annual Storage Tank Registration And Permit Renewals
January 25, 2021The PPA has been in contact with PA DEP regarding various factors that are impacting the timing of annual storage tank registration fees and permit renewals. PA DEP highly recommends the use of the ePermitting Online Registration and Fee Payment website. For any company who does not use the online system, DEP is recommending they […]
Read More →Participate In Survey Measuring COVID-19 Impact On PPA Members
January 25, 2021Please participate in a brief survey to describe the impact that COVID-19 has had on your transportation operations. This information will assist the PPA in communicating industry needs to government officials. Click Here to take the online survey. TAP HERE for all articles in January 25 EXPRESS Update
Read More →PPA Encourages You To Join A PPA Committee In 2021
January 25, 2021PPA invites you to participate in one of our committees this year so your voice can help shape the direction of the Association on important topics and initiatives. The committees include– — Convention Committee: assists the Association in coordinating the various conferences that take place throughout the year as well as the annual membership meeting. […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: House Moves Bills, Senate Still Organizing; Wolf Presses Aid For Businesses
January 18, 2021The House Republicans last week began to move key items on their legislative agenda out of committee, including six proposed amendments to the state constitution, while the Senate was still appointing committee chairs. Gov. Wolf, and Democratic House and Senate leaders, pressed Republicans for action on a $145 million aid package to businesses affected […]
Read More →EMA Urges Congress To Fully Fund LIHEAP
January 18, 2021The National Energy & Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC) is circulating their annual association’s letter in support of full FY22 funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). EMA has joined the letter, but if states want to also sign on (in addition to being covered through EMA), the letter will be open briefly […]
Read More →Trump Delays Start of Auto Industry’s Higher Penalties For Not Meeting Fuel Requirements
January 18, 2021The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced it has delayed implementation of the higher penalty amounts for auto industries that do not meet fuel efficiency requirements. The delay will save the industry hundreds of millions of dollars. The fines were set to increase $14 from $5.50 for every 0.1 mile per gallon new cars […]
Read More →Trump Administration Punts Decision On Applications For Small Refinery Waivers
January 18, 2021The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday it is proposing to extend the compliance deadline for 2019 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) to November 30, 2021 as well as the 2020 deadlines to January 31, 2022, and June 1, 2022. However, the EPA is unlikely to act on pending applications for small refinery exemptions from RFS […]
Read More →EEOC Permits Employers To Mandate COVID Vaccinations To Employees
January 18, 2021EEOC Permits Employers to Mandate COVID Vaccinations to Employees: Now What? As we approach the end of this tumultuous and uncertain 2020, there are strong signs that in 2021, life as we once knew it, will once again return to some level of normalcy. This means employers can look forward to re-opening their doors to […]
Read More →SBA Announces Paycheck Protection Program Reopening
January 18, 2021The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Treasury Department announced this week that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) reopened to new borrowers and qualifying second time borrowers. Click Here for more information on the Second Draw PPP loans. TAP HERE for all articles in January 18 EXPRESS Update
Read More →President-Elect Biden Announces $1.9 Trillion “America Rescue Plan”
January 18, 2021On January 14, President-elect Biden announced a $1.9 trillion” American Rescue Plan” to combat COVID-19 and help American recover. Biden’s ambitious plan would send $1,400 stimulus checks to Americans; increase the federal minimum wage to $15/hour; and leverage $35 billion in government funds into an additional $175 billion in low-interest loans to entrepreneurs, particularly those […]
Read More →FMCSA Proposes New Pilot Program To Provide Commercial Drivers Additional Hours Of Service Flexibility
January 18, 2021On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator (FMCSA) announced a new proposed pilot program for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers to evaluate two additional options for splitting sleeper berth periods – a 6/4 split and a 5/5 split. During the proposed pilot program, participating drivers would have the option to […]
Read More →Free FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse How-to Webinar And Presentation Slides Now Available
January 18, 2021In December 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hosted a series of live informational webinars on how to use the agency’s new online Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse is a secure online database that gives employers, the FMCSA, State Driver Licensing Agencies, and State law enforcement personnel real-time information about commercial CDL […]
Read More →New EPA Proposed Rule Designed To Make E15 Easier To Use With Existing UST Equipment
January 18, 2021The U.S. EPA is set to publish a proposed rule designed to make it easier to sell E15 from E10 certified equipment. The two prong rule addresses dispenser labeling and underground storage tank system compatibility. The first part of the rule seeks public comment on whether to modify, or eliminate altogether, the E15 dispenser warning […]
Read More →Revised OSHA Injury And Illness Compliance Bulletin
January 18, 2021A revised EMA OSHA Injury and Illness Compliance Bulletin is now available and includes updated requirements for COVID-19 recording. According to OSHA, COVID-19 can be a recordable illness for employers who must comply with Injury and Illness reporting if an employee is infected as a result of performing their work-related duties. Recording a COVID-19 illness […]
Read More →Latest Information On PA Dept. Of Health Vaccination Plan
January 18, 2021On January 8, the Department of Health released an updated Vaccination Plan (Version 4) that follows the latest federal guidance on administering COVID vaccines. Critical infrastructure workers in the energy sector are now in a new Phase 1C of the Plan after health care workers in Phase 1A and all adults aged 75 and […]
Read More →PPA Welcomes New Staff Members
January 11, 2021PPA would like to welcome new staff members Alan Mercurio, new Lead Technical Trainer, and Jessica Reeder, Program Administrator! Alan Mercurio will join the PPA as the Lead Technical Trainer for the PA Petroleum Association Technical Education Center (PPATEC). He brings over 30 years of industry experience in various roles and currently holds multiple HVAC […]
Read More →PPATEC Offers Over 50 Courses In 2021 Training Schedule
January 11, 2021PPATEC is excited to announce the release of the 2021 PPATEC training schedule with over 50 courses taught by highly qualified instructors. Courses cover air condition, electrical, gas, oilheat and transportation with many offering hands-on training and industry specific certifications. Click Here for the full schedule and to register. Please register early. If […]
Read More →Dept. Of Health Releases Updated Vaccination Plan Following Latest CDC Federal Guidance
January 11, 2021On Friday, the Department of Health released an updated Vaccination Plan that follows the latest federal guidance on administering COVID vaccines. Critical infrastructure workers in the energy sector are now in a new Phase 1C of the Plan after health care workers in Phase 1A and all adults aged 75 and older as well […]
Read More →New Law PA Will Improve Ability To Obtain ID, Update CDL License Requirements
January 11, 2021On January 6, PennDOT said that a new state law will provide opportunities that will give Pennsylvanians experiencing homelessness the ability to be issued a free identification card and Pennsylvanians with visual impairments improved access to obtain a driver’s license and will help improve roadway safety through updated commercial driver’s license requirements. Act 131 of […]
Read More →PennDOT Adopts FMCSA Waiver On Expiring CDLs And Medical Certificates
January 11, 2021The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently issued a waiver that allows states to waive until February 28, 2021, the 8-year limit to the validity period of the CDL, 1 year period of the Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), the 14-day waiting period for a CDL test, and the requirement for a medical examination for those […]
Read More →Federal Voluntary Paid Leave Payroll Tax Credit Available Thru March 31, 2021
January 11, 2021Beginning April 1, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA) required employers to pay sick leave and expanded medical and family leave to employees affected by the coronavirus. The mandate applied to companies with fewer than 500 employees and included partial exemptions for small companies with fewer than 50 employees. The FFCRA paid leave […]
Read More →FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Registration Portal Experiencing Technical Difficulties
January 11, 2021The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires employers with CDL drivers to register with and use the agency’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to report, search and manage driver drug and alcohol records. The deadline to sign up for the Clearinghouse: That means motor carriers or consortia/third party administrators must register with and check the Clearinghouse […]
Read More →Mandatory Annual OSHA Workplace Injury & Illness Posting Begins Feb. 1
January 11, 2021The 2020 posting cycle for OSHA’s workplace injury and illness reporting rule begins on February 1, 2021 and runs through April 30, 2021. The OSHA injury and illness recording and posting requirements apply to most establishments (workplaces) with more than 10 employees. OSHA requires employers to record and post all work-related injuries occurring during the […]
Read More →U.S. Dept. Of Labor Releases Final Rule To Clarify Worker Status Under The FLSA
January 11, 2021On Wednesday, the Department of Labor announced a final rule clarifying the standard for employee versus independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The effective date of the final rule is March 8, 2021. Independent contractors are not entitled to the federal minimum wage and overtime pay that covered employees receive under the […]
