FUELIowa Magazine : May / June 2023

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

FUELIowa’s 2023 legislative priorities focused on the attainment of additional incentives for retailers to upgrade their equipment for the storage and dispensing of higher blends of ethanol, the securing of additional relief from the Iowa Alcohol Beverage Division (ABD), to reduce the cost of selling alcohol at retail stores, and exploring revenue enhancement opportunities and efficiencies from the Iowa Lottery Authority.

FUELIowa requested and fought for an $8 million increase in additional funding for the RFIP. We were able to secure $5 million on top of the $10 million already awarded. This represents a five-fold increase in funds over the past three years.

A historic agreement on tort reform pertaining to commercial motor vehicles and medical malpractice, S.F. 228, the Trucker Tort Reform Act capped recovery and non-economic damages at $5 million. We remain committed to addressing taxation of aboveground storage tanks property tax reform. FUELIowa presented information and graphs in support of eliminating the E85 equipment standard.

The FUELIowa team working closely with the Board of Directors will begin preparing for the 2024 Iowa Legislative Session. Biofuels infrastructure investment opportunities, securing increases in the RFIP grant program, and property tax reform will remain our highest priorities.

FUELIowa has established working task forces to address ABD, Iowa lottery, and state laws pertaining to tobacco products. We welcome your interest and participation in the task force activities.

Ronald N. Langston President & CEO FUELIowa 515-224-1599

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Joseph Zietlow Chair Kwik Trip, Inc La Crosse, WI 608-793-6484

Keith Olsen Vice Chair Olsen Fuel Supply Atlantic 712-243-2340

Tessa Fahey Treasurer Rainbo Oil Dubuque 563- 526-1179

Bev Jessen Past Chair Johnson Oil/ Cylinder Express Battle Creek 712-365-4740

RNL

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chris Biellier Associate Director Seneca Companies Davenport | 563-332-8000

Chad Besch Director New Cooperative Algona | 515-295-2741

f (515) 224-0502

info@FUELIowa.com www.FUELIowa.com

Don Burd Director Otter Creek Country Store Cedar Rapids | 319-533-1825

Nathaniel Doddridge Director Casey's General Stores Ankeny | 515-446-6239

With your commitment to the association and the Iowa retail fuel industry, we are emboldened to continue regardless of the odds, obstacles, or challenges. 10430

Tia Eischeid Director Al’s Corner Oil Co Carroll | 712-673-2723

Wade Fowler Associate Director Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc. DBA Farner-Bocken Carroll | 641-777-0308

Steve Kimmes Director Kimmes Enterprises LLC Carroll | 515-681-7890

Nate Lincoln Director Lincoln Farm and Home, Inc. Glenwood | 712-527-4833

Dave Reif Director Reif Oil Company Burlington | 319-752-9809

Scott Richardson Director Key Cooperative Roland | 515-291-0623

The 2023 session of the Iowa General Assembly adjourned on May 4.

A Review of the 2023 Iowa Legislative Session

Iowa Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Grant Program

By Ronald N. Langston, President & CEO FUELIowa

Tort Reform

The 2023 session of the Iowa General Assembly adjourned on May 4, and I wanted to share a message with each of you as to how it turned out while outlining important steps in the interim ahead of the 2024 session which begins next January.

Each legislative session presents unique challenges and opportunities for trade organizations like FUELIowa, requiring an ability to be nimble within a larger framework of policy priorities. Going into the session, FUELIowa had a singular focus on persuading the General Assembly to invest more resources into the Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Program (RFIP). Parallel to this legislative focus was an effort to establish task forces to explore executive branch reforms within the Iowa Alcohol Beverage Division (ABD) and Iowa Lottery Authority (Lottery) to facilitate public policy with the potential to lower costs inside convenience stores. I will report on these executive branch initiatives in future editions of the Insider, but today my focus is on the results of FUELIowa’s 2023 legislative effort.

FUELIowa was successful in adding significant resources to the RFIP program for the third year in a row. The total appropriation into the RFIP was successfully increased by another 50% to a total of $15 million. This represents a fivefold increase over the $3 million funding level only three years ago. While this represents tremendous progress, further work is required to ensure that these public resources keep pace with actual costs driven by recent public policy decisions and inflation. Higher individual grant awards and eliminating the only E85 equipment requirement in the country remain key priorities for the 2024 legislative session.

Property Tax Reform

The General Assembly passed historic property tax reform, estimated to save taxpayers upwards of $100 million annually. In addition to this tax reform, FUELIowa joined the Iowa Institute for Cooperatives and the Iowa Propane Association in seeking to codify the Iowa Court of Appeals decision in the McDermott property tax assessment matter involving above ground storage tanks. Though FUELIowa was successful in getting HF 206 passed in the Iowa House by an overwhelming bipartisan result of 92-6, the effort stalled in the final hours of the session in the Iowa Senate and will remain a priority during the 2024 legislative session.

FUELIowa and a coalition of other trade organizations succeeded in advocating for passage of the first commercial vehicle lawsuit reform legislation in the nation after an exhaustive five-year effort. This legislation places a cap on noneconomic damage awards in accidents involving commercial motor vehicles.

The legislation also makes Iowa the only state in the nation to limit noneconomic damages in direct negligence actions based on negligent hiring of drivers of commercial motor vehicles who are involved in accidents. These reforms will slow the spike in premiums for commercial auto policies covering member vehicles.

Tobacco

Several pieces of legislation dealing with tobacco were considered during the 2023 session. FUELIowa was successful in defeating a tax increase on certain tobacco items, including vape products, for the third consecutive session. In addition to stopping this tax increase, FUELIowa also stopped legislation that would have given a broad category of public safety officials (including firefighters) the right to inspect all areas of a convenience store for tobacco tax violations without a subpoena.

