This edition is packed with stories that highlight the strength and impact of our FUELIowa community. Sarah Bowman reports on the excitement of our SUMMERFEST event in Des Moines and the generous support raised at the annual golf outing to benefit Camp Courageous. You’ll also find an insightful feature by John Maynes on the upcoming E15 mandate and what it means for retailers across Iowa. Help us decide where to hold SUMMERFEST in the future, and don’t miss Jason Stauffer’s article on FUELIowa’s committees—why engagement matters and how your involvement helps drive our industry forward. Together, we FUEL Iowa!
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Dear FUELIowa Members,
It was wonderful seeing so many FUELIowa members at our 2025 Summerfest in Des Moines. Your energy and commitment made the event a tremendous success. If you attended the Annual Member Meeting, you heard firsthand about the initiatives underway and the outcomes of our August Board Meeting.
Our top priority remains preparing members for the January 1, 2026 E15 enforcement date. We are working with the state on Temporary Safe Harbor provisions and with retailers to secure funding, provide compliance resources, and ensure our industry is ready for this important transition.
As promised, we have reinvigorated our committee strategy. This year we launched Retail, Bulk Fuel, Propane, and Grassroots Advocacy Committees—each offering valuable insight that is shaping our 2026 legislative agenda. We also created a Board Composition, Nomination, and Election Committee to strengthen how we recruit and elect leaders. Based on its recommendations, the Board unanimously approved two new board-appointed seats and one new associate seat to expand representation and leadership.
The Board also approved our Annual Budget, which includes a significant strategic fund to support our legislative and business priorities. This proactive step ensures we have the resources needed to defend and advance members’ interests in the year ahead.
Finally, thank you to our sponsors and PAC donors. Sponsorship support made Summerfest outstanding, and our PAC fundraiser brought in over $10,000 to strengthen advocacy efforts. Please review our PAC Leader Board and thank the donors who help keep our industry strong. Together, we are building a stronger future for Iowa’s fuel and convenience industry.
Tessa
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chad Besch Director NEW Cooperative Algona | 515-295-2741
Don Burd Director Otter Creek Country Store Cedar Rapids | 319-533-1825
Wade Fowler Associate Director Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc. DBA Farner-Bocken Carroll | 641-777-0308
Cara Ingle Associate Director Unified Contracting Services Des Moines | 515-266-5700
Dennis Jaeger Director Molo Petroleum Dubuque | 563-845-8359
Brett Kimmes Director Kimmes Country Stores Carroll | 712-775-2202
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Tessa Anderson Chair Rainbo Oil Dubuque 563- 526-1179
Nate Lincoln Vice Chair Lincoln Farm & Home Service LLC Glenwood 712-527-4833
Jason Stauffer Treasurer NEWCENTURY FS Ames 515-370-3127
Keith Olsen Immediate Past Chair Olsen Fuel Supply Atlantic 712-243-2340
Scott Moore Director Western Oil, Inc Omaha | 402-618-2238
Scott Richardson Director Key Cooperative Roland | 515-291-0623
Nate Stumpf Director HTP Energy Onalaska, WI | 608-779-6624
Ed Rogers Associate Director Midwest Petroleum Equipment Des Moines | 515-330-2959
Together we FUELIowa
Camp Courageous 2026
By Sarah Bowman Director, Communications & Events FUELIowa
The annual benefit for Camp Courageous at Finkbine Golf Course proved to be a remarkable success, drawing in an enthusiastic crowd of golfers, sponsors, community supporters, and raising over $25,000! With a full roster of teams, the event underscored just how deeply the mission of Camp Courageous resonates throughout Iowa and beyond. Camp Courageous, a year-round recreational and respite care facility for individuals with disabilities, relies heavily on community-driven events like this one to continue its work. The spirit of giving was on full display at Finkbine, as participants came not only to enjoy a day on one of Iowa’s most celebrated golf courses but also to make a lasting difference.
