ADVOCACY, LEADERSHIP, & EDUCATION FOR MAINE’S ENERGY MARKETERS
ENERGY MARKETERS OF AMERICA SUES EPA OVER HEAVY TRUCKING ELECTRIFICATION MANDATE MAINE NORA-FUNDED EQUIPMENT REBATE PROGRAM REOPENS "DAY ON THE HILL" RECAP AND
Energy Marketers of America Sues EPA Over Heavy Trucking Electrification Mandate
of EMA's Washington DC Conference and "Day on the Hill"
Maine NORA-funded Equipment Rebate Program Reopens Waltz & Sons Propane EMA
MEMA MAG is a quarterly magazine designed to engage and communicate with members with useful, timely, and memberrelated content. MEMA MAG will be published four times a year.
Do you have a suggestion for MEMA MAG? Would you like to ADVERTISE? Contact Meghan Sylvester, Communications & Marketing Specialist at MEMA. Email her at msylvester@ maineenergymarketers.com or call 207-729-5298.
Copyright 2024 Maine Energy Marketers Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission, in writing, from MEMA and/or the publisher. Printed in Maine, USA.
FROM THE DESK OF
As I write this message, we have just finished our 2024 Northern New England Energy Conference in Bar Harbor - and what a conference it was! The weather was fantastic, the Harborside Ocean Resort beautiful, and most importantly, we were able to spend time together focusing on the essential role we play in Mainers' lives.
The highlight of this year’s education sessions was Kelly King’s presentation on the development and use of biofuels in Hawaii. The follow-up roundtable discussion focused on the importance of these cutting-edge fuels to our energy future, as well as MEMA’s effort to enact Energy Choice legislation in Maine. Points made at the round-table discussion were outstanding and clarified that while we may face headwinds in Augusta and Washington, our state and nation will not realize our climate goals without safe and reliable liquid fuels. Special thanks go out to Kelly and her husband Bob, Lizzie Reinholt, Michael Devine, Molly Ross, and Jake Posik for taking the time to be with us and share their insights. Thanks, too, to Hannah, Megan Diver, Sarah, Colleen, Meghan Sylvester, Roger, Dave, and Rick for their hard work in making our 2024 conference such a success and - most importantlyfor everything they do to make MEMA and MTEC thrive!
I also want to recognize Mike McCormack and Steve McGrath for their leadership as Chairman of the MEMA board and Treasurer respectively. Mike was Chair of the board when I joined the MEMA team in August of 2020, having led our organization through the challenges brought on by changes in senior staff and COVID. Mike then returned to the
Chairmanship last year, once again providing guidance, mentorship, and friendship to us all. Steve's service as Treasurer has been equally important to MEMA/MTEC. His keen eye and insight have been invaluable to our budgeting process and his guidance has helped set us on a firm financial path. We are grateful for all these two gentlemen have done and are looking forward to their continued involvement! Going forward, we are so fortunate for our new leadership team of Carter Vaillancourt - Chairman, Casey Cramton - Vice Chair, Katie Foster - Treasurer, and Matt Poole - Secretary. We are in good hands! I thank these individuals for being willing to share their time and talent to help lead and strengthen our great association!
Finally, I'd like to thank you all for your support. You are what makes our Association great and our future bright.
Now, it’s summertime in Maine, let's go out and enjoy it!
Best, Charlie
MEET OUR TEAM
CHARLIE SUMMERS PRESIDENT
MEGAN DIVER VICE PRESIDENT HANNAH ESTES BUSINESS MANAGER
SARAH NADEAU
INSURANCE & OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CARTER VAILLANCOURT CHAIR OF THE BOARD DAIGLE OIL CO.
CASEY CRAMPTON VICE CHAIR DEAD RIVER CO.
KATIE FOSTER TREASURER RH FOSTER ENERGY
MATT POOLE SECRETARY COLBY & GALE
COLLEEN EGE ADMIN ASSISTANT
MEGHAN SYLVESTER MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
KENNY MTEC INSTRUCTOR
EXECUTIVE BOARD
MATT POOLE | COLBY & GALE
ROGER ARSENAULT | COMMUNITY ENERGY CO.