Lessons Learned and Next Steps

FUELIowa came away with several important victories during the 2023 legislative session, but significant work remains to tackle challenges

which face members. In addition to softening the impact of expensive infrastructure investment, FUELIowa will continue to work on further reforms aimed at improving the bottom line of all members.

sincerely thank the FUELIowa members who contributed their time, talent, and treasure in assisting the FUELIowa Board of Directors and staff in actively pursuing the 2023 legislative priorities. I want to additionally thank Marc Beltrame, John Hirl, and John Maynes for their assistance in the production of the President’s message.

With your commitment to the association and the Iowa retail fuel industry, we are emboldened to continue regardless of the odds, obstacles, or challenges.

2023 UMCS A Success

After the convention, the UMCS committee sent a survey to the attendees and exhibitors to rate and review the show. The same questions are used each year to allow an accurate comparison of the shows year to year. The responses were overwhelmingly positive, with 2023 rated higher

(very good or excellent) than 2022. Attendees love the exhibitors, show floor, and the workshops (including positive feedback on the increased number of workshops and change in format).

The trend continued for the

The 2023 UMCS Convention was held in St. Paul on April 17-19, hosting a new record of attendees for the show.

Having heard the request from previous attendees, the UMCS committee moved the educational sessions from Tuesday and Wednesday to Monday and Wednesday, allowing a full day on Tuesday for the show floor to be open to attendees. Exhibitors set up on Monday morning, as attendees found interest in the ew arrangement for the educational sessions.

The 2023 educational sessions were increased from 4 to 14 workshops. Monday offered 3 tracks – Biofuels, EV and Business owner, each with three workshops to choose from. On Tuesday, the show floor was PACKED all day with attendees visiting exhibitor’s booths. Wednesday offered a driver track, office professional track and C-Store track.

After the incredible turn out for the Monday educational tracks, Monday night attendees enjoyed a hospitality night and heard from EMA President Rob Underwood addressing legislative issues.

By Sarah Bowman, Communications Director , FUELIowa

Games, music, beverages and the auction closed the evening.

Tuesday morning, the show started Denton Cinquegrana with OPIS addressing attendees and each State held their State of the Associations. During the Minnesota meeting, they announced a name change. After 100 years of Minnesota Petroleum Marketers, they have changed their name to Fueling Minnesota. Congratulations on 100 years and the rebrand to our neighbors to the North!

Tuesday allowed a full day of show floor access for the attendees, and the change was well received. Exhibitors used social media to promote their booth space, and engagement on the UMCS social media accounts was highly active. The day wrapped up with Happy Hour on the show floor, dinner, and entertainment from Williams & Ree, who had all those in attendance in laughter.

Wednesday morning began with the Prayer Breakfast Speaker, Dan Meers, sharing his story of overcoming adversity, injury, and faith. His message of courage, reframing your mindset, and trust in God touched all in attendance. The feedback on his speech was overwhelmingly positive. The final day of the show floor still had the exhibitors busy, even with the educational workshops – a few attendees registered for just the last day!

exhibitor’s responses, rating the 2023 show higher than 2022, and more likely to exhibit next year. The exhibitors preferred the change in workshop time, allowing them to have uninterrupted access to attendees on Tuesday. Of course, reconnecting and networking were also at the top of the list for both attendees and exhibitors. The feedback from attendees and exhibitors is valuable to the planning committee. With your input, we were able to enhance the UMCS show this year and will work to make UMCS 2024 even better!

Save the dates for next year – April 15-17 in St. Paul! We’ll see you there!

FUELIowa Meets With Congressional Delegation

By John Maynes, Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs, FUELIowa, Attorney

and concluding with Congressman Zach Nunn at 4 pm. FUELIowa is fortunate to have a Congressional Delegation willing and eager to meet with FUELIowa during a tight visit window. As you can imagine, coordinating schedules and securing six meetings while managing the demands placed on members of Congress can be a bit of a balancing act. Fortunately, we were able to complete the task.

Every year during the spring, the Energy Marketers of America (EMA) host their annual fly-in event for the 47 state and regional trade associations comprising EMA’s membership. This year’s event was held May 10-12 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC.

EMA’s Day on the Hill Event includes association policy meetings on the first and final days of the event. In between, individual state associations are tasked with setting up meetings with their Congressional Delegation to advocate on issues impacting the small businesses fuel marketers who comprise their membership. With guidance and support from EMA, these meetings prove to be a valuable tool in educating federal lawmakers on issues impacting the hundreds of FUELIowa small business owners who provide the essential everyday goods and services Iowan’s demand from their business.

This year’s FUELIowa schedule included visits with all six members of Iowa’s Congressional Delegation beginning with Congresswoman Marianette Miller-Meeks at 9:45 am

Joining FUELIowa for EMA’s Day on the Hill this year were Glenn Hasken with Molo Petroleum, Don Burd with Otter Creek Country Stores, and Joe Zietlow, current FUELIowa Board Chairman and Industry and Trade Association Manager for Kwik Trip, Inc. Participation in EMA’s Day on the Hill with FUELIowa is open to all members and we encourage you to attend. Please reach out to John Maynes in the FUELIowa office with interest. Ideally, we’d love to have a member from each Congressional District attend the EMA Day on the Hill.