This year’s outing was completely sold out, highlighting the immense industry support behind the cause. The day was filled with energy and excitement from the very beginning. After a lively registration, golfers teed off under perfect summer skies, competing in friendly rounds that balanced fun with a spirit
of purpose. Pin prizes throughout the course kept the competition spirited, while special events and an auction added to the day’s enjoyment. Lunch generously sponsored by Harney Oil, brought everyone together for a mid-day break and gave participants the chance to connect off the greens.
Adding to the excitement, attendees were treated to a surprise visit from 20 members of the Iowa Hawkeye football team, who posed for photos, signed autographs, and mingled with supporters. Their presence was a memorable addition, infusing the event with Hawkeye pride and drawing extra attention to Camp Courageous’ mission. For many golfers, sharing the day with student-athletes was a oncein-a-lifetime experience, and it underscored the strong bond between athletics, community, and philanthropy in Iowa. A special recognition was given to Charlie Becker, longtime Camp Courageous leader, whose vision and tireless commitment have helped shape the camp into the
life-changing place it is today. His presence and heartfelt words reminded participants why the fundraiser matters so deeply, and his leadership continues to inspire everyone connected to the camp.
Many longtime supporters of Camp Courageous attended, some sharing personal stories of how the camp has touched their lives or the lives of loved ones. These heartfelt moments reinforced the meaning behind the fundraiser, reminding everyone that the true prize of the day was the opportunity to give
While the event offered plenty of entertainment, its true impact was felt in the fundraising results. Thanks to the overwhelming support of golfers, sponsors, and donors, the benefit raised vital funds to support Camp Courageous’ mission. Every dollar contributes directly to programs that provide life-changing experiences for individuals with disabilities, offering them opportunities for growth,
independence, and joy. The generosity displayed at Finkbine ensures that more campers will have the chance to enjoy outdoor adventures, build friendships, and experience the confidence that comes from overcoming challenges in a safe and supportive environment.
As the final putts dropped and the day wound down, participants left with more than just memories of a fun day on the course—they left with the knowledge that their involvement had made a real difference. The benefit at Finkbine was not just about golf; it was about generosity, community, and commitment to an organization that continues to touch lives in profound ways. Organizers and supporters alike are already looking forward to next year’s outing, with the promise of building on this year’s success and continuing the tradition of supporting Camp Courageous. With each year, the event grows stronger, carrying forward a legacy of compassion and community spirit that truly echoes that Together, We FUEL IOWA.
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FUELIowa’s SUMMERFEST 2025 Brings Fun, Networking, and Industry Support to Des Moines
By Sarah Bowman Director, Communications & Events FUELIowa
Des Moines came alive August 11–12, 2025, as FUELIowa hosted its much-anticipated SUMMERFEST — a two-day celebration blending industry networking, friendly competition, and pure Iowa summer fun. Designed to unite members, supporters, and friends of Iowa’s fuel industry, the event proved once again that there’s no better way to support the FUELIowa PAC than in a relaxed, high-energy atmosphere.
Day One:
Laughter, Games, and Giving Back
The festivities kicked off Monday night at Curate in downtown Des Moines, where the Annual Meeting informed members of the status of FUELIowa. Afterwards, attendees enjoyed a steak dinner followed by a hilarious set from nationally recognized comedian Greg Warren (Comedy Central). Laughter rolled seamlessly into the 4th Annual Bags Tournament, where competitors tossed for glory and bragging rights. Congratulations to the O’Day team who took home the bragging rights and the Championship belts!
While the bags were being tossed, the silent auction buzzed with bidding wars on unique items, with proceeds fueling PAC efforts that amplify the industry’s voice on key legislative issues.
Generous sponsors such as Rudolf Insurance, Siouxland Trailer Sales, and Westmor Industries ensured guests were never without a
signature drink or an open bar. The evening ended with an invitation to explore downtown nightlife, adding a vibrant, social twist to the business camaraderie.