Read More →Learn More About NBB’s Upcoming Virtual Rise Conference & Expo Jan. 18-21
January 11, 2021The National Biodiesel Board is hosting their virtual Rise Conference & Expo January 18 – 21. Learn more about an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil and animal fats, biodiesel and renewable diesel are better, cleaner fuels that are available now for use in existing diesel engines without modification. […]
Read More →Update On The New Congressional Session
January 11, 2021The 117th Congress began on January 3, followed by Democratic victories in the January 5 Georgia U.S.. Senate runoffs. Democrats will control the White House, Senate, and House for the first time since 2011. The 50-50 Senate makeup, with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris casting tie-breaking votes, means that neither party will be able to afford […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: House, Senate Getting Organized, Strong Revenue Numbers
January 11, 2021On Tuesday, the Senate and House returned to Harrisburg for the first time since November for the start of a brand new legislative session and spent their first– and only– day swearing in new members, adopting basic operating rules and made a start at getting organized. In the House, things were relatively orderly in […]
Read More →PennDOT Extends Expiration Dates On CDL Licenses, Commercial Learner’s Permits
January 4, 2021On December 30, the Department of Transportation announced the expiration dates for commercial driver licenses and commercial learner’s permits will be extended for Pennsylvania residents in response to statewide COVID-19 mitigation efforts. The following products’ expiration dates will be extended: — The expiration date for a commercial learner’s permit scheduled to expire from March 16, […]
Read More →2021 Federal Motor Fuel Excise Tax Rates
January 4, 2021There are several changes to the 2021 federal motor fuel excise tax rates you should be aware of– — Oil Spill Liability Tax Extended – The federal Oil Spill Liability Tax (OSLT) set to expire on December 31, 2020 is extended through December 31, 2025. Refiners pay the $0.09 cents per barrel of crude oil […]
Read More →Federal COVID Relief Package Does Not Extend Paid Sick & Family Leave Mandate
January 4, 2021As reported last Monday, President Trump signed a $2.3 trillion funding package into law, which includes $1.4 trillion in government funding and $900 billion in COVID relief. The legislation extends the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and clarifies PPP expenses as tax deductible. The bill also provides $600 stimulus checks for adults […]
Read More →TSA To Allow Grace Period For Expired Hazardous Materials Endorsement Renewals
January 4, 2021EMA continued its efforts last week to obtain a waiver extension for security background checks and fingerprinting requirements that CDL drivers must submit to state licensing agencies for renewal of expiring hazardous material endorsements (HME). The requirements expired on December 31. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) first issued the waiver back in March due […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: 2021 Could See Fundamental Reshaping Of PA State Government
January 4, 2021The new year has the potential to see a fundamental reshaping of state government by those who now run the General Assembly. With solid Republican gains in both the Senate and House, their efforts to curb the emergency authority of the Governor and to politically reshape state appeals courts through constitutional amendments will move […]
Read More →PA Doesn’t Sign On To Transportation & Climate Initiative, But
December 28, 2020On December 21, 2020 the states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia signed onto a regional MOU to enter into the Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI). Pennsylvania did not sign onto the MOU, but was a part of a joint statement to show support in the continued development of the policy. […]
Read More →Dec. 30 Webinar On Latest COVID Relief Bill – What’s In It For Business?
December 28, 2020McKonly & Asbury are hosting a December 30 webinar from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on the latest COVID relief bill and what’s in it for business. The webinar will discuss the most recent $900 billion COVID relief bill to provide financial relief to individuals and businesses. It builds on an earlier summary prepared by […]
Read More →President Trump Signs Federal COVID Relief Package Into Law
December 28, 2020Last week Congress approved a $2.3 trillion funding package, which includes $1.4 trillion in government funding and $900 billion in COVID relief and President Trump signed the bill into law late Sunday. The legislation extends the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and clarifies PPP expenses as tax deductible. The bill also provides […]
Read More →FMCSA Extends Waivers For Renewal of CDL, Driver Medical Exams, Medical Certificates To Feb. 28
December 28, 2020The FMCSA has extended its waivers for renewal of CDL licensure, CDL learner’s permits and driver medical examinations and certificates that expired on or after March 1, 2020. The waiver is now extended through February 28, 2021. The FMCSA is also extending the waiver allowing state licensing agencies to not downgrade driver status due expiring […]
Read More →IRS Issues Optional Standard Mileage Rates For 2021
December 28, 2020The IRS has issued the 2021 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2021, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be 56 cents per mile driven for business use, down 1.5 […]
Read More →Reminder: USDA Offers $22 Million In Grants To Marketers For Higher Blend Ethanol, Biodiesel Infrastructure
December 28, 2020The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it is reopening the application process for the Higher Blend Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) for marketers seeking grants to install or upgrade higher blend ethanol and/or biodiesel fueling infrastructure. The application period opened on December 21, 2020 and ends on January 19, 2021. The purpose of the HBIIP program […]
Read More →CDC Update COVID-19 Vaccine Priority Groups
December 28, 2020On Monday, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) updated interim vaccine allocation recommendations. In Phase 1b, COVID-19 vaccine should be offered to persons aged ?75 years and non–health care frontline essential workers, and in Phase 1c, to persons aged 65–74 years, persons aged 16–64 years with high-risk medical conditions, and essential workers not included […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: Republicans Appoint Committee On Nov. Election
December 28, 2020On December 21, Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman (R-Centre) announced the formation of a Special Committee to conduct what he said would be “an exhaustive review of all aspects of the 2020 general election.” While state Senate Republicans were making this announcement, Gov. Wolf Wednesday took steps to make $145 million in state funds […]
Read More →PA Petroleum Association: 2020 Year In Review, Looking Ahead To 2021
December 21, 2020This time last year, the PPA was preparing for a packed 2020 which featured exciting plans for meetings, conferences, and training events. That plan quickly changed as we all adapted to the unprecedented challenges that faced us. It has been remarkable to witness the resilience of our industry throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Your efforts reinforce […]
Read More →IRS Pledges To Clear Backlog of Motor Fuel Excise Tax Refunds, Renewable Fuel Blending Credits
December 21, 2020The Internal Revenue Services assured EMA last week that the claim payment processing backlog for motor fuel excise tax refunds, and biodiesel blender, alternative fuel mixture and alternative fuel use credits will be resolved by January or February at the latest. EMA and PPA have received numerous complaints from marketers over the past six months […]
Read More →2021 – 2022 Advertising Opportunities With PPA
December 21, 2020Please consider placing an advertisement in the 2021 – 2022 PPA membership directory. Our membership directory is utilized by 400+ petroleum and energy professionals. Most of the individuals who receive the PPA membership directory are owners or key decision makers. As a PPA directory advertiser, you also have the opportunity to showcase your brand through […]
Read More →Congress Expected To Vote On Final COVID Relief Package Today
December 21, 2020Congress is expected to give final approval to a $900 billion COVID relief bill today that includes an extension of extra unemployment benefits, a new round of PPP loans for businesses impacted by COVID, money for schools, health care providers and renters facing eviction. Read more here. The bill does not contain a liability […]
Read More →Federal Energy Package Still In Play For Year-End Congressional Action
December 21, 2020Chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), is attempting to attach her landmark legislation, the American Energy Innovation Act (AEIA) (S.2657) and its House companion (H.R. 4447), to a final year-end COVID relief/omnibus funding legislation package. The Energy Act of 2020 would authorize $35.2 billion in energy efficiency, […]
Read More →USDA Offers $22 Million In Grants To Marketers For Higher Blend Ethanol, Biodiesel Infrastructure
December 21, 2020The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it is reopening the application process for the Higher Blend Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) for marketers seeking grants to install or upgrade higher blend ethanol and/or biodiesel fueling infrastructure. The application period opens on December 21, 2020 and ends on January 19, 2021. The purpose of the HBIIP program […]
Read More →EMA Continues To Push Vaccines for Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers
December 21, 2020Friday, EMA joined other fuel and retail associations in another letter to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) urging prioritization for COVID-19 vaccine distribution to essential workers who are part of the critical infrastructure workforce as part of Phase 1-B of a jurisdiction’s distribution scheme. Phase 1-B would follow behind only those healthcare personnel who […]
Read More →The Latest: Can A Company Require Employees To Get A COVID-19 Vaccine?