Individual visits last between 15-30 minutes so preparation is key to maximizing time with our Senators and Representatives. During our visits this year, FUELIowa focused our discussions on a costly proposed rule facing FUELIowa members who operate bulk fuel facilities where gasoline is stored. During our visits, we were able to secure commitments from all six members of Congress to sign a bicameral letter requesting EPA to reanalyze the impact of their proposed rule on small businesses.

issued by the largest U.S. banks have at least two unaffiliated card payment networks available to process transactions. Ten years ago, Congress enacted similar legislation targeting debit card transactions and through the competition created, both business and consumers have benefited. FUELIowa and the members of the Merchants Payment Coalition believe The Credit Card Competition Act will have a similarly positive impact on businesses and consumers through the introduction of competition into the credit card processing arena.

Biofuel policy, specifically biofuel infrastructure investment opportunities for small business fuel marketers was another key advocacy topic for FUELIowa. FUELIowa was able to highlight the growing inequity between biofuel policy directed at creating markets from policy tailored toward assisting the small business fuel marketers who distribute and sell biofuels.

Building on the momentum gained through the United States Department of Agriculture and their High Blend Infrastructure Investment Program, FUELIowa advocated for increasing the appropriation to the program while simultaneously expanding access to the funds for small businesses through targeted small business carveouts and expanded opportunities for grant writing assistance.

Our final advocacy topic was the Credit Card Competition Act. The Credit Card Competition Act would require that credit cards

While the Congressional visits are the center piece of EMA’s Day on the Hill, EMA also conducts a series of internal policy meetings which shape the forward-facing positions EMA staff take in their day-today advocacy with regulators, lawmakers, and other industryrelated national trade associations.

At Law, Bradshaw, Fowler, Proctor and Fairgrave

On Wednesday, FUELIowa participated in a meeting with counsel from the Small Business Administration to discuss industry’s options in reengaging the EPA on certain aspects of their rule targeting gasoline bulk plants. Also included in the meeting were marketers and staff from Minnesota and North Dakota along with EMA Regulatory Counsel Mark Morgan, and EMA consultant Jim Rocco.

Following the conclusion of our meeting with SBA, FUELIowa joined the Central Region within EMA for a meeting highlighting the scope of issues facing the states comprising EMA’s Central Region. Covering a geographic area ranging from Nebraska to Ohio and Oklahoma to Michigan, the range of issues facing central region states was significant. This think-tank type setting is extremely valuable for attendees to gain information from their peers in other states. A good rule of thumb to live by in advocacy is if a bad idea emerges in another state, be prepared, soon it will find its way across your border.

Fast-forwarding to Friday, EMA holds a series of committee meetings to develop internal policy positions and priorities. EMA’s two most relevant policy committee meetings for FUELIowa members include the Retail Committee and the Motor Fuels Committee. FUELIowa is very fortunate longtime FUELIowa EMA Director Glenn Hasken currently serves as the Chairman of EMA’s Motor Fuels Committee. Through Glenn’s decade long service within EMA on behalf of FUELIowa, FUELIowa has a well-positioned voice within the policy development wing of the EMA umbrella.

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May 22, 2023

The Honorable Michael Regan Administrator Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Penn sylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20460

Dear Administrator Regan:

We write regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed rul e to revise the current requirements for small gasoline bulk plants under the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollution [NESHAP Subpart BBBBBB]. We are concerned with the adverse economic impacts the proposed modification to NESHAP could impose on small business energy marketers, specifically in rural America and areas subject to extreme weather.

Gasoline is typically shipped to customers daily in cargo tank vehicles that pick-up product at a large suppl y terminal and deliver a full truckload directly into customer storage tanks. However, some customers, including state and local governments, farmers, ranchers, commercial endusers, and first responders, require a smaller volume of gasoline than a full truckload on an even less frequent del ivery schedule. In those instances, our constituents'-small, family-owned bulk storage plants are used as intermediaries. Small gasoline bulk plants, as well as straight trucks or tank wagons, factor into the small gasoline distribution segment.

If finalized, this rulemaking would require the installation of gasoline vapor balancing equipment for delivering to a bulk storage plant and loading a cargo tank wagon at virtually all small, intermediate storage bulk plants. The compliance costs associated with the proposed NESHAP Subpart BBBBBB rule would make the intermediate storage of gasoline at , and its distribution from, these bulk plants unworkable. This infeasibil ity is directly tied to the rule's proposal to lower the compliance threshold for small gasoline bulk plants from 20,000 gallons per day of actual throughput to just 4,000 gallons of daily maximum design capacity. Since the proposed threshold in the NESHAP Subpart BBBBBB rule is based on a theoretical maximum design capacity rather than actual daily throughput, almost every small bulk plant in the nation would be negatively impacted by its requirements - forcing them to downsize, close, or face the high cost of compli ance. In other words, we see this proposal inevitably and implicitly leading to higher fuel costs or eliminating intermediate gasoline storage at small bulk plants, impacting supply to end users offering vital services to their local communities and potentially cutting off whole communities during an emergency.

We hope the EPA will withdraw provisions of the proposed NESHAP Subpart rule applied to small bulk plant facilities and convene a Small Business Advocacy Review panel to actively engage small business energy marketers in a meaningful discussion on the full extent of the regulatory impact of the proposed rule, as required under the Small Business Regulatory

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JUN 19, 2023

CAMP COURAGEOUS GOLF OUTING

Finkbine Golf Course, Iowa City, IA

Come and join FUELIowa members for a fun filled day of golf among your peers for a great cause - Camp Courageous of Iowa.

AUGUST 3-4, 2023

ANNUAL MEETING & SUMMERFEST

Okoboji, IA

Enjoy two days at beautiful Lake Okoboji! On Thursday, have a drink lake side at Bridges Bay Resort and enjoy a beautiful dinner reception complete with entertainment, silent auction and lots of fun, followed by golf on Friday.