CARTER VAILLANCOURT | DAIGLE OIL COMPANY
CASEY CRAMTON | DEAD RIVER COMPANY
CHARLIE BURNHAM | DEAD RIVER COMPANY - ALT.
MICHAEL ESTES | ESTES OIL & PROPANE
MAX MARSTON | FABIAN OIL
STEVEN MCGRATH | GREYSTONE ADVISORS
MICHAEL MCCORMACK | IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
CARRIE TOMFORDE | IRVING OIL
MARK GAGNON | P. GAGNON & SONS INC.
KATIE FOSTER | RH FOSTER ENERGY, LLC.
TIM HEUTZ | RINALDI ENERGY
MARK ST.GERMAIN | ST.GERMAIN
ASSOCIATION BOARD
JAMIE ROBINSON | A.E. ROBINSON OIL CO.
DAVID BABCOCK | ADAMS & FOGG OIL EQUIP, CO.
ROBERT SHIBLEY | BOB’S CASH FUEL LLC
PAM GIORDANO | CETANE ASSOCIATES
PETER BUOTTE | COMMUNITY ENERGY CO. - ALT.
JEFF WEBB | EASTERN PROPANE & OIL, INC.
JIM PIKE | ENERGY KINETICS
JUDY DELANEY | GLOBAL PETROLEUM CORP.
BRIAN HOLMES | GLOBAL PETROLEUM CORP. - ALT.
TOM SCHWARM | GOULD TECHNOLOGIES
MATT HARRISON | GULF OIL, LP
JIM CARROLL | J.P. CARROLL FUEL CO.
STEVE NESS | NESS OIL COMPANY
ROBERT TRACY | RH FOSTER ENERGY, LLC. - ALT.
ELWIN SCOTT | SIMARD & SONS, INC.
KRISTYN SCHWEITZER | SPRAGUE ENERGY
PAULA PALMER | SPRAGUE ENERGY-ALT.
MICHAEL TAMMARO | V.L. TAMMARO OIL
DAVID CUPKA MTEC INSTRUCTOR
ROGER MITCHELL MTEC DEAN
RICK
Multi-Fuel
• Multi-Fuel! Oil or gas!! Don’t get trapped!
• Runs on oil, natural gas, propane OR biofuel (compliant with blends of up to 100% biodiesel! )
• Efficient! Combined heat and hot water in one boiler
• Whisper quiet!
• Replace 2, 3 and 4 section oil boilers!
• Lifetime Limited Warranty † • Proven 30 year boiler!
NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Please join MEMA in welcoming our newest members. Our members are the backbone of our association. The education services, programs, and events we provide are successful based on the solid support we recieve from both associate members and members.
BEACON ENERGY SOLUTIONS
(412) 877-8608
Independent Energy Consultants serving clients in the energy sector of New Enland since 2003.
(781) 361-0156
Clean Fuels Alliance America represents the U.S. biodiesel, renewable diesel and SAF industry.
BEAULIEU ENERGY SERVICES CETANE ASSOCIATES
(207) 407-3186
A full service residential heating and air conditioning company, providing reliable and quality HVAC service to the greater midcoast community.
(207) 333-1601
Locally owned and operated propane delivery and installation company.
(603) 858-8522
M&A experts for the propane, heating oil, and pest control industries.
(120) 754-1285
Tyson Foods, Inc. is the largest American-owned processor and marketer of protein-centric brands.
OPEN ENROLLMENT
We are fast approaching open enrollment for the MEMA Health Insurance Trust. If you are not already participating in MEMA’s health insurance plan, now is a great time to take a look! Rates are being set for the new plan year, and new rates for our self-insured program will be on the way to you in the next couple of weeks.
Our plans often have lower out-of-pocket costs for members and offer great savings on prescriptions and other health care services as well. Many prescription medications are available with $0 co-pays!
Don’t forget to check out our life, vision, and dental plans too!
Also, if you are a current participant in our benefit plans, this is a great time of year to review your options and employee data. Are beneficiaries up
to date? Have all eligible employees been offered coverage or enrolled? Are employees educated on the many valuable benefits provided to them?
If you are a new member to MEMA please consider the MEMA health plan as a benefit to your employees. Please call, or email, Sarah at (207) 729-5298 or snadeau@maineenergymarketers.com for more information.