December 21, 2020Employers need to understand the rules on mandating the COVID-19 vaccine for its workforce. While an employer can require its employees to get the vaccine before returning to work, several exceptions exist. The two major exceptions are for employees with ADA disabilities and employees with sincere religious beliefs. Employees represented by unions may also have […]
Read More →Corporate Transparency Act Included In National Defense Authorization Act
December 21, 2020Last week, Congress passed the Fiscal Year 2021 NDAA with overwhelming veto proof majorities. President Trump has threatened to veto the legislation because it fails to repeal Section 230 liability protections for tech companies. The legislation includes significant changes to the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering reforms. The NDAA also includes the Corporate Transparency […]
Read More →ESG Funds Attracting Investments And Republican Pushback
December 21, 2020Nearly 50 Congressional Republicans sent a letter to the Federal Reserve Board last week expressing concern over the Fed’s consideration of including climate change in the “stress test” for regulated banks. Big Banks and Asset Management firms like Blackrock are directing more money to exchange traded funds (ETFs) that tout environmental, social and corporate governance […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: Senate Republican Leader Outlines Priorities; COVID Challenges
December 21, 2020Senate Republican Majority Leader Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) outlined her initial priorities for the new legislation session to the PA Manufacturers Association last week. Read more here. Three priorities were outlined in the interview, including– — Elections: Restoring faith in the democratic election process, including an investigation into the security of voting, the way in […]
Read More →Update On Regional Transportation Climate Initiative In PA; Op-Ed By PPA
December 14, 2020For the past year, PPA has been engaged in a campaign opposing the inclusion of Pennsylvania in the proposed regional Transportation Climate Initiative (TCI) that would cover 12 northeast and mid-atlantic states. TCI would impose a carbon cap and trade program on the sale of gasoline and on road diesel in participating states. The Georgetown […]
Read More →PA USTIF Fee Remains The Same In 2021
December 14, 2020On December 10, the Department of Insurance Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund Board met and determined NO FEE INCREASE was warranted in 2021. Chaired by PPA appointee Bruce Sheller, the Board decided a fee increase was not necessary after the annual report from the Board’s actuaries was received by the panel that outlined the strong […]
Read More →PA Dept. Of Revenue Sets 2021 Oil Company Franchise Tax On Liquid Fuels
December 14, 2020The Department of Revenue published notice in the December 12 PA Bulletin setting the Oil Company Franchise Tax rate on liquid fuels for 2021. Click Here to read the notice. Click Here to compare to the 2020 rate. TAP HERE for all articles in December 14 EXPRESS Update
Read More →PA Department Of Health Releases COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan
December 14, 2020On December 11, the Department of Health updated the state’s Interim COVID Vaccination Plan outlining the steps to be taken to distribute approved COVID vaccines. The Plan also identifies the people who will get the vaccine first. PPA has worked with key state partners to prioritize vaccination distribution to motor fuel marketers, heating fuel […]
Read More →2021 Eastern Energy Expo Issues Call For Presentation Proposals
December 14, 2020Are you interested in sharing your expertise with those who are responsible for providing energy and home comfort services to millions of consumers in the Northeast? The 2021 Eastern Energy Expo has issued a call for presentation proposals to bring some of the best industry representatives to present at the Expo– and that could be […]
Read More →FMCSA Annual Driver Drug, Alcohol Record Queries Must be Completed By Jan. 5
December 14, 2020The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires employers to conduct an annual inquiry of drug and alcohol records of every CDL driver under their employment. This requirement applies to both petroleum marketers and heating fuel dealers who employ CDL drivers. The FMCSA requires employers to use the agency’s new Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to […]
Read More →Update On Federal COVID-19 Relief Negotiations
December 14, 2020Despite initial optimism from a bipartisan U.S. Senate working group’s $908 billion COVID-relief proposal, negotiations have shown little progress last week. While the $900 billion price range is agreeable to both sides, Republican and Democratic leadership are divided on funding for state and local governments and corporate liability protections. The current bipartisan Senate proposal, which […]
Read More →FDA Panel Endorses Pfizer’s COVID-19 Vaccine For Emergency Use
December 14, 2020On Thursday, a FDA panel endorsed Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for emergency authorization use (EAU). The FDA is expected to give full approval very soon. Following CDC approval, Operation Warp Speed, the government’s initiative to develop a vaccine, can start shipping and distributing the vaccine to states. Previously the CDC expressed support for the order of […]
Read More →New Rule Limits EPA’s Ability To Justify New Air Pollution Control Limits
December 14, 2020The Trump Administration is changing the way the EPA weighs the costs and benefits of proposed air pollution regulations. The new rule will make it more difficult for the EPA to justify more onerous air pollution controls. Under current law, the EPA is required to measure both the cost and benefits of a proposed regulation […]
Read More →New Study: Utility Customers on the Hook for EV Infrastructure Investments
December 14, 2020The Energy Marketers of America released a study on Tuesday focused on the costs of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to support policy-driven increases in the number of EVs on U.S. roads. Specifically, this study finds that a rapid buildout of an EV charging infrastructure, looking just at new distribution and transmission investments to support […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: Gov. Wolf Hits Pause To Reduce COVID Deaths; Election Challenges Fizzle
December 14, 2020On Thursday, Gov. Wolf announced he was putting in place temporary restrictions he said would put Pennsylvania on “pause” to help reduce the soaring number of new COVID deaths and cases related to the disease. Read more here. In the last two weeks, the Department of Health reported over 1,100 new deaths and hit […]
Read More →PPA Elects New Officers, Chair At Dec. 3 Board Meeting
December 7, 2020Four new association leadership positions were elected during the December 3 PPA Board of Directors meeting– — Bruce Spiridonoff, Tevis Energy, was elected as Vice President to serve a one year. — James Barber, Barber Oil Company, was elected as Education Committee Chairman. James will take over the position from Robert Boltz. — Tim Redshaw, […]
Read More →PennDOT Extends Expiration Dates For CDL Licenses, Commercial Learner’s Permits
December 7, 2020On December 2, PennDOT announced expiration dates for commercial driver licenses and commercial learner’s permits will be extended for Pennsylvania residents in response to statewide COVID-19 mitigation efforts. The following products’ expiration dates will be extended: — The expiration date for a commercial learner’s permit scheduled to expire from March 16, 2020, through December 31, […]
Read More →PPA Highlights New Association Members Who Joined In November
December 7, 2020PPA would like to welcome these new members who joined the Association in November– — Mauger & Company.: West Chester, Chester County, operates Mauger Energy, Aabbots Energy and Plotts’ Energy throughout the southeastern part of the state. Company offerings include oil heat and HVAC products/services. PPATEC would like to welcome the following new HVAC contractors […]
Read More →Gov. Wolf Vetoes COVID Liability Protection Bill
December 7, 2020On November 30, Gov. Wolf announced he vetoed House Bill 1737 that would have given limited liability protection to schools, businesses and medical providers from COVID-related lawsuits. In his veto message, the Governor said the bill would provide “broad, overreaching immunity” from civil liability for businesses that do not rigorously comply with public health […]
Read More →PA Dept. Of Human Services Moves Up SNAP Benefit Distribution To Dec. 11
December 7, 2020On December 3, Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller announced DHS is altering payment schedules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for the month of December to allow all benefits to be issued without risk of delay in case of a federal government shutdown. SNAP is a federally funded program and the federal […]
Read More →Significant Challenges Remain In Congress: A Dec. 11 Shutdown And COVID Relief
December 7, 2020At the top of Congress’ must-do list is reaching an agreement on government funding and preventing a government shutdown when federal funding lapses on December 11. While few anticipate a repeat of the 35-day impasse that shuttered government from December 22, 2018 until January 25, 2019, pressure continues to build on Congress – in the […]
Read More →Urge Congress To Include Reasonable Liability Protections In Next COVID-19 Relief Package
December 7, 2020The Energy Marketers of America (EMA) urges you to reach out to Congress in support of important legislation to expand liability protections for businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic known as the “Safe to Work Act” (S. 4317). The bill is retroactive to December 2019 and provides reasonable liability protection against COVID-19 lawsuits through October 2024 […]
Read More →EPA Misses Statutory Deadline To Set RFS Blending Mandates For 2021
December 7, 2020Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency missed the statutory deadline by which the 2021 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) must be set. The EPA is required by statute to finalize annual RFS blending requirements for each upcoming compliance year by November 30 of the preceding year. To meet that […]
Read More →Can Employers Require COVID-19 Vaccines?