VISIONARY ($5,000+)

$ 14,000 Bev & Henry Jessen - Cylinder Express*

$ 5,000 Paul & Tessa Fahey - Rainbo Oil*

$ 5,000 Larry Bentler, Jet Gas*

$ 5,000 Ronald N. Langston - FUELIowa^

LEADER ($2,500-$4,999)

$2,500 Robert Mast - Mast ATM

$2,500 Randy & Andrew Woodard - Elliott Oil*

$2,500 Todd Kanne - Community Oil*

$2,500 Jason McDermott - McDermott Oil*

$2,500 Cliff & Dave Reif - Reif Oil*

PARTNER ($1,000-$2,449)

$1,500 Joe Zietlow - Kwik Trip^

$1,000 Mark Cobb - Cobb Oil

$1,000 Jennifer Likes - Harms Oil ^

$1,000 Thomas Flogel - Mulgrew Oil

$1,000 Marc Beltrame - Beltrame Law Firm

Fleet managers, transport owners, and fuel transporters turn to Westmor when they’re frustrated with downtime and maintenance issues or when they are looking for better ways to maximize their fleet. Oftentimes, they’re having troubles with their trailer weights and payload capacity or they need a product to help with a diversified operation. westmor-ind.com

TRANSPORT IT YOUR WAY

» Match your trailer and equipment to your operational needs

» Design equipment to maximize your payload capacity

» Diversify your operation with the ability to transport or deliver fuel

» TranstechTM Tank design provides an unforced, precise fit-up of components for a stronger, longer lasting tank

» Made in the USA

$1,000 Richard Weiner - Cartersville Elevator

FRIEND ($500-$999)

$500 Matt Scheetz

CONTRIBUTOR ($0-$499)

$200 Keith Crandall

$200 Eric Scheuchl

$150 John Maynes

$150 Gary Koerner

$150 Jim Ewing

$150 Sarah Bowman

$100 John Meehan

$100 Dean Onken

^ Sustaining Member * Fuel Marketer Program Donate at: www.fueliowa.com/donate-to-pac.cfm

*Contributions not drawn on personal funds will automatically be contributed to the FUELIowa Political Education Fund (PEF).

BILLING ADDRESS

Billing Address ____________________________________

Signature ________________________________________

Date

The goal of Summerfest is to bring all FUELIowa members and friends together in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. This event helps build relationships and by attending, you signal to everyone that you support our great industry. Through sponsorships, registrations, and donations, we are able to fund the FUELIowa PAC. There has never been a more enjoyable way to support the FUELIowa PAC.

COCK TAILS & ANNUAL MEETING

Join us for our Annual Meeting and hear the successes and challenges during the Condition of our Association followed by cocktails, conversation and networking while enjoying the lake breeze in the background. Work and play combined!

SUMMERFEST | August 3-4, 2023 | Okoboji

Our annual action packed event in support of the FUELIOWA-PAC. Join us for a cocktail reception, dinner & silent auction with family and friends. Enjoy fun in the sun and a choice of golf or a day at Arnolds Park! Pay with personal funds to be included on the 2023 FUELIowa PAC Donor List.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: Check fueliowa.com for schedule and time updates.

Day 1 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.

Day 2

DINNER & RECEPTION

Mix and mingle on the shore at the beautiful Waterfront Event Center at Bridges Bay Resort. We will have open bar, entertainment, steak or scallops dinner, and dessert as we watch the sunset over the lake. After dinner, we will kick-off our annual bags tournament with views of beautiful Lake Okoboji. This is lake living at ts best!

GOLF

Day two, it is time to hit the links! Enjoy 18 holes at Brooks Country Club - Okoboji’s premier golf facility. This is a 4-person scramble with shotgun start complete with pin prizes and a putting contest. Lunch is provided and beverage carts will keep you cool all day. Meet up after at the 19th hole to settle your bets and collect your prizes.

FAMILY FUN

Not a golfer? Take advantage of Bridges Bay Resort, Lake Okoboji or a day at Arnolds Amusement Park. Bridges Bay features a pool, waterpark, restaurants on the water and much more, perfect for a long weekend. Spouses and family can participate with you at events, or they can be free to explore everything on their own while you network!

Annual Meeting / State of the Association

Cocktail Party Begins / Silent Auction

Steak Dinner / Comedian

Bags Tournament/ Entertainment

Okoboji Night Life

Primary Contact:

7:00 a.m. Golf Registration Opens – (coffee, juice, donuts)

8:00 a.m. Golf Shotgun Start - Brooks Country Club Golf

10:00 a.m. Arnolds Park (non-golfers) (includes rides, cruise on the Queen II & museums)

12:30 p.m. Lunch / Awards Ceremony

SUMMERFE S T - $250 per attendee, dinner, open bar, bags tournament, & choice of golf or Arnolds Park.

1  $ 2  $ 3  $ 4  $ 5  $ 6 

DAY 1 SPONSORSHIPS



DAY 2 SPONSORSHIPS

$

 Breakfast ......................................................................$500

 Open Bar (3) .................................................................$500

 Auction Prize (fund or donate item) ..................................$500

 Bags Tournament (2) ...................................................$500

 Donate to the FUELIowa-PAC (*PPe sonal Funds).........$

P A Y M E N T I N F O R M A T I O N DinnerGolf or Park

 Lunch............................................................................$1000

 Gift Bag ......................................................................... $500

 Cigar .............................................................................$1000  Putting Contest ...........................................................$1000

 Hole................................................................................$1000 Includes Four (4) SUMMERFEST Passes

 Beverage Cart (2).............. .........................................$1000

Enclosed Card Exp Date  PERSONAL Credit Card  VISA Master Card AmEx  Discover

Name on Card Signature

Billing address if different from Primary Contact information.