It is not too early to begin the process. You will be connected with Nick Colucci on our sales team to review all HIT plan options and answer any questions you may have.
2024 NNEEC RECAP
The 7th annual NNEEC commenced on Monday, June 17, in Bar Harbor, Maine, with a vibrant Welcome Reception that set the tone for the days ahead. Vendors and attendees mingled, sharing ideas and building connections while enjoying the beautiful setting that the Harborside Ocean Resort provided despite the slightly overcast weather.
The evening continued with dinner and MEMA and EMANH's Awards, honoring excellence within the industry. MEMA took a moment to celebrate the remarkable milestones of its members, honoring R. J. Morin Inc. for 25 years of membership, Eaton Oil Co., Inc. for 50 years, and P. Gagnon & Sons Inc., Gould Equipment Co., and A.E. Robinson Oil Co. for an impressive 60 years of dedication. EMANH proudly awarded Kristine Sullivan of Sprague Energy as Vendor of the Year, while Dana Jones from White Mountain Oil & Propane was honored as Member of the Year.
Following dinner, attendees were treated to a stunning sunset over Frenchman Bay as the clouds had finally cleared away. The melodious sounds of the acoustic duo Quiet Riot Act accompanied the sunset, creating a perfect end to the evening.
PRACTICAL INSIGHTS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
On Tuesday, June 18, attendees began with a series of enlightening educational sessions. Kelly Takaya King, Vice President and co-founder of Pacific Biodiesel from Maui, Hawaii, kicked off the day with her inspiring presentation on “Energy Security, Supply Chain Resiliency, and Greenhouse Gas Reduction: How Hawaii’s Locally Produced Biofuels Are Threading the
Needle – Can Maine Do the Same?” King highlighted Pacific Biodiesel’s achievements in creating a sustainable renewable fuel industry, sparking ideas for similar initiatives in Maine. Same?” King highlighted Pacific Biodiesel’s achievements in creating a sustainable renewable fuel industry, sparking ideas for similar initiatives in Maine.
Following King’s presentation, a dynamic roundtable discussion explored the critical role of biofuels and renewables in meeting Maine’s climate goals. The panel also emphasized the pressing need to pass Energy Choice legislation. Participants included Michael Devine, President of the National Oilheat Research Alliance; Kelly Takaya King; Jacob Posik, Director of Legislative Affairs at the Maine Policy Institute; Lizzy Reinholt, SVP of Sustainability, Corporate Affairs & Marketing at Summit Utilities, Inc.; Molly Ross, Legislative Assistant to United States Senator Susan M. Collins; and was moderated by Charlie Summers, President & CEO of the Maine Energy Marketers Association.
The education sessions continued with trucking defense attorney Doug Marcello from Saxton & Stump, who shared his expertise in a session titled “The Four Phases of Litigation.” Marcello’s session provided valuable insights into the intricacies of litigation, equipping attendees with knowledge crucial for navigating legal challenges.
The day’s final session featured Danny Silverman, Vice President of Sales at Angus Energy.
Silverman provided a comprehensive history and practical knowledge on effectively using the summer K factor to optimize deliveries year-round. His session rounded out a day rich with educational content and professional development.
EXPLORING BAR HARBOR
After a morning packed with learning and networking, attendees had the chance to explore the charming town of Bar Harbor or enjoy a leisurely round of golf at the scenic Kebo Valley Golf Club. The day concluded with the lively Vendor Blender, where cocktails and hors d’oeuvres were served, followed by a chance to savor the delightful culinary offerings of Bar Harbor’s many restaurants for dinner on your own.
The NNEE Conference proved to be a blend of celebration,
education, and professional growth, inspiring attendees with new insights to take back to their organizations.
We look forward to seeing you next year, June 23-25, at Mill Falls at the Lakes in Meredith, New Hampshire.
From L to R: Lizzy Reinholt, Kelly Takaya King, Michael Devine, Molly Ross, and Jacob Posik.
MEMA thanks the following for their contributions in 2024:
PETROLEUM - $5,000
Eastern Propane Gas, Inc.
Phillip Morris, Inc.