Day Two: Golf or Fair—Your Choice, All Fun
Tuesday morning, golfers teed off at the picturesque Legacy Golf Club in Norwalk. With contests like Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, and a Putting Challenge, competition was as fierce as the camaraderie was friendly. On-course treats included burgers and brats at the turn, and the post-round Awards Ceremony was the perfect toast to team spirit. Congratulations (again) to MAST ATM for taking home the
traveling trophy with a score of 54!
For those preferring fairgrounds over fairways, the Iowa State Fair option was a hit. Attendees enjoyed food vouchers, beer tickets, a Sky Glider ride, and FUELIowa’s legendary hospitality at The Depot, where Gary Koerner made sure cold Busch Light flowed until the keg ran dry.
A Network Built on Gratitude
The event’s success was made possible by the remarkable support of hole sponsors like Chevron REG, GROWMARK Energy, and HF Sinclair, as well as visionary PAC donors including Don Burd of Otter Creek Country Store and Bev & Henry Jessen of Cylinder Express.
Their commitment underscores the collaborative spirit that keeps Iowa’s fuel industry thriving.
Beyond the Fun— Fueling the Future
While SUMMERFEST is undeniably fun, its purpose runs deeper: strengthening relationships, uniting voices, and ensuring FUELIowa members are heard on issues that matter. From the laughter at Curate to the cheers on the green, every moment contributed to the mission.
If SUMMERFEST 2025 is any indication, next year’s event will be one you won’t want to miss. Until then, the connections made and the memories shared will continue to fuel Iowa’s industry forward.
Together, We FUEL Iowa.
From the CEO’s Desk –Help Build our Hallway of History
By Gary Koerner CEO, FUELIowa
I’m excited to share that we have finalized a lease extension and full remodel of the FUELIowa headquarters in Urbandale. Working with our building owners, we have created a modern space that reflects both the FUELIowa and RINAlliance brands. The remodel gives us a professional, welcoming environment for members, policymakers, and industry partners.
At the same time, we wanted to preserve and celebrate our proud history. That’s why we created the
Hallway of History—a dedicated space to showcase the story of our industry and association dating back to our founding in 1937. Our vision is to cover this hallway with photos, signs, globes, and equipment that tell the story of the people and businesses who built and sustained this association for nearly nine decades.
This is where we need your help. We are looking for historic memorabilia from our members to feature in the Hallway of History. Items can either be donated or simply placed on display.
If you have something meaningful to share, please reach out to Jim Ewing at 515-224-7545. If selected, we will arrange to pick it up as we travel across the state.
This is an opportunity to ensure that the legacy of our industry is honored and remembered. Together, we can create a living tribute to the men and women who shaped FUELIowa and our industry into what it is today.
Together We FUELIowa!
Collective Camp Courageous Cars on Display
Canvas artwork capturing former chairs of PMCI and Oil Jobbers
Old glass globes and other collectibles on Display
More artwork and old covers from the Iowa Oil Spout
IDALS Offers Temporary Safe Harbor from E15 Mandate Enforcement for Small Fuel Retailers
By John Maynes, President, Government Affairs, FUELIowa
As Iowa’s retail fuel industry approaches the January 1, 2026, implementation deadline for the state’s E15 fuel mandate, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) has introduced a Safe Harbor policy aimed at supporting small business fuel retailers navigating significant financial hardship challenges imposed by the mandate.
Since the E15 mandate was signed into law in 2022, Iowa’s gasoline retailers have made commendable progress, investing millions in infrastructure upgrades to support the sale of E15, a gasoline blend containing 15% ethanol. As of mid2025, more than 760 retail stations across the state offer E15, up from 300 at the time of the mandate’s passage. Over the same period, E15 sales in Iowa have more than doubled—from 121 million gallons to 256 million gallons— demonstrating fuel retailers commitment to renewable fuels and the value they provide our friends in the agriculture industry.