SUBMIT REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT

Disclosure: In the event of inclement weather or other possible changes, we will not reschedule. Please consider your fees a d onation. 4:00 p.m.

MEMBER HAPPENINGS

FUELIOWA MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

blend with more than 50 percent renewable content.

Associates from Chevron and Toyota are driving Toyota's Tundra, RAV4 and Camry on the trip while running on the new fuel, which is more than 40 percent less carbon intensive than traditional gasoline on a lifecycle basis, according to Chevron.

role in a lower carbon transportation future. We are excited to partner with Toyota for the opportunity to demonstrate lower carbon technologies that are compatible with internal combustion engines."

FUELIowa Fashion is Available!

Men or Womens Jacket: Port Authority® Packable

Puffy Jacket

Color: Black

Sizes: XS-4XL

Men or Womens Vest:

Port Authority® Packable

Puffy Vest

Color: Black

Sizes: XS-4XL

Email Jim Ewing at jim@fueliowa.com to order your FUELIowa fashion.

Source: St. Anthony Hospital

St. Anthony Regional Hospital is excited to announce the introduction of its new Pride Pump at the Carroll Country Store-Shell, located on 112 U.S. Hwy 71, at the southwest edge of Carroll! To kickstart this initiative, we were thrilled to receive a generous start-up check of $1,000. With every purchase made, a portion will be dedicated to supporting the mission of St. Anthony.

The road trip runs from Mississippi through Louisiana before concluding in Texas. During the tour, Chevron representatives will talk with members of the public about the benefits of lower carbon fuels like biofuels and renewable gasoline blend. According to the company, renewable gasoline blends can reduce lifecycle emissions and be used in existing automotive fleets and fueling networks.

Chevron and Toyota are currently exploring new technologies for fueling light- and heavy-duty vehicles, and are pursuing a strategic alliance to explore new hydrogen-fuel solutions in the transportation sector.

San Ramon-based Chevron is one of the world's leading integrated energy companies. Chevron produces crude oil and natural gas; manufactures transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and additives; and develops technologies that enhance its business and the industry at large.

RICHMOND, Va. — Americans are in favor of tobacco harm reduction over prohibition as public policy, according to the results of a new survey released by Altria Group Inc.

Results show that two in three Americans support harm reduction, a public health strategy that supports transitioning adult smokers who can't or won't stop smoking to less-risky tobacco products, over blanket prohibition as the better policy approach to tobacco regulations.

Additionally, more than eight in 10 Americans (82 percent) think it is important for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to focus on making smoke-free tobacco products available to adult smokers to help them switch from cigarettes.

with different tobacco products and 88 percent agree that the agency has a responsibility to address the widespread misperception that nicotine causes cancer.

Altria also released findings that show adults agree that policies banning tobacco products will lead to illicit markets for such products, endangering public health, youth and communities of color:

• 84 percent believe youth will have easy access to tobacco products in an illicit market;

• 84 percent believe bootleg tobacco products sold in an illicit market are more dangerous for consumers than regulated products;

Chevron Hits the Road to Promote

Renewable Gasoline Blend

Source: CS News

Chevron and Toyota associates are driving from Mississippi to Texas to show off the energy company’s new fuel.

Image

The fuel industry has recently stepped up its push for greater access to biofuels during the summer months, launching off of the initiatives of several companies' investments into biofuels. Chevron is no exception, having produced several biodiesel, renewable diesel and renewable natural gas blends, along with its current build-up of hydrogen fueling infrastructure in California. The company intends to manufacture such blends with existing infrastructure.

Altria Survey: Majority of Americans Support Tobacco Harm Reduction

Source: CS News

More than eight in 10 respondents think it is important for the Food and Drug Administration to focus on making smoke-free tobacco products available to adult smokers.

SAN RAMON, Calif. — Chevron U.S.A. Inc., in partnership with Toyota, kicked off a road trip across the U.S. Gulf Coast in order to showcase a gasoline

"Multiple solutions are needed to help lower the carbon intensity of the transportation sector," said Andy Walz, Chevron's president of Americas Products. "With more than 265 million gasoline-powered vehicles on the road today in the United States, renewable gasoline blends could empower virtually all drivers to have a

"There is clear, overwhelming support for the FDA embracing harm reduction for the 30 million American adults who smoke. That means providing adult smokers who are unable or unwilling to quit with wider access to smokefree alternatives and providing them the information and support to help them switch," said Paige Magness, senior vice president, regulatory affairs, Altria Client Services. "Pursuing harm reduction is one of the most powerful steps the FDA can take to deliver on its mission to reduce tobacco-related death and disease in the U.S. It is our hope that the FDA will listen to these voices as it sets out its policy agenda for the coming years."

Ninety percent of Americans agree that the FDA has a responsibility to accurately inform adult tobacco consumers about the risks associated

• 66 percent are concerned that an illicit market for tobacco products will lead to an increased burden on law enforcement; and

• 65 percent are concerned that an illicit market for tobacco products will result in an increase in policing in communities of color.

"Most Americans understand that prohibition-based policies don't work and that it's much better for public health to keep tobacco products legal and regulated," Magness continued. "Harm reduction is the better path forward. With harm reduction, regulators provide adult smokers with information, choice and support to expand the off-ramp from smoking — while also continuing to drive down underage use."