PLATINUM - $2,500
Bob’s Cash Fuel, LLC
GOLD - $1,000
Tulsa
Daigle Oil Co.
Bangor Pipe & Supply Co
Atlantic Heating Co, Inc
Estes Oil & Propane
SILVER - $500
Waldo County Oil
A.E. Robinson
J. Palmer & Sons Plumbing & Heating
Ness Oil Company
Garrett Pillsbury Plumbing & Heating
BRONZE - $250
Consumers Fuel Company
ENERGY PAC FOR MAINE
Whether it be Maine legislators or members of Congress, government intrusion into every aspect of our personal, business, and work lives is no longer a worry—it’s a fact. This, coupled with out-ofcontrol tax and spending policies and unprecedented efforts to eliminate the liquid fuels industry—i.e., your business— means that we can no longer remain on the sidelines or simply “sit this one out”—that luxury no longer exists. Our industry can deliver the cleanest, most cost-effective, and energy-secure solution for Maine's future, but electrification proponents want to put us all out of business today. To stop them, we will need every tool in our toolkit: advocacy, communications, education, and more. Help MEMA bridge the gap by making a generous contribution now. PAC funds assist MEMA in threats that aim to legislate liquid heating fuels and propane out of business.
Dues alone are insufficient to meet these enormous challenges. We therefore urge your business to consider a generous contribution to the 2024 advocacy fund. Your support helps us:
• Advance legislative policies in Maine that preserve and protect our energy security and reliability.
• Combat efforts to "electrify everything" without consideration of the costs and consequences.
• Promote weatherization, efficiency, and renewable liquid fuels like bioheat and renewable propane.
• Defend against burdensome regulations on HazMat transportation and keep CDL drivers on the road.
Soon, we will see candidates prepare for the 2024 General Election. It is crucial to our industry that we elect members of the legislature that support you and your business.
We ask you for a 2024 contribution to MEMA’s ENERGY PAC for Maine.
Silver: $500
$________
WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE:
If contributing by card, please call MEMA at 207-729-5298, or click here to pay online.
If writing a check, please make it payable to:
ENERGY PAC for Maine
25 Greenwood Road Brunswick, ME 04011
Together, we are making a difference. Thank you for your consideration… your support is needed now more than ever. With your active support over the next year, we will actively engage in a sustaining future for the liquid fuels industry and Maine.
On Tuesday, June 18, several organizations— including EMA, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), California Asphalt Pavement Association (CalAPA), California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA), Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Louisiana MidContinent Oil & Gas Association (LMOGA), National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), and Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA)—filed a petition with the DC Circuit Court to sue the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over its March final rule that imposes an electrification mandate on the U.S. heavy trucking sector.
The heavy-duty trucking lawsuit follows last week’s challenge to EPA’s light- and medium-duty vehicle emissions standards for model years 2027-2032. EMA, along with several business groups and States, have asked the courts to review EPA’s prior tailpipe emissions standards for model year 2025 and 2026 vehicles and the Agency’s reinstatement of California’s Clean Air Act waiver to issue climate-based vehicle emissions standards. Whether California can blaze its own trail on combatting climate change also implicates the “major questions doctrine,” which holds that courts should not defer to agencies on questions of “vast economic or political significance” without
explicit Congressional authority to do so. The appeals court will decide whether the Clean Air Act authorized California to regulate vehicle emissions to target a phenomenon like climate change which has a global cause and effect. Additionally, EMA joined an amicus curiae challenge to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s fuel-economy standards. Simply put, the Biden Administration’s final rules are an electrification mandate in disguise.
Even though automakers are committed to boosting EVs, many of them, as well as members on Capitol Hill, are raising questions about the Biden Administration’s new approach, from securing critical materials needed for EV batteries, to the availability of EV charging stations and the ability of electric grids to meet power needs. China’s stranglehold on the critical minerals industry and mining in Africa is a major concern. Additionally, given that heavy duty EVs weigh more than the internal combustion engine (ICE), there is a concern that more trips will be needed to carry products which will add more stress to our roads
and bridges and likely result in more traffic deaths.