Still, roughly 1,300 retail gas stations remain under pressure to comply, with fewer than 230 fuel retailers having successfully secured waivers from the mandate—either under the Small Retailer Waiver or the Class I waiver for certain underground storage tanks. To date, three retailers have been granted a Class II waiver, which considers financial hardship caused by the mandate.
With less than five months until the enforcement date—and the risk of fines up to $1,000 per day and potential loss of retail fuel licenses looming—many retailers find themselves racing against time, supply chain bottlenecks, and economic headwinds.
A significant contributing factor to the delays is the unstable rollout of the USDA’s High Blend Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP), which was expanded under the Biden administration through the Inflation Reduction Act. The program was a critical financial lifeline for Iowa retailers, helping to defray the high costs of E15-compatible infrastructure. Iowa now ranks second nationally in HBIIP grant awards. However, the program’s momentum was abruptly disrupted when the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency paused federal spending to review grant programs, freezing approximately $91 million in conditionally approved funding and stalling project timelines across the state.
Retailers faced not only the uncertainty of frozen funds but also rising construction costs and rising interest rates—all compounding the challenge of meeting a mandate many view as overly
ambitious, anti-small business, and influenced by political and lobbying interests rather than onthe-ground feasibility.
In recognition of these challenges, IDALS issued a memo on June 26, 2025, announcing a temporary Safe Harbor option for retailers who can demonstrate a good faith effort toward compliance. Facilities approved for Safe Harbor status will be shielded from enforcement penalties through September 30, 2026.
To qualify for Safe Harbor designation, retailers must submit proof of one of the following:
1. A purchase order, work order, installation contract, or invoice related to E15 infrastructure upgrades; or
2. An active application for an Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) E15 cost-share grant.
Applications must be submitted to Mike Harrington at mike. harrington@iowaagriculture. gov no later than September 30, 2025. Retailers are also encouraged to copy John Maynes at FUELIowa (john@ fueliowa.com) on all submissions to ensure a reliable point of contact should technical or substantive issues arise. If granted Safe harbor status by IDALS, an applicant has until September 30, 2026 to comply with the state mandate by making E15 available at a single fueling position.
While the Safe Harbor policy does not exempt retailers from
future compliance, it does have potential to offer much-needed breathing room for businesses affected by federal funding delays, economic uncertainty, and state government-imposed fines and penalties. FUELIowa strongly encourages any eligible retailer to consider applying.
For many Iowa retailers stuck in limbo due to delayed HBIIP funding, the Safe Harbor designation may provide the time needed for funds to be released and projects to get back on track. This policy is a welcome acknowledgment from IDALS of the real-world challenges nearly 1300 fuel retailers are facing with 4 months to the mandate deadline.
For more information on the Safe Harbor application or help determining eligibility, contact John Maynes in the FUELIowa office (john@fueliowa.com; 515-421-4043).
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FUELIowa Committees: A Resurgence in Member Engagement and Leadership
By Jason Stauffer Treasurer, FUELIowa
This past year, FUELIowa has seen a resurgence in the power and purpose of member-led committees—and the impact is undeniable. Committees are once again at the heart of our strategy to engage members, generate innovative business service ideas, and gather meaningful feedback on legislative priorities.
In 2024, we launched several new committees, including the Retail Committee, Fuels Committee, and Board Composition and Election Committee. These join our longstanding PAC Committee and UMCS Convention Committee to form a well-rounded framework of member involvement. Together, they provide vital input that helps shape the future of our association and the industry we serve.
Participating in a committee is one of the most rewarding ways to get involved.
COMMITTEE FEATURE
It brings members together to collaborate with other industry leaders, tackle shared challenges, and influence key decisions. It’s also a proving ground for future service on the FUELIowa Board of Directors—many board members past and present, began their leadership journey in a committee seat.
This renewed focus on committees reflects our belief that the best ideas and direction come from the ground up. Whether it’s refining our advocacy approach, enhancing member services, or planning industry events, our committees are driving real results. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to have your voice heard and make an impact, now is the time to step in. FUELIowa committees are open, active, and ready for your ideas. Join us and help lead the way.