Regarding underage smoking, 66 percent of adults believe that preventing youth usage of tobacco products should be addressed without

Carroll Country Store – Shell, Establishes Pump for St. Anthony Hospital

banning or prohibiting tobacco products that are already legal for adult consumers, according to Altria.

Results of the survey also show that 79 percent of adults agree that if certain tobacco products have been scientifically shown to be less risky than cigarettes, physicians have a responsibility to communicate this information to their patients who are adult tobacco consumers and have not successfully quit smoking by using traditional cessation therapies. Of primary care physicians themselves, 89 percent support tobacco harm reduction as a public health concept and 85 percent believe it is important for the FDA to focus on making smoke-free tobacco products available to adult smokers to help them switch from cigarettes to less harmful alternatives.

Richmond-based Altria's wholly owned subsidiaries include Philip Morris USA Inc. and John Middleton Co. Its smoke-free portfolio includes ownership of U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. LLC and Helix Innovations LLC. Additionally, Altria has a majorityowned joint venture, Horizon Innovations LLC, and, through a separate agreement, has the exclusive U.S. commercialization rights to the IQOS Tobacco Heating System and Marlboro HeatSticks through April 2024.

'Flashdance' but with milk: How one Iowa dairy is making milk sexy again

Source: Des Moines Register

To imitate the well-known watersplashing, Blake rigged a 5-gallon bucket to a skid loader and connected a piece of twine that he pulled to release the cascading milk.

“It worked out really well considering we’d never done anything like that before,” Hansen says. “And we were lucky because it only took one take.”

While Blake is all smiles in the final cut, he did need a bit of convincing before film rolled, Hansen says.

But for the farm to support four growing families, they had to expand the traditional dairy farm model of selling milk to a co-op. So in 2004, they opened their own creamery, where they produce milk, cream, cheese curds, butter and ice cream that they sell in their two retail store locations and distribute throughout eastern Iowa.

Most of their concepts come from someone just saying a funny movie line and the others bouncing it around until they come up with a skit, she says. In addition to “Flashdance” and “Christmas Vacation,” they’ve spoofed “Jerry McGuire” and are working on something based on “Napoleon Dynamite.”

“There’s this idea that milk is not sexy anymore, which is why we’re being funny about it,” she adds. “We just want to drive home the point that milk is nutritious, natural, good for you, affordable and readily available in order to get people to remember to put dairy back in their diet.”

Hansen’s Dairy is trying to make milk sexy again.

And what better way than with a send-up of the iconic water-splashing dance scene from “Flashdance”?

The Iowa dairy recently posted a video announcing its new 2% offering by re-creating the famous movie moment — but with milk.

“This is the first new product we’ve had in quite a while, and so we wanted to literally make a splash with the announcement,” says Marketing Director Jordan Hansen, whose husband, Blake, owns the creamery with his three brothers.

The video shows Blake standing in the cows’ pen mimicking some of the film’s classic leaps and poses, including the chair-dancing sequence and the seminal close-up of quick stomping feet — but with the movie’s bare feet and dancer’s toe tape replaced by Blake’s work boots and gray duct tape.

“At first he’s like, no, I do not dance with chairs,” she says. “He’s not super willing to make a fool of himself all the time, but, with these, he’s a good sport.”

“That really opened our eyes to the reach we could get from doing videos of the farm and educating about farm life in a funny way,” Hansen says.

“That was also the start of Blake being willing to do something ridiculous.”

They also raise Wagyu-Holstein cows for beef and have opened up their farm to agritourism, welcoming about 9,000 visitors a year to learn about the work that goes into the milk in their cereal bowl and to pet the farm’s six kangaroos, the dairy’s mascots, which Blake picked up after a trip to Australia.

Today, all four brothers, their families and another 40 employees work for Hansen’s Dairy. And everyone gets in on the fun when the marketing department is thinking up new video ideas, Hansen says.

But all laughs aside, the dairy is also trying to reach a younger generation with its videos in an effort to stem the decline of milk consumption, which has been "trending downward for more than 70 years," according to the USDA.

“It does kind of feel like we’ve lost a generation of milk drinkers, whether that’s because of the rise of plant milks or just that there are a lot of other beverage choices on the shelf,” Hansen says.

Follow Hansen's Dairy on its eponymous Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok as well as on its YouTube Channel, HansensLegendairy.

How Hansen’s Dairy came up with the videos

An Iowa Heritage Farm, a designation given to farms owned by the same family for 150 years or more, Hansen’s Dairy has been diversifying its products and portfolio since the early 2000s, when the four Hansen brothers decided they all wanted to move back to the farm and raise families.

INSIDE THE BELTWAY ENERGY MARKETERS OF AMERICA

FUELIowa not only keeps you informed in Iowa but on a federal level as well by partnering with our national organization, EMA. If it will impact you, we’ve got you covered.

Maverik –Adventure’s First Stop to Acquire Kum & Go and Solar Transport from Krause Group

Salt Lake City, UT and Des Moines, IA –

April 21, 2023 – Maverik – Adventure’s First Stop, together with its parent company, FJ Management, today announced the acquisition of Kum & Go, a family-owned convenience store chain with over 400 locations across 13 states, from Krause Group. As part of the transaction, Maverik will also acquire Solar Transport, a tank truck carrier and logistic provider owned by the Krause Group. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The combination of Maverik and Kum & Go creates a best-in-class convenience store operator across the Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions with a differentiated value proposition across fuel, foodservice and inside store offerings.