“Unfortunately, President Biden’s aggressive attempt to electrify the transportation sector will limit consumer choice on cleaner greener ICEs, increase Americans’ utility bills to subsidize a massive expansion of the electric grid for EV charging, and threaten the viability and jobs of small business energy marketers around the country, whether they deliver gasoline and diesel or renewable fuels like ethanol, biodiesel and renewable diesel,” said EMA President Rob Underwood.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
BY MEGAN DIVER, MEMA VICE PRESIDENT
The Second Regular Session of the 131st Maine Legislature adjourned sine die Friday, May 10, 2024. Pursuant to the Constitution of Maine, Article IV, Part Third, Section 16, the general effective date for nonemergency laws passed in the Second Regular Session of the 131st Legislature is Friday, August 9, 2024.
SUCCESSES
Recap of the First Session
LD 319 AN ACT TO AMEND MAINE'S UNDERGROUND OIL STORAGE TANK LAWS
Public Law, Ch. 16
This law removed the 10-year limitation on underground oil storage tanks, allowing doublewalled tanks to continue in service indefinitely as long as the same testing requirements are satisfied.
LD 755 AN ACT TO PROMOTE HIGHER BLENDS OF BIOFUEL BY REGULATING THE SALE OR TRANSFER OF BIOFUELS
Public Law, Ch. 43
This law amended the definitions applicable to the sale of biodiesel, biomass-based diesel, biomassbased diesel blends, and biodiesel blends to meet the
requirements of the most recent ASTM standards.
LD 1479 RESOLVE, DIRECTING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO CONVENE A STAKEHOLDER GROUP REGARDING LIQUEFIED PROPANE GAS SYSTEMS AND THE SO-CALLED DIG SAFE LAW
Resolve, Ch. 41
This resolve directed the Public Utilities Commission to convene a stakeholder group to discuss the provisions in law related to the "Dig Safe Law." The resolve directed the commission to submit a report summarizing the stakeholder group's discussion and any recommended legislation to the Second Regular Session of the 131st Legislature.
SUCCESSES
Recap of the Second Session
LD 2245 AN ACT TO CLARIFY THE DEFINITION OF "UNDERGROUND FACILITY" AND REDUCE ADMINISTRATIVE BURDENS UNDER THE SO-CALLED DIG SAFE LAW
Public Law, Ch. 572
This new law greatly reduces the administrative
burdens associated with participation in the Dig Safe system without compromising safety. With the passage of LD 2261, you are not required to register the liquefied propane gas systems underground pipes that are located on a residential lot if:
• The residential lot has no more than one structure connected by underground pipes to the propane gas distribution system.
• The structure that is connected by underground pipes to a propane gas distribution system contains no more than two dwelling units. AND
• Propane gas tank is located 25 (Twenty-Five) feet or less from that structure.
LD 2261 AN ACT DESIGNATING NEW MOTOR VEHICLE EMISSIONS RULES AS MAJOR SUBSTANTIVE RULES
Public Law, Ch. 624
This bill provides that rules adopted by the Department of Environmental Protection regarding new motor vehicle emission standards, including rules to establish zero-emission requirements, are major substantive rules. It also provides that proposed rules before the Board of Environmental Protection on or after January 1, 2024, to incorporate the requirements of California's Advanced Clean Cars II regulation and California's Advanced Clean Trucks regulation are major substantive rules.
These laws are in effect August 9, 2024.
BIG WINS
Recap of the First Session
LD 105 AN ACT TO PROHIBIT MINIMUM USAGE OR TANK RENTAL FEES FOR CERTAIN PROPANE
CUSTOMERS
This bill would have prohibited retail sellers of propane gas from charging customers who purchase propane gas for the sole purpose of powering residential backup power generators a minimum use fee or a tank rental fee that is based on usage. This would have been detrimental to MEMA's propane members. After a divided report from the committee, we prevailed and killed the bill when it came up for a
vote in the House and Senate.
BIG WINS
Recap of the Second Session
LD 1215 FLAVORED TOBACCO BAN
Our efforts on this issue prevailed again! MEMA continues to work with stakeholders on the banning of flavored tobacco products, as we expect to see this again in the future.