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Where Do You Want to Have SUMMERFEST Next Year?
EVENT FEATURE
By Gary Koerner CEO, FUELIowa
FUELIowa Members,
As you know, this year we held our Annual SUMMERFEST & Member Meeting in Des Moines during the Iowa State Fair, after several years of hosting the event in Okoboji. Our goal was to try a more central location, incorporate the Fair, and offer a little variety.
Now, we’d love your feedback to help us decide where to hold SUMMERFEST in 2026. Your input is key to making sure this event continues to be well attended, fun, and valuable for all members.
Please scan the QR code below and take our quick two-minute survey. Your choices are:
Return to Okoboji in late July.
Stay in Des Moines during the Iowa State Fair.
Suggest another venue you think would be a great fit.
Your feedback will help us finalize next year’s plans, which we will announce soon.
Thank you for your support, and a special thanks to our sponsors and PAC donors who make SUMMERFEST possible each year. Together, we FUEL Iowa!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025
FUELIOWA LEGISLATIVE LUNCH AND LEARNS
Dates and Locations TBA
JANUARY 13, 2026
FUELIOWA LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION
Des Moines, Iowa
MARCH 31 – APRIL 2, 2026
UMCS 2026
St. Paul, Minnesota
VISIONARY ($5,000+)
PAC CONTRIBUTIONS
As of 8/22/25
$12,725 - Don Burd - Otter Creek Country Stores*
$10,000 - Bev & Henry Jessen - Cylinder Express*
$5,000 - Paul Fahey & Tessa Anderson - Rainbo Oil Company*
$5,000 - Larry Bentler - Jet Gas Company*
LEADER ($2,500-$4,999)
$4,500 - Todd Kanne - Community Oil Co*
$2,610 - Keith Olsen - Olsen Fuel Supply*
$2,535 - Dave & Cliff Reif - Reif Oil Company
$2,500 - Thomas, Jackson & Davis Flogel - Mulgrew Oil & Propane*
$2,500 - Jason McDermott - McDermott Oil*
$2,500 - Andrew Woodard - Elliott Oil Company*
PARTNER ($1,000-$2,449)
$2,250 - Jim Ewing - FUELIowa
$2,000 - Brett & Steve Kimmes - Kimmes Enterprises
$1,500 - Marc Beltrame - Beltrame Law Firm
$1,500 - Josh Gilroy - Grysson Oil
$1,500 - Gary Koerner - FUELIowa
$1,150 - John Maynes - FUELIowa
$1,000 - Richard Weiner - Cartersville Elevator
$1,000 - David & Matt Scheetz - The Depot Express
$1,000 - Brad Rudolf - Rudolf Insurance
FRIEND ($500-$999)
$900 - Doug Coziahr
$850 - Jason Stauffer
$800 - Nate Stumpf
$700 - Wade Fowler
CONTRIBUTOR ($0-$499)
$400 - Alex Bradley
$375 - Matt Smith
$350 - Sarah Bowman
$350 - Adrian Dickey
$325 - Dennis Jaeger
$275 - Mark Bratz
$250 - Scott Richardson
$225 - Tim Anding
$200 - Brian Pottebaum
$170 - Dan Justin
$150 - Nick Schlatter
$125 - Camille Willett
$120 - Troy Lindsey
$120 - Kyle May
$100 - Allen Boeckman
$100 - Kale Bulloch
$100 - Step Dilkes
$100 - Cody Grashorn
$100 - Alan Horst
$100 - Nate Lincoln
$100 - EJ Maruska
$100 - Bob Mast
$50 - Dean Onken
$20 - Mike Hildenbrand
$20 - Logan Huffman
INSIDE THE BELTWAY
Congressional Republicans are charging toward their self-imposed July 4 deadline for passage of their tax and spending package, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), this week with Senate Majority Leader Thune (R-SD) teeing up floor consideration of the package starting as early as Friday.