Chuck Maggelet, President and Chief Adventure Guide of Maverik, said, “We have long admired the Kum & Go brand. Kyle and Tanner, and the generations before them, have built

an exceptional business that pairs quality with convenience and puts people first. We are honored to carry their legacy forward as we build on Kum & Go’s strong operating and innovation capabilities and expand our adventurous convenience experience. We look forward to welcoming Kum & Go and Solar Transport associates and stores to Maverik – Adventure’s First Stop.

Kyle Krause, Krause Group President and CEO, said, “Kum & Go has always been driven by a desire to innovate, grow and serve our customers, our communities and our people. Maverik has built its business in the same way and is ideally positioned to lead the next chapter of growth for Kum & Go. We have much in common and I look forward to welcoming Chuck’s leadership, his team and Maverik to Des Moines, which will always be the home of the Krause Group and important to our future.”

Tanner Krause, President and CEO of Kum & Go, said, “This is the most momentous day in the 63-year history of our family business. My family has worked for four generations to create and build Kum & Go into a business that has done an incredible amount of good for our people, for Iowa and beyond. Serving as President for the past five years has been the fulfillment of my lifelong dream. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Chuck Maggelet for years and hold a lot of respect for him as a person and a business leader. I’m confident the Maggelets and Maverik will be good stewards of Kum & Go’s people and culture for generations to come.”

The transaction is expected to close in the coming months and is subject to customary closing provisions.

Advisors BofA Securities and BMO Capital Markets Corp. served as financial advisors to FJ Management. Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as FJ Management’s legal advisor. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC served as financial advisor to Krause Group. Vedder Price served as Krause Group’s legal advisor.

About Maverik — Adventure’s First Stop Maverik — Adventure’s First Stop fuels adventures in nearly 400 locations and growing across 12 western states, making it the largest independent fuel marketer in the Intermountain West. Locations include Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Maverik is known for its premium BonFireTM food, made fresh in every Maverik, every day, and awesome values on fuel, drinks, and snacks. Maverik sells exclusive products in its BonFireTM fresh- made food menu and “Bean to Cup” coffee blends. For more information, visit maverik. com, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube. For perks, prizes, freebies, and more, join the Adventure Club mobile app. For more information, visit maverik.com.

About FJ Management

FJ Management Inc is a Utahbased private holding company that manages a diverse portfolio of petroleum, healthcare, and hospitality related assets under our guiding principles of Integrity, Mutual Respect,

and Excellence. Founded in 1968 by O. Jay Call, the company continues to grow and prosper under the leadership and support of many. Crystal Maggelet took over as CEO in 2009, and today FJ Management ranks among the largest privately held companies in the United States.

About Krause Group Krause Group is the parent company to a diverse set of businesses that include convenience retail, logistics, Italian wineries and hospitality, real estate, agriculture, and soccer clubs. No matter the industry, the organization’s purpose is to enhance the way people experience the world while nurturing a family of brands to create opportunities to do good in the world. For more information, visit krausegroup.com.

About Kum & Go

Established in Hampton, Iowa in 1959, Kum & Go is a fourth-generation, family-owned convenience store chain providing a fresh perspective by meeting customers where they are and offering them the choices they deserve. For over 60 years, the company has been dedicated to sharing 10% of all profits back to the communities it serves. For more information, visit kumandgo.com.

About Solar Transport

Solar Transport is among the nation’s best tank truck carriers and logistics providers. For 60 years, the company has set the standard in how refined petroleum products are managed, transported and delivered. Helping customers become more productive and profitable energizes Solar Transport

to ensure safe, efficient delivery of products on time, every time. For more information, visit solartransport.com.

EPA Issues Emergency Fuel Waiver for E15 Sales

EPA takes action to provide consumers relief at the pump by helping ensure an adequate fuel supply

April 28, 2023

Contact Information

EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today is issuing an emergency fuel waiver to allow E15 gasoline — gasoline blended with 15% ethanol — to be sold during the summer driving season.

This action will provide Americans with relief at the pump from ongoing market supply issues created by Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine by increasing fuel supply and offering consumers more choices at the pump. The waiver will help protect Americans from fuel supply crises by reducing

our reliance on imported fossil fuels, building U.S. energy independence, and supporting American agriculture and manufacturing. Current estimates indicate that on average, E15 is about 25 cents a gallon cheaper than E10.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to protecting Americans from fuel supply challenges resulting from the ongoing war in Ukraine by ensuring consumers have more choices at the pump,” said Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Allowing E15 sales during the summer driving season will not only help increase fuel supply, but support American farmers, strengthen U.S. energy security, and provide relief to drivers across the country.”

The Clean Air Act allows the EPA Administrator, in consultation with DOE, to temporarily waive certain fuel requirements to address shortages. As a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine, Administrator Regan determined that extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstances exist and has granted a temporary waiver to help ensure that an adequate supply of gasoline is available. As required by law, EPA and DOE evaluated the situation and determined that granting the waiver was in the public interest.

Currently, in roughly two-thirds of the country, E15 cannot be sold from terminals starting on May 1 and at retail stations starting on June 1. EPA is providing relief by extending the 1-psi Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver that currently applies to E10 gasoline to E15, which will enable E15 sales throughout the summer driving season in these areas, if necessary. This action

only extends the 1-psi waiver to E15 in parts of the country where it already exists for E10. E15 can already be sold year-round in parts of the country that have a Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) program.

Because the RVP of E10 and E15 gasoline used by consumers will be the same (both will be 1 psi higher than otherwise required by EPA or state regulations) EPA does not expect any impact on air quality from this limited action. EPA’s research has shown no significant impact on evaporative emissions when the 1-psi waiver is extended to E15. With no significant impacts on emissions from cars and trucks, we expect consumers can continue to use E15 without concern that its use in the summer will impact air quality.