December 7, 2020With vaccine approval nearing, businesses ask if they can require their workers to get the shot? EMA passed along this article from the Washington Post to help answer that question. TAP HERE for all articles in December 7 EXPRESS Update
Read More →Ford Urges Other Major Automakers To Back CA Emissions Framework Compromise
December 7, 2020Last week, Ford Motor Company urged major automakers to back a deal struck last year with California to meet a 50 mpg fleetwide standard by 2026 for all vehicles sold nationwide. Ford’s lobbying push comes as General Motors recently abandoned a legal battle between the Trump Administration and California over the state’s right to set […]
Read More →Legislation Introduced In Congress To Identify EV Charging Locations
December 7, 2020Recently, U.S. Reps. Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ) and Michael Burgess (R-TX) introduced a bill to provide a $10 million grant to identify the most sensible locations for electric vehicle charging stations. The grant funds would be available to local governments, electric utility companies, universities and unspecified others. The legislation is not expected to move in the […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: Republicans Focus On Nov. Election, Democrats Want COVID Aid To Workers, Small Businesses
December 7, 2020The focus again last week for Republicans in the Senate and House was the November election and its aftermath. On Thursday, Senate and House Republican leaders issued a three-page statement saying they are committed to addressing concerns surrounding the November election which they called “an emergency.” Read more here. The statement said the […]
Read More →How To Check Status, Expedite Delayed IRS Federal Excise Motor Fuel Excise Claims
November 30, 2020The PPA and Energy Marketers of America (formally PMAA) is continuing to hear from marketers that their federal motor fuel excise tax (FET) claims for credits or refunds are experiencing lengthy delays. These include claims by registered ultimate vendors of undyed diesel fuel, undyed kerosene, gasoline, aviation gasoline, and kerosene used in aviation (Form 720, […]
Read More →COVID-19 Liability Protection Bill Awaiting Gov. Wolf’s Signature
November 30, 2020The General Assembly passed House Bill 1737 and sent the legislation to the Governor for his approval. Provisions of the bill would shield businesses from civil liability for damage to property or personal injury related to an actual or alleged exposure to COVID-19. The exception to this protection from liability are cases where there is […]
Read More →Vaccines For Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers
November 30, 2020Last week, EMA joined other fuel and retail associations in a letter to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) urging prioritization for COVID-19 vaccine distribution to essential workers who are part of the critical infrastructure workforce as part of Phase 1-B of a jurisdiction’s distribution scheme. Phase 1-B would follow behind only those healthcare […]
Read More →Dec. 1 SBLC Webinar On Employment Law Changes in 2021
November 30, 2020On December 1, the Small Business Legislative Council will host a webinar on Employment Law Changes in 2021 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. SBLC Strategic Policy Director Paley Rothman and employment law attorney Jessica Summers will discuss the implications of the 2020 election from an employment law perspective. The discussion will include which of President-Elect […]
Read More →FMCSA Holds Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Q/A Webinars Dec. 9, 10 & 16
November 30, 2020The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will hold a series of webinars on the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse on December 9, 10 and 16. Join members of FMCSA’s Clearinghouse Team for a live informational webinar. These role-specific sessions are designed to help users understand the requirements of the Clearinghouse. The presentations will focus on the […]
Read More →General Motors Drops Out Of Trump Lawsuit Seeking To Roll Back Auto Emission Rules
November 30, 2020General Motors is abandoning a legal battle between the Trump Administration and California over the state’s right to set its own standards for greenhouse gas emissions and fuel economy rules. The move signals a recognition by GM that its electrification and zero emissions strategy is more closely aligned with the priorities of the incoming Biden […]
Read More →Biden Nominates Yellen; Creates White House Climate Office
November 30, 2020Last week, President-elect Biden announced his national security team leads, Janet Yellen to serve as Secretary of the Treasury, and selected former Secretary of State John Kerry to lead a newly created Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. President-elect Biden’s leadership selections thus far are demonstrative of his whole-of-government approach to climate change. As the “Climate […]
Read More →EMA Joins SIGMA And NACS’s Amicus Brief In Climate Suit
November 30, 2020Last week, EMA joined an amicus brief in the climate suit BP P.L.C et al. v. Mayor and City Council of Baltimore. In the brief, respondents argue that “The case is part of a second wave of highly-coordinated lawsuits born out of political frustration that Congress and administrations have not adopted specific policies to address […]
Read More →EMA, UPMRA Participate In National Clear Path VIII Disaster Response Exercise
November 30, 2020Last week, EMA and the Utah Petroleum Marketers and Retailers Association (UPMRA) participated in Clear Path VIII, a national government wide disaster response exercise. The purpose in such exercises is to enhance policies and procedures, identify areas for collective improvement, and strengthen relationships and cooperation between industry and government energy sector partners in response to […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: Signed Budget, PennDOT Out Of Money, COVID Surges
November 30, 2020Last Monday, without any fanfare, Gov. Wolf Monday signed the finished FY 2020-21 state budget bills into law– Senate Bill 1350 (Browne-R- Lehigh) – General Fund budget and House Bill 2536 (James-R-Venango) – Fiscal Code– that fellow state Democrats are saying does not address a wide range of important issues, including using available federal funds […]
Read More →In Memoriam: Craig D. Smith, Francis Smith & Sons, Associate Member Of PPA
November 30, 2020It is with great sadness we inform you that Craig D. Smith passed away on November 7. Craig joined his father and brother in their family business, Francis Smith & Sons and Smith Air Center in Lackawanna County. FS&S was started by his grandfather in 1936 and the family worked tirelessly to grow and expand […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: Elections, Budgets, Guns, Flags And Face Masks
November 23, 2020In addition to trying to finish the FY 2020-21 state budget, Republicans and Democrats continued their war over the November election. Republicans in the House both filed an amicus brief supporting the Trump Campaign’s challenge to Pennsylvania’s election results in federal court [Read more here] and pushed through House Resolution 1100 directing the Legislative […]
Read More →Heating Fuel Dealers: Tell Congress To Fully Fund LIHEAP Now
November 23, 2020It is time for heating fuel dealers to contact their elected representatives in Congress and urge them to support increased funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Support for increased LIHEAP funding is critical this year due to the millions of newly unemployed families who are now eligible for heating assistance this winter. […]
Read More →Congressional Democrats Face Uphill Battle To Overturn Last Minute Trump Rulemakings
November 23, 2020Congressional Democrats are looking to the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn several last-minute rules finalized by the Trump Administration during the second half of 2020. The CRA empowers Congress to conduct an expedited review of new federal regulations issued by government agencies and overturn any they disapprove by joint resolution. Once a rule is […]
Read More →New Lobbying Group To Push For 100 Percent EV Sales By 2030
November 23, 2020A new lobbying group was formed last week to advocate for 100 percent electric vehicle sales by 2030. Made up of groups that include Tesla, Uber, ChargePoint, Piedmont Lithium, Con Edison, Pacific Gas and Electric, Duke Energy and Vistra, the new group, known as The Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA), plans to immediately push to […]