Throughout the week, many details of the multi-trillion-dollar bill remained unresolved, with Senators debating key issues concerning Medicaid and the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap behind closed doors. In addition, Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough advised Senators this week that several provisions included in the bill, such as proposals to sell public lands and expedited permitting provisions, would violate the Senate's budget rules. Additional rulings from the Parliamentarian, including key rulings on the bill's tax proposals, are expected before final floor consideration.
EMA joined a large coalition of businesses this week in urging the Senate to preserve and expand the Section 199A deduction from 20 to 23 percent. EMA strongly supports the Senate Finance Committee language making the 199A deduction permanent, and we urge the Senate
to adopt the House-passed expansion of Section 199A. Expanding Section 199A will help preserve tax parity between pass-through businesses and larger public corporations while helping ensure the Senate bill does not raise taxes on millions of Main Street businesses.
The Section 199A deduction plays a vital role in preserving competitive neutrality in the Tax Code. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reduced the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent. In doing so, it left pass-through businesses - which pay taxes at much higher individual rates - at risk of a long-term competitive disadvantage. Section 199A was adopted to mitigate this imbalance and preserve a level playing field. The Senate bill would make permanent the 199A deduction but also would cut in half their ability to deduct State and Local Taxes (SALT) as a business expense. The net result will be a tax hike on millions of passthrough businesses relative to what they currently pay. Expanding 199A deduction would offset this tax hike.
Despite several remaining hurdles, in a Truth Social post Tuesday, President Trump urged the House and Senate to resolve remaining sticking points in the legislation and send a final bill to his desk before July 4. On Wednesday, House Republican leaders advised Members that if the Senate concludes work on the package over the weekend, the House may delay its planned recess and vote on the bill early next week, where House Speaker Mike Johnson will again have to contend with a narrow House majority and competing Member priorities to secure final passage.
Meanwhile, off Capitol Hill the Trump Administration continues its overhaul of the federal budget. Nevertheless, on Tuesday, Judge Tana Lin blocked the Department of Transportation from freezing funds for electric vehicle charging stations under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program, finding the Department likely violated the law by withholding expected and relied-upon funding. The ruling follows an opinion issued by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office (GAO), which also accused the freeze of violating the law.
Inside the Beltway Update July 11
Fresh off the passage of their One Big Beautiful Bill, congressional Republicans are now shifting focus to other high priority legislative items before the August recess, including annual appropriations and defense policy legislation.
This week, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved three spending bills in bipartisan votes, teeing up potential floor consideration of the funding legislation. However, it is unclear whether Congress can muster a broader bipartisan deal on fiscal year 2026 funding bills before the September 30 federal funding deadline, or if disagreements over annual spending levels and the Trump Administration’s proposed funding cuts will block a path forward.
Meanwhile, House and Senate leaders have already hinted at the possibility of a second party-line tax and spending bill this fall, with House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey
Arrington (R-TX) and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID) each expressing interest in pursuing another reconciliation bill. Both Arrington and Crapo noted a second package may include priority items left out of the final version of the One Big Beautiful Bill, including tax and spending provisions that initially did not comply with budget rules. However, White House officials threw cold water on the topic this morning and are likely to focus on the midterm elections going forward.
The Trump Administration this week has also since shifted to implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill, with President Trump signing an Executive Order Monday directing the Treasury Department to quickly implement the bill’s new restrictions on wind and solar tax credits. In the Executive Order, Trump declared the wind and solar energy facilities to be unreliable, expensive, and damaging to more dependable energy sources. The Executive Order follows calls from conservative House Republicans to further tighten eligibility for the credits.
Inside the Beltway Update – July 18
With the One Big Beautiful Bill signed into law and August recess quickly approaching, Congress has shifted its focus to the fiscal year (FY) 2026 appropriations process. This week, the House and Senate made incremental progress on government funding, with the House and Senate Appropriations Committees each marking up several appropriations bills.