EPA’s emergency fuel waiver will go into effect on May 1 when terminal operators would otherwise no longer be able to sell E15 in the affected regions of the country and will last through May 20 which is the statutory maximum of 20 days. EPA will continue to monitor the supply with industry and federal partners, and the Agency expects to issue new waivers effectively extending the emergency fuel waiver until such time as the extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstances due to the war in Ukraine are no longer present.

California to Ban New Diesel Truck Sales by 2036

All diesel trucks must be zero emissions by 2042. Source NACS May 01, 2023

ALEXANDRIA, Va.—California will ban the sales of new diesel commercial trucks by 2036, reports CNBC. The new

regulations are part of the Advanced Clean Fleets rule, which was passed by the California Air Resources Board unanimously last Friday.

In addition, rules also would force companies that operate 50 or more trucks to gradually convert their fleets into electric or hydrogen models, reaching 100% zero-emissions by 2042, with these timelines also based on the type of truck.

“The earliest requirements would be for drayage trucks, which carry cargo to and from the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Oakland. … All of them must be converted to electric models by 2035, and new sales beginning in 2024 must be zero emissions,” reports Bay City News.

California. New York, New Jersey, Washington, Oregon, Massachusetts, Vermont and Colorado have already adopted California’s Advanced Clean Trucks rule.

California also announced it aims to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2045. Last August, the California Air Resources Board passed a plan that requires all new passenger cars and light trucks sold in the state to be electric vehicles or plug-in electric hybrids by 2035. NACS, along with other stakeholders, filed a petition in a federal court in Washington, D.C., challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s waiver that would allow California to implement the zeroemission vehicle mandate.

California independent gas station owners have told the Los Angeles Times that California’s zero-emission vehicle mandate will cause some of their businesses to close. According to NACS data, there are more than 5,000 single-store operators in the state of California.

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The board said that heavy-duty trucks represent nearly one-third of the state’s nitrogen oxide and more than onequarter of its fine-particle pollution from diesel fuel.

Supporters of the rule argue the regulations improve public health in marginalized communities, while opponents of the rule say that the requirements are expensive, as electric trucks are costlier than gas-powered big rigs. The trucking industry argues that 2042 deadline is not plausible due to lack of EV charging infrastructure and available space at ports.

California is allowed to have more stringent rules under the federal Clean Air Act, and the regulations could impact more states than

The state also approved a rule that would ban train engines that are more than 23 years old by 2030, which is a first-in-the-nation rule.

The Convenience Matters podcast episode “Where Do EVs Make the Most Sense?” examines the findings from a Fuels Institute study looking at life-cycle emissions for EVs and fuelpowered vehicles.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Filling Cracks in Asphalt Problem: When pavement cracks develop, it gives water a direct route under the surface where it will deepen existing fissures and create new ones.

Spruce Up Your Parking Lot This Summer

Parking lots are more important than we often give them credit for. When well maintained, they help create a positive first impression for customers and visitors and create a safe environment for cars and pedestrians. Proactively managing parking lots can help them last longer, which saves you money.

If you’d like to spruce up your parking areas this summer, start with these suggestions.

By Risk Improvement Department, EMC Insurance Companies, Des Moines, Iowa

Solution: Commit to a regular walking tour of your pavement (at least twice per year) so you can spot issues and fix them before they get worse.

Make a Clean Sweep Problem: Leftover sand from winter ice treatment can be slippery and impede drainage. Piles of leaves can hold moisture, undermining the pavement foundation while creating a slimy, slippery layer. Drips of gasoline, oil and antifreeze can be slick and damage your pavement’s surface.

Solution: Regularly clean your pavement to keep it safe and in good shape. We recommend a combination of sweeping and power washing as needed.

Seal Your Pavement Problem: Water penetrating the pavement’s foundation can shorten the life of your parking lot investment.

Regularly Check Your Lot for Safety Hazards

Problem: You’re busy, so you rely on complaints from others to let you know when there’s a parking lot problem.

pavement sealing. They’ll have the equipment and knowledge to do the job right.

Solution: Keep cracks in check with regular maintenance. Start by removing any weeds that have made themselves at home, then select an appropriate fill method. Hot rubber fill may work well for minor cracks, but cold rubber fill tends to stick to asphalt better. Hot asphalt might be the best option for larger cracks (over 1 inch); an asphalt mix is poured into the crack and then compacted and sealed. Hiring a reputable contractor for this task is a good idea for the best results.

Pothole Prevention and Repair Problem: Potholes and heaved concrete can damage vehicles

and create a hazard for employees and visitors.

Solution: Work with a contractor to determine repair or replacement options for your parking situation. While working on a permanent solution, you can temporarily repair a pothole with paver base (sold in bags at home improvement stores).

Parking Lot Striping Standards

Problem: When your parking lot paint wears thin, you restripe over the old lines without ensuring the arrangement is working for you and your visitors.

Solution: Start by comparing your parking layout with the latest Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. There’s more to it than making sure you have a minimum number of handicapaccessible spaces, like ensuring the access route between your door

and those spaces doesn’t go into the path of traffic. Visit www.ada. gov for more information.

Painted pavement can also be slippery when wet, so once you’ve determined your ideal arrangement, consider whether the painted areas overlap pedestrian paths. You may need to apply an aggregate to the paint to increase traction, especially if the pavement surface is smooth.

For more tips on increasing safety, go to www.emcins.com/losscontrol.

Solution: Seal the pavement to make it last as long as possible. Sealing should be part of your regular maintenance routine, and we recommend seeking out a contractor who specializes in