Read More →EMA Urges Congress to Make Improvements to the Paycheck Protection Program
November 23, 2020EMA joined a large coalition of associations in sending another letter to Congress urging an immediate fix to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness process before the end of the year. Bipartisan and bicameral legislation has been introduced in both chambers, The Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act (S. 4117) (H.R. 7777), which […]
Read More →IRS Continues To Disallow Deductions For PPP Loans; Congress Pushes Back
November 23, 2020The IRS reaffirmed its position last week indicating that employer expenses paid from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan proceeds do not qualify as deductible expenses if the loan is forgiven. PPP loan forgiveness applies to payments of payroll, certain mortgage interest and rent, and utility costs incurred. Ordinarily these expenses are deductible. However, the IRS […]
Read More →Biden’s Progressive Energy, Environmental Policies Face Barriers In U.S. Senate
November 23, 2020While President Trump’s legal challenges to the election results remain ongoing, EMA fully expects that on Inauguration Day – January 20, 2021 – President-elect Joe Biden will take the oath of office. Broadly speaking, with Republicans expected to maintain a slim US Senate majority and a reduced Democratic House majority, President-elect Biden’s policy agenda will […]
Read More →PA Electric Vehicle Fee Bill Stalls In State Senate
November 23, 2020Last week, the state House passed legislation– Senate Bill 845 –that would have established a road use fee on electric vehicles in the state. The intent of the legislation is to address the concerns of those who argue electric vehicles cause wear and tear on state roadways equal to non-electric vehicles, but do not currently […]
Read More →PA Senate, House Send Complete FY 2020-21 State Budget To Gov. Wolf
November 23, 2020On Friday, the House and Senate passed and sent to Gov. Wolf the FY 2020-21 budget that adds about $11 billion to the temporary budget they passed in May for a total General Fund budget of $36.5 billion, about four percent above last year. The new budget has no new taxes and fills, for the […]
Read More →PA Legislature Passes Bill Providing Business Protection From Frivolous COVID-19 Lawsuits
November 23, 2020The General Assembly has sent to the Governor House Bill 1737 which would temporarily, and in a targeted fashion, provide healthcare providers and businesses protection from frivolous lawsuits emanating from alleged exposure to the COVID-19 virus from their operations. Click Here for the text of the bill. The bill awaits the Governor’s action. TAP HERE […]
Read More →Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund (USTIF) Monies Appropriated To General Fund (Again)
November 23, 2020For the second time this year, $30 million of USTIF were designated to be diverted to the state’s General Fund. In April, the same amount was earmarked for purchase of medical supplies in response to COVID -19. The budget passed in May was a stop gap five-month budget due to the uncertainty of the state’s […]
Read More →Dept. Of Human Services Planning Change To LIHEAP Funding Allocation
November 23, 2020PPA learned this week the Department of Human Services is planning to execute a significant change in the way it allocates LIHEAP monies this season. Beginning December 1, the Department said it will begin to accept applications for crisis grants from customers who have received termination of service notices from their utilities. The public utilities […]
Read More →U.S. DOT: Hazardous Material Training Compliance Now Required
November 16, 2020Earlier this year, the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued an enforcement waiver for the reoccurring hazardous material training that CDL drivers with hazardous material endorsements must undergo every three years. PHMSA issued the enforcement waiver due to the forced closures and social distancing limitations imposed by the COVID-19 emergency. […]
Read More →Reminder: Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Applications Due To DEP Dec. 11
November 16, 2020The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants to support innovative, advanced fuel and vehicle technology projects resulting in cleaner advanced alternative transportation. (formal notice) The deadline for applications is December 11. Approximately $5 million in grants will be available for school districts, municipal authorities, political subdivisions, nonprofit entities, […]
Read More →New Edition Of DOT ERG Requires Update Of In-Cab Emergency Response Information
November 16, 2020Every four years, the U.S. DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) publishes an updated version of its Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) required for use by CDL drivers hauling hazardous materials. The latest version of the emergency response guide, ERG 2020, is now available. ERG 2020 updates and replaces the ERG 2016 edition currently […]
Read More →Federal COVID Relief Package Still In Limbo During A Lame-Duck Congress
November 16, 2020The Trump Administration is taking a step back in negotiating a future coronavirus relief package. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) who recently called on Congress to approve a relief package before the end of the year is now the lead Republican negotiator. Prior to the election, negotiations over another coronavirus relief package were […]
Read More →Restaurant Closures Impact Growth Of Renewable Hydrocarbon Fuels
November 16, 2020Refiners such as HollyFrontier Corp., Valero Energy Corp., Phillips 66 and Marathon Petroleum Corp. are spending millions to reduce carbon emissions by converting their existing facilities to process discarded fats such as cooking grease rather than crude oil to produce renewable hydrocarbon fuels. Unfortunately, restaurant closures and less people eating out due to the coronavirus […]
Read More →Transportation And Infrastructure Outlook For Next Congress
November 16, 2020President-Elect Joe Biden’s recent presumed victory in the general election will push forward major shifts in US policy across a wide array of issues, including transportation and infrastructure. Broadly, Biden and his transition team have indicated a desire to work with Congress in early 2021 to enact a large-scale infrastructure package, which would include what […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: Legislative Leadership Elections, Re-Fighting The Election
November 16, 2020While politicians and lawyers fight over the outcome of the Presidential race in Pennsylvania, the Senate and House focused on holding leadership elections for the new 2021-22 legislative session last week. For the first time, two of the four legislative caucuses will be led by women. Senate Republicans elected Sen. Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) to […]
Read More →State Election Results –The More Things Change… ; PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report
November 9, 2020With some ballots in the state still outstanding, the final results of some races are still not decided, but some overall projections have been established. The Pennsylvania General Assembly will stay in Republican control. While some pre-election predictions had Democrats gaining additional seats in both the Senate and the House it appears Republicans actually added […]
Read More →PPA Recognizes October PAC Contributors
November 9, 2020Political Action Committee Chairman John Reilly would like to recognize POMPAC contributions from the following individuals in October– — Platinum Supporter: Scott Walton* — Gold Supporter: N/A — Silver Supporter: Doug Woosnam*, Keith Reitz, Steve Oehlert*, and Ted Harris* — Bronze Supporter: Len Zvorksy,Mark Smith* and Quincy Longacre — Supporter: Ben Hieber, Brad Hough, Bruce […]
Read More →PPA: Federal Paycheck Protection Program Update Webinar Nov. 12
November 9, 2020McKonly & Asbury CPAs and business advisors will host a free one-hour webinar on November 12 starting at 2:00 p.m. to provide an update on the federal Paycheck Protection Program. During this webinar, David Blain and Mark Heath will review two recently identified Loan Necessity Questionnaires – SBA Forms 3509 and 3510 – and discuss […]
Read More →A Federal COVID Relief Package During A Lame Duck Congress?