On Monday, the House Appropriations Energy and Water Subcommittee marked up their FY 2026 appropriations bill, which includes proposed cuts to several discretionary funding programs at the Department
of Energy as well as increased funding for several bipartisan priorities. Notably, the bill proposes:
• $57.3 billion in total discretionary funding, including $48.8 billion for the Department of Energy, a decrease of approximately $1.4 billion from previously enacted levels;
• $1.85 billion for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), a decrease of $1.6 billion from FY 2025, or a 46 percent reduction. The President’s Budget Request (PBR) proposed to cut EERE funding by more than 70 percent;
• $687.5 million for the Office of Fossil Energy, a reduction of $177.5 million from FY 2025.
• $7.15 million for continued Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve (NEHHOR) operations. The FY 2026 PBR proposed to sell NEHHOR’s one million barrels of ultra-low sulfur distillate to generate $100 million for deficit reduction.
On Tuesday, the House InteriorEPA Subcommittee advanced their appropriations bill on an 8-5 party-line vote. The bill includes approximately $7 billion in funding for the EPA for FY 2026, a decrease of $2.1 billion or 23 percent below 2025 levels. Nevertheless, the bill provides additional EPA funding above levels requested by the Trump Administration, including by maintaining funding for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program.
The bill also includes approximately $60 million for the Leaking Underground Storage Tanks Program,
an increase from the PBR but a decrease from previous fiscal years. Unfortunately, the appropriations bill also includes language that allows funds up to $300,000 to be raided from the LUST Fund for construction activities unrelated to leak clean ups. Specifically, the Science and Technology, Environmental Programs and Management, Office of Inspector General, Hazardous Substance Superfund, and Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund Program Accounts, are available for the construction, alteration, repair, rehabilitation, and renovation of facilities, provided that the cost does not exceed $300,000 per project. The House Appropriations Committee held a subcommittee and full committee markup of the FY 2026 Transportation-Housing and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bill on Monday and Thursday, respectively. The bill proposes a $3.1 billion decrease in funding for US DOT, with transit and rail seeing significant cuts in year-over-year funding. Despite proposed cuts in discretionary funds, the bill notably proposes to also transfer over $4 billion dollars from the Biden-era Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to fund various programs at the agency, including $1 billion in unspent funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. The transferred funding will largely be redirected to aviation programs.
The House and Senate are expected to unveil additional funding bills over the coming weeks, including funding bills covering the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services, as well as programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). However, with the current federal funding deadline of September 30, the lack of floor action on appropriations bills means a short-
term continuing resolution (CR) to prevent a government shutdown at the end of September is increasingly likely which is good news for energy marketers who support the LUST fund.
Prohibition of Funding for Speed Limiting Devices Language in House Appropriations Bill
This week, the continuation of the Administration’s moves to reverse the Biden Administration’s push for speed limiting device mandates for semi-trucks was propelled by blocking funding for promulgation of any rule requiring speed limiting devices.
Specifically, language included in the House Transportations Appropriations bill states that none of the funds appropriated may be used to promulgate any rule or regulation to require vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds operating in interstate commerce to be equipped with a speed limiting device set to a maximum speed.
In April President Trump signed an executive order calling on DOT to carry out additional administrative, regulatory, or enforcement actions to improve the working conditions of America’s truck drivers. Following that order, DOT Secretary Sean Duffy began efforts to roll back the proposed rule that was first proposed under President Obama and revived under President Biden in 2022.
EMA will continue to support efforts to stop the mandate.
EMA Joins Others in Urging the White House to Clean Up the Center for Tobacco Products
This morning EMA joined NACS, NATSO, NATO and SIGMA In urging President Trump to clean up FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) and develop a properly functioning regulatory system for vapor and e-cigarette products.