November 9, 2020On Wednesday, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) called on Congress to approve a coronavirus relief package before the end of the year. With the balance of the Senate and the keys to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue uncertain as of November 5, Sen. McConnell’s statements present a shift from his recent suggestion that a measure was […]
Read More →EPA Approves New Standard for UST System Sump Repair
November 9, 2020The National Leak Prevention Association-Ken Wilcox Associates, Inc. (NLPA/KWA) recently completed the development of a standard for the repair of UST system containment sumps. Under EPA UST regulations (40 CFR 280.33(a)), all UST system repairs must be conducted according to a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or an independent testing laboratory […]
Read More →Impact Of U.S., Global Transportation-Related Environmental Initiatives
November 9, 2020The Fuel Institute released a new study recently that provides an overview and analysis of U.S. and global environmental initiatives to reduce emissions from the transportation sector. The Impact of Transportation-Related Environmental Initiatives report evaluates and compares the impact that different environmentally focused transportation-energy regulations, policies, and initiatives will have on emissions and costs to […]
Read More →Federal Dept. Of Labor Issues Final Rule On ESG Investments
November 9, 2020Last Monday, the federal Department of Labor issued a final rule regarding environmental, social, or governance (ESG) investments for retirement plans. Originally proposed in June, the final rule limits the ability of financial advisors managing private pension plans covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to make ESG-motivated investments, and only allows […]
Read More →PA EQB Publishes Proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Program For Power Plants (RGGI) For Comment
November 9, 2020On November 7, the Environmental Quality Board published a formal notice in the PA Bulletin inviting public comments on a proposed regulation establishing a Carbon Pollution Reduction Program covering power plants that is consistent with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) covering mid-atlantic and northeast states. (formal notice) RGGI is a market-based collaboration among 10 […]
Read More →Important State Contests On the Ballot Tomorrow, Not Just President
November 2, 2020Although the main attraction in tomorrow’s election is justifiably the Presidential contest, there are several other key contests on the ballot that will set the course of Pennsylvania government for the immediate future. Voters in the state will choose the next Attorney General, Auditor General and State Treasurer. The state Senate is currently comprised of […]
Read More →PPA Highlights New Association Members In October
November 2, 2020PPA would like to welcome this new members who joined PPA in October– — WildcoPES is the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions’ leading service provider of comprehensive petroleum, sales, maintenance, inspection, testing and construction management services to major oil suppliers, independent retailers, contractors and other private & public sector facilities/clients. From emergency service to routine […]
Read More →PA LIHEAP Accepting Applications Starting Nov. 2; Preseason Applications Delayed
November 2, 2020The Department of Human Services will begin accepting applications for the FY 2020-21 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The PPA has received a notification from the Department of Human Services the distribution of preseason applications have been delayed which will most likely create a processing backlog as we enter into the heating season. The minimum […]
Read More →NACS Crack The Code Experience Begins Now!
November 2, 2020A five-week digital experience and curated marketplace that connects convenience retail buyers and sellers from around the globe. You’ll have 24/7 access to forward-looking ideas and insights, innovative new-to-channel products, and strategic connections — all at your own pace. If you haven’t registered but plan to attend the event please use the following registration link […]
Read More →TSA Renews Hazardous Materials Security Threat Endorsement Exemption For States
November 2, 2020The Transportation Security Administration is extending the exemption from Renewal of the Hazardous Materials Endorsement Security Threat Assessment for Certain Individuals that TSA published on July 31, 2020 which was scheduled to expire on October 30, 2020, through December 31, 2020. Under this exemption, states may extend the expiration date of hazardous materials endorsements (HMEs) […]
Read More →SBA Announces Simplified PPP Forgiveness Application
November 2, 2020The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced a simpler loan forgiveness application for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) borrowers of $50,000 or less. The new streamlined application is two pages, making it much easier on small businesses. While applicants still need to be approved to receive loan forgiveness, borrowers of $50,000 or less now have […]
Read More →ARA Study Examines Impact Of Banning Internal Combustion Engines On Biofuels
November 2, 2020Earlier this week, the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA), a member of the Transportation Fairness Alliance (as is Energy Marketers of America), released a new study indicating that a ban on internal combustion engines (ICE) would have a disproportionate effect on biofuels consumption and the U.S. economy. The study focuses on three scenarios for electric vehicle […]
Read More →Some Automakers Now Focused On Developing Hydrogen-Fueled Semitrucks
November 2, 2020After years of trying to develop hydrogen-fueled cars, many automakers have now shifted their focus to developing hydrogen-fueled semitrucks. One of those automakers, Hyundai, recently projected there will be 12,000 hydrogen semitrucks on the road in the U.S. by 2030. Another automaker, Toyota, recently struck a deal with truck maker Hino, to jointly develop hydrogen […]
Read More →Federal Legislation Introduced To Create National Disaster Safety Board
November 2, 2020Congress members Garrett Graves (R-LA) and Katie Porter (D-CA), and Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) have introduced legislation that would create a National Disaster Safety Board (NDSB). The NDSB would be modeled after the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and the bill is designed to protect infrastructure by establishing an independent, non-partisan […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID-19 Weekly Report: All Eyes On Pennsylvania – Please Stand By
November 2, 2020Pennsylvania voters will be the center of attention this week as the Keystone State lives up to its nickname in the Presidential race. But also at stake is control of the state Senate and House as well as the redistricting machinery that will draw state and Congressional voting districts for the next 10 years. […]
Read More →PA Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Accepting Applications Starting Nov. 2
October 26, 2020The Department of Human Services will begin accepting applications for the FY 2020-21 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The income eligibility limits this year begins for a one person household at $19,140 and for each additional person in the household add $6,720. There are three ways to apply For LIHEAP– — Online through the COMPASS […]
Read More →New EPA Fuel Streamlining Rule Increases Fungibility Of Distillate Fuels For Heating Fuel Dealers, Downstream Distillate Distributors
October 26, 2020Heating fuel dealers are about to get much needed regulatory relief from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designed to increase downstream fuel distribution efficiency and reduce costs by making distillate fuels more fungible. The agency’s final Fuels Regulatory Streamlining rule includes several regulatory relief provisions that affect the heating fuel industry as well as downstream […]
Read More →FMCSA Hosts Nov. 4 Hours Of Service Webinar
October 26, 2020The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – PA Division will host a November 4 webinar on the new hours of service rules that were effective on September 29, 2020. Seminar will discuss the four key revisions to the existing HOS Rules: — The 30-minute break rule requiring a break after 8 hours of cumulative driving […]
Read More →Federal COVID-19 Stimulus Deal Not Likely Before Election
October 26, 2020Although U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) continue to negotiate a potential COVID-19 relief bill, it is becoming more evident to both sides that a deal will not be reached before the November 3 election. While Speaker Pelosi maintains that the two sides are close to a deal, […]
Read More →Mandated Zero-Emissions Vehicle Standard Legislation Introduced In Congress
October 26, 2020On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA) introduced legislation to terminate the sale of new U.S. gasoline-powered vehicles in 15 years. The Zero-Emission Vehicles Act of 2020 would require that 50 percent of new passenger vehicles sales are zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) by 2025. That federal standard would increase 5 percent […]
Read More →NHTSA Investigating Chevrolet Bolt Fires That May Be Caused By EV Batteries
October 26, 2020Last week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that it was opening an investigation after receiving reports of three different Chevrolet Bolt EVs catching fire under the rear seat while parked and unattended. Notably, the NHTSA said in a statement that “in the three cases identified, fire damage appeared to be concentrated in […]
Read More →Urge Congress To Include Reasonable Liability Protections In Next COVID-19 Relief Package
October 26, 2020The Energy Marketers of America (EMA) urges you to reach out to Congress in support of important legislation to expand liability protections for businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic known as the “Safe to Work Act” (S. 4317). The bill is retroactive to December 2019 and provides reasonable liability protection against COVID-19 lawsuits through October 2024 […]
Read More →U.S. Senator Durbin Urges FDA To Publish List Of ENDS Products Submitting PMTA’s
October 26, 2020Last week, U.S. Senator Durbin (D-IL) urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to publish a public list of currently marketed e-cigarette products for which the Agency has received a premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) by the September 9, 2020 deadline. “It has been more than one month since PMTA applications were submitted to FDA. […]
Read More →U.S. Dept. Of Labor Proposes New Rule To Clarify Worker Status Under The FLSA
October 26, 2020On September 25, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a proposed rule that would clarify whether workers are employees or are independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Independent contractors are not entitled to the federal minimum wage and overtime pay that covered employees receive under the FLSA. According to the Small […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID-19 Weekly Report: Senate, House Leave Town After Taking No Action On Key Issues
October 26, 2020The Senate and House left town Wednesday leaving all the critical issues they should have dealt with on the table for when they are scheduled to return November 10, after the election. For some of those issues, action then will be moot, like in the case of election fixes, for others it means continuing the […]
Read More →PPA: Communication Tools For Ultra-Low Sulfur Heating Oil
October 19, 2020The PPA Heating Fuels Committee recently collaborated to create multiple tools for energy marketers to communicate the new statewide standard for ultra-low sulfur heating oil. These materials are free for all PPA members to use. The tools can be found on the PA Clean Fuel website that includes infographics, a 60 second video explainer, FAQs […]
Read More →PMAA Changes Name To Energy Marketers Of America
October 19, 2020This week, the Energy Marketers of America announced a new era for the trade association previously known as the Petroleum Marketers Association of America. The name change is reflective of the group’s growing portfolio of affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly liquid fuels and other alternative energy sources that are helping to reduce emissions while propelling […]
Read More →EPA Issues Final Fuels Regulatory Program
October 19, 2020Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a final Fuels Regulatory Streamlining rulemaking which provides significant revisions to the existing gasoline, diesel, and other fuels programs. These revisions affect EMA member companies from the marketers through the refineries including manufacturers and suppliers of ethanol and additives. The existing fuel regulations were an amalgamation of […]
Read More →Federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission Finalizes Position Limits Rule
October 19, 2020Thursday, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) issued its long-delayed position limits rule mandated by the “Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act” to curb excessive speculation in energy and other commodities futures contracts by a 3 – 2 vote. The final position limits rule applies to 25 physically settled and linked cash-settled futures contracts, options on […]
Read More →Federal COVID-19 Stimulus Package Agreement Unlikely Before November Election
October 19, 2020If you were hoping for another round of COVID-19 relief, do not get your hopes up. That is essentially what Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said this week after he and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) once again failed to reach a deal on a fourth COVID-19 relief bill. After President Trump recently made […]
Read More →Federal Highway Funding Measure Introduced In The House
October 19, 2020Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) recently introduced the “Highway Relief Act,” which would allow the Secretary of Transportation to fund up to 100 percent of federally-funded highway projects in Fiscal Years (FY) 2021 and 2022, while waiving the state and local share of those projects. In a statement, Rep. Davis said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has put […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID-19 Weekly Report: Senate, House Coming Back To Harrisburg With Little Progress On Major Issues
October 19, 2020The Senate and House are coming back to Harrisburg October 19, 20 and 21 for the last three scheduled voting days before the election after making little progress last week on the big issues they face. That list includes– — Reforming the way House and Senate voting districts are drawn; — Election law fixes; […]
Read More →2020 Driver/Technician Wage & Benefit Survey Results Now Available
October 12, 2020The results are in — for the third annual Employee Wage and Benefit Survey. The Survey includes the highest number of company responses to date! Thank you to everyone who participated this year! Click Here for the results. TAP HERE for all articles in October 12 EXPRESS Update
Read More →Reminder: Short-Haul Driver Hours Of Service Amendments Now Effective
October 12, 2020The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s long awaited CDL hours of service (HOS) amendments for short-haul drivers are effective as of October 6. The FMCSA issued an HOS final rule earlier this year that adopted several provisions requested by PMAA that provides regulatory relief for short haul drivers. The final rule adopted the following PMAA […]
Read More →FMCSA Issues Multi-State Hours Of Service Waiver In Response To Hurricane Delta
October 12, 2020The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) granted an Hours of Service (HOS) waiver Wednesday night in response to Hurricane Delta for Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas effective immediately and shall remain in effect for the duration of the emergency or until November 6, 2020, whichever is less. Click Here to read the notice. […]
Read More →USDA To Make Significant Investments In Biofuels
October 12, 2020U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced last week his agency is investing $22 million out of the up to $100 million in grants available to increase American ethanol and biodiesel sales. The grants are made available through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) and will provide the grants to gas stations, convenience stores […]
Read More →President Trump Proposes $1.8 Trillion COVID Relief Package
October 12, 2020On Friday, President Trump proposed a $1.8 trillion COVID relief package that includes $300 billion in aid to states and cities which could provide some much-needed cash to fill Pennsylvania’s budget holes, if allowed. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell had just said earlier in the day another stimulus package is “unlikely in […]
Read More →Biden Wants Quick Deal on Infrastructure Bill If Elected
October 12, 2020U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) said last week he had spoken with Presidential candidate Joe Biden’s team about their interest in working on an infrastructure deal by February if Biden is elected. Chairman DeFazio, while speaking at ITS America conference on Wednesday, stated that the Biden team supports the $494 […]
Read More →PMAA Urges State And Local Governments To Help Resolve IRS UV Claim Backlogs
October 12, 2020PMAA sent a letter recently asking the National Governors Association, National Association of Counties, National League of Cities and the National Association of Towns and Townships, to express their concern to the IRS Commissioner over the lengthy delays in processing ultimate vendor refund claims for the tax free sale of motor fuel to state and […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID-19 Weekly Report: Senate, House Facing Last 3 Voting Days Before Election
October 12, 2020The Senate and House have scheduled three more voting days before the November 3 election– October 19, 20 and 21– but so far they have done little to address the major issues staring them in the face– — Reforming the way House and Senate voting districts are drawn; — Election law fixes; — Finish the […]
Read More →PPA Elects Four New Directors At October 8 Annual Membership Meeting
October 12, 2020The PPA is excited to announce Amy Highhouse (Highhouse Energy), Jamie Barton (Jack Rich Inc.), Steve Oehlert (Oehlert Bros Inc.), and Steve Weidner (Leffler Energy) have been elected to serve on the Board of Directors. Their three year term will be effective on January 1, 2021. Click Here to view a complete list of current […]
Read More →Still Time To Register! October 8 Annual Membership Meeting
October 5, 2020Register now for the PPA annual membership meeting on October 8 which is open to all members of the association. The meeting will take place via Zoom on October 8 at 10:00 a.m. and will feature important association updates. A full meeting agenda will be released in the upcoming weeks. You must pre-register in order […]
Read More →PennDOT Extends Expiration Dates On CDLs, Commercial Learner’s Permits, Hazardous Materials Endorsements
October 5, 2020On October 1, PennDOT announced expiration dates for commercial driver licenses and commercial learner’s permits will be extended for Pennsylvania residents in response to statewide COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Effective September 30, the following products’ expiration dates will be extended: — The expiration date for a commercial learner’s permit scheduled to expire from March 16, 2020, […]
Read More →PPA Highlights New Association Members In September
October 5, 2020PPA would like to highlight these new members joining the Association in September– — First National Insurance Agency, LLC: First National Insurance Agency, LLC is an independent agent and broker, is one of the largest insurance agencies in Pennsylvania. The Company provides innovative solutions that focus on reducing the total risk exposure for businesses and […]