Our industry is systematically losing sales to businesses that sell illicit products because the CTP has abandoned its fundamental responsibility as a regulator. The CTP required manufacturers of vapor products (also known as e-cigarettes) to submit premarket approval applications in order for those products to remain on the market. The deadline for submitting those applications was September 2020 (“Deemed tobacco-derived products”) and also 2022 (“synthetic nicotine”). The CTP has dragged its feet on determining the premarket authorization of these deemed products. It is nearly five years since the application deadline and applications for thousands of products remain undecided and innovation remains in limbo.
We urged the White House to:
Require CTP to make decisions about all premarket applications, and fast. Many products awaiting decisions are very similar to authorized products and seem easy to authorize.
Require CTP to provide clarity. CTP must be told to reveal exactly which products (not just manufacturers) have been denied, exactly which products remain in legal limbo, and exactly which products submitted timely applications.
Supercharge the multi-agency task force. Once product clarity has been provided, the federal multi-agency task force led by FDA and DOJ, which was established in June 2024 to combat illicit vapes, should be directed to bring the strongest civil and criminal enforcement actions against the worst offenders to deter ongoing noncompliance. Illicit product, wherever it is found, should be seized.
Require more from Customs and Border Protection. CBP should strengthen its efforts to prevent the importation of illicit Chinese vapes by increasing targeted inspections throughout the supply chain, expanding the use of risk-based analytics tools, and pursuing civil and criminal penalties in cases of fraudulent import misdeclarations.
July 25, 2025
Inside the Beltway Update
Senate Pushes Forward, House Heads to Recess
While the Senate keeps the lights on, working through legislative priorities and nominations, the House of Representatives left Washington early for its August recess, deferring
several FY 2026 appropriations bills to September. This week, Senate Appropriators advanced two key funding bills-Interior-Environment and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development-during Thursday's committee markups. The Senate's fiscal 2026 funding bill for transportation programs pushes the Department of Transportation to issue guidance no later than 30 days after the bill is enacted for a $5 billion electric vehicle charger program that the Trump administration suspended earlier this year. The DOT must then publish final guidance no more than four months after the bill becomes law.
to argue that federal law does not mandate regulating greenhouse gas emissions, potentially limiting federal climate authority. This move, likely to spark legal challenges under the 2007 Massachusetts v. EPA Supreme Court ruling, could reshape environmental policy.
The Senate also cleared a procedural hurdle for the Military Construction-VA appropriations bill with a strong 90-8 vote, planning to use it as a "minibus" to bundle additional spending measures before final passage. Meanwhile, House Appropriators approved the National Security-State Department spending bill on Wednesday but postponed other critical markups until September. With a September 30 deadline looming, Congress must act swiftly to pass annual spending bills or a short-term continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown.
Trump Administration & EPA: Bold Moves Ahead
As Congress recesses, the Trump Administration is charging forward with its policy agenda. On Wednesday, the Senate confirmed Aaron Szabo as Assistant Administrator of the EPA's Office of Air and Radiation in a party-line vote. Szabo will now lead critical policies on transportation emissions, air quality, and permitting. In a major policy shift, the EPA is set
Speed Limiter Mandate Withdrawn!
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has officially withdrawn its proposed rule mandating speed limiters on commercial motor vehicles, effective July 24, 2025, as published in the Federal Register. This game-changing decision delivers on Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy's promise to eliminate burdensome regulations, aligning with the Administration's efforts to reverse the Biden Administration's push for speed limiter mandates on semi-trucks. Reinforcing this move, the House Transportation Appropriations bill recently included language prohibiting the use of funds to enforce speed-limiting devices on vehicles over 26,000 pounds in interstate commerce.
In April 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Transportation to improve working conditions for America's truck drivers. Following this, Secretary Duffy took swift action to dismantle the rule, originally proposed
under President Obama and revived in 2022 under President Biden.
The Energy Marketers of America (EMA) has tirelessly fought against this mandate and proudly celebrates this withdrawal as a major win for the industry and its drivers.