Read More →Recognizing September PPA PAC Contributors
October 5, 2020Political Action Committee Chairman John Reilly would like to recognize POMPAC contributions from the following individuals in September– — Platinum Supporter: Ken & Stacey Ingram, Scott Walton*, Shipley Energy PAC — Gold Supporter: N/A — Silver Supporter: Doug Woosnam*, James Gnagey, Ted Harris* — Bronze Supporter: Don Dreibelbis, Mark Smith*, Mike McCarthy, Quincy Longacre, Robert […]
Read More →New Pennsylvania Overtime Rule Went Into Effect October 3
October 5, 2020On October 2, Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Jerry Oleksiak announced Pennsylvania’s new overtime rule became effective when the final, approved regulation is published in the PA Bulletin on Saturday, October 3, 2020. “Tomorrow marks the first update to the commonwealth’s overtime regulations in more than four decades,” said Secretary Oleksiak. “The modernized regulation […]
Read More →Wolf Administration Joins 6 States In Commitment To Develop Regional Carbon Dioxide Transport Infrastructure Plan To Promote Carbon Capture
October 5, 2020On October 1, Gov. Tom Wolf announced his administration is joining with six other states – Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Oklahoma and Wyoming – in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) expressing a commitment to establish and implement a regional CO2 transport infrastructure plan by collaborating and leveraging resources across the participating states. [Note: […]
Read More →PMAA Urges State, Local Governments to Help Resolve IRS UV Claim Backlogs
October 5, 2020PMAA sent a letter Friday asking the National Governors Association, National Association of Counties, National League of Cities and the National Association of Towns and Townships, to express their concern to the IRS Commissioner over the lengthy delays in processing ultimate vendor refund claims for the tax free sale of motor fuel to state and […]
Read More →EPA Questions Legality of California’s Plan To Ban Gasoline Powered Vehicles By 2035
October 5, 2020The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency raised concerns last week over California’s plan to ban the sales of new gasoline and diesel-powered passenger cars by 2035, arguing the mandate is unworkable and likely illegal. The California ban is an ambitious step to bolster electric vehicles and slash greenhouse-gas emissions. The ban is aimed at new-car sales […]
Read More →Federal Short-Haul Driver Hours Of Service Amendments Now Effective
October 5, 2020The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) long awaited CDL hours of service (HOS) amendments for short-haul drivers are effective as of Tuesday. The FMCSA issued an HOS final rule earlier this year that adopted several provisions requested by PMAA that provides regulatory relief for short haul drivers. The final rule adopted the following PMAA […]
Read More →Congress And President Narrowly Avoid Government Shutdown
October 5, 2020Congress passed a stopgap spending bill to keep the federal government funded at current levels through December 11, one month after the elections. President Trump signed the spending bill into law just after the midnight deadline on Wednesday. Republicans and Democrats had been at odds over how long the stopgap spending bill should have provided […]
Read More →U.S. House Democrats Approve New COVID-19 Stimulus Bill
October 5, 2020Last Thursday, U.S. House Democrats approved a new $2.2 trillion COVID-19 relief proposal which provides a second round of stimulus checks, $1,200 per adults and $500 per dependent, and it would be extended to those without a social security number, including those in the country illegally and who file taxes via an Individual Taxpayer Identification […]
Read More →U.S. House Bill Seeks To Elevate Demand For Biofuels
October 5, 2020U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL) recently introduced a bill known as the “Next Generation Fuels Act” (H.R. 8371) that seeks to establish a minimum 98 Research Octane Number (RON) standard for gasoline and require sources of additional octane resulting in at least 30 percent fewer GHG emissions than unblended gasoline. In 2018, the American Fuel […]
Read More →PMAA Joins Others In Sending Data Privacy Letter To U.S. Senate
October 5, 2020The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, led by Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA), recently held a hearing titled “Revisiting the Need for Federal Data Privacy Legislation.” During his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker argued the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the potential for privacy violations, and thus the need […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID-19 Weekly Report: No Movement On Major Issues In COVID Shortened Legislative Week
October 5, 2020The House had a shortened legislative week when Rep. Paul Schemel (R-Franklin) announced he tested positive for COVID. They canceled Thursday’s voting session while they tried to do contact tracing to see who he might have had contact with recently. As a result, there was no movement on issues like Election Code fixes, allocating […]
Read More →Register Now! October 8 Annual Membership Meeting
September 28, 2020Register now for the PPA annual membership meeting on October 8 which is open to all members of the association. The meeting will take place via Zoom on October 8 at 10:00 a.m. and will feature important association updates. A full meeting agenda will be released in the upcoming weeks. You must pre-register in order […]
Read More →EQB Publishes Proposed Rule Eliminating Stage II Gasoline Vapor Recovery For Comment
September 28, 2020The Environmental Quality Board published notice in the September 26 PA Bulletin of proposed regulations eliminating Stage II gasoline vapor recovery requirements for gasoline stations and add a vapor leak monitoring requirement for small gasoline storage tanks for public comment. The Stage II vapor controls are no longer needed because vehicles are now equipped with […]
Read More →Changes To FMCSA Hours Of Service Rule Begins On September 29
September 28, 2020On June 1, 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published the Hours of Service final rule that revises the HOS regulations in 49 CFR Part 395, which prescribe driving limits for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The rule includes four changes designed to offer drivers greater flexibility, while maintaining the highest safety standards […]
Read More →Gov. Wolf Vetoes Bill Requiring General Assembly Approval Of Carbon Emissions Reduction Programs
September 28, 2020As promised, on September 24, Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed House Bill 2025 (Struzzi-R-Indiana) requiring the approval of the General Assembly before Pennsylvania could enter into carbon emissions reduction programs like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and the Transportation and Climate initiative. Neither the Senate (33 to 17) nor the House (130 to 71) passed […]
Read More →California Bans The Sale Of New Gasoline Powered Vehicles By 2035: Other State Might Join
September 28, 2020California Governor Gavin Newsome issued an executive order last week to ban the sale of new gasoline powered vehicles in the state by 2035. The ban follows the June 2020 announcement by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) requiring all commercial trucks and vans to be zero emission by 2045. California is unique among all […]
Read More →BP, Shell Support Gasoline & Diesel Tax Thru Transportation & Climate Initiative
September 28, 2020Last week, BP and Shell, along with the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Ford, Exelon and the National Grid launched an advocacy campaign known as the Coalition for a Better Business Environment to urge East Coast states from Virginia north to Maine to enact the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI), a regional carbon pricing policy designed […]
Read More →U.S. House Approves Bipartisan Stopgap Spending Bill; Includes RFS Provisions
September 28, 2020Last week, the U.S. House passed a stopgap spending bill to keep the federal government funded at current levels through December 11, one month after the elections. Notably, the bill prohibits providing financial assistance to oil refiners that were recently denied biofuel blending waivers for blending requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The Trump […]
Read More →U.S. House Democrats Pass Clean Energy Jobs Bill
September 28, 2020Yesterday, the House passed a 900 page “Clean Economy and Jobs Innovation Act” (H.R. 4447) largely along party lines by a vote of 220-185. The bill was just introduced last week and was moved to the Floor for a vote without traditional vetting such as legislative hearings. Democratic leadership introduced the bill in response to […]
Read More →IRS Says PPP Loan Lenders Do Not Need To File Returns
September 28, 2020The IRS announced last week banks who make loans that are later forgiven under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) do not need to file information returns with the IRS or borrowers. This will save lenders and borrowers time and expenses and is meant to limit confusion. Filing returns for forgiven PPP loans could lead to […]
Read More →PA Capitol & COVID-19 Weekly Report: Ping-Pong Continues Between Gov. Wolf, Republicans; Lame Duck Budget?
September 28, 2020Twenty-four House Democrats gave Gov. Wolf a big win last week when they stuck by him in a failed House Republican attempt to override the Governor’s veto of House Bill 2787 (Reese-R- Westmoreland) giving school districts sole authority to determine how to handle sports fans during the pandemic. Read more here. The House was […]
Read More →Registration Now Open: October 8 Annual Membership Meeting
September 21, 2020Registration Now Open: October 8 Annual Membership Meeting The PPA will hold its annual membership meeting on October 8. This meeting was originally intended to be a part of the PPA