LD 2157 AN ACT TO PROHIBIT TOBACCO SALES NEAR SCHOOLS
This bill would have prohibited a convenience store from selling tobacco. The distance changed a number of times in committee but eventually died when the Senate voted against the bill.
BEP ELECTRIC CARS AND TRUCKS MANDATE
MEMA worked as a founding member of the Mainers for Smart Energy Coalition to oppose California's Advanced Clean Cars II Program and the California Advanced Clean Trucks rule for two years. There were many proponents and opponents who shared comments orally on the proposed rule and in front of the Board of Environmental Protections. Even more were submitted in writing. There were four separate public hearings on the issue, all lengthy. The BEP Board Chair, Susan Lessard, said that over 1,100 comments were submitted and that this was by far the most comments she has ever seen submitted on an issue facing the BEP. BEP voted against both of these proposals. Upsetting to many environmental groups, but a big win for MEMA and the industry.
NEXT SESSION
MEMA will continue in the off-session to build and grow our relationships with legislators. This is important behind-the-scenes work to prepare for another successful session.
We have started to examine potential legislation to submit, including energy choice. We look forward to discussing it at the September Board meeting.
The Maine Energy Marketers Association has relaunched its highly successful Maine Heating Oil Equipment Rebate Program. This program is paid for with funds from the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) and administered jointly by MEMA and Warm Thoughts Communications.
Increased Rebates on OilFired Systems and Heating Oil Storage Tanks are Available Now!
Heating oil dealers can now secure equipment rebates up to $750 for customers who are installing new oilheat equipment. Mainers can now receive the following rebates:
• $300 rebate when they install a new heating oil storage tank.
• $450 rebate when they install an oil-fired heating system that is higher efficiency than their existing system
MAINE NORA-FUNDED EQUIPMENT REBATE PROGRAM REOPENS
GET YOUR CUSTOMERS UP TO $750 IN REBATES!
• $750 rebate when they install both a new heating oil storage tank and new, high-efficiency oilheat system.
Take Advantage of Rebates Immediately!
The program reopened effective Wednesday, June 12th. This was the first day that dealers could complete work and submit a rebate application for a new heating oil system, tank, or both! Work completed before June 12th will not be eligible for a rebate.
The process is simple for customersand easy for dealers:
1. Customer expresses interest in securing a rebate, or oil dealer makes customer aware of available rebates.
2. Customer signs off on the job and receives the rebate from the dealer upfront.
3. Work is completed.
4. Dealer visits MaineRebate. com and completes the submission form. Dealer provides a W-9 (if it’s the first time submitting a rebate), customer information, company information and for equipment rebates, the make and model information of the old and new system for efficiency calculation purposes
5. Dealer receives the rebate reimbursement from NORA within a few weeks.
Take full advantage of your NORA funding!
If you have any questions regarding the Rebate Program, please reach out to Hannah Estes at hestes@maineenergymarketers.com.
ON THE HILL" & RECAP OF EMA'S
EWASHINGTON DC CONFERENCE
"DAY
MA's 2024 D.C. Conference and Day on the Hill was one for the books! Former U.S. House Speaker Boehner's fireside chat was epic. I particularly enjoyed hearing the story about the time a member of Congress pinned Speaker Boehner up against the wall in the House Chamber and held a knife to his throat after Speaker Boehner told the member that earmarks were finished on Capitol Hill. It turns out that member, the late Don Young from Alaska, and Speaker Boehner became close friends with the Speaker, serving as the best man in Congressman Young's wedding. It's funny how things work on Capitol Hill. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (CMR) (R-WA), Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, gave the keynote speech during EMA Chairman Brad Bell's reception. Although CMR is retiring at the end of this year along with several other lawmakers (I get it), there's a chance that there will be an active lame-duck session, which could allow EMA to advance our legislative priorities as described below.
EMA has been working with Congress over the last several months to build support for biofuel infrastructure to expand the use outside the Midwest. No one in the industry wants the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to remove the 1 pounds per square inch (psi) reid vapor pressure (RVP) volatility waiver for E10 blends exclusively for the petitioning Midwestern states (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin). This move
by the EPA would force the creation of a boutique fuel, limit gasoline supply to the region, and create unintended consequences for consumers. Congress is better off approving the year-round sale of E10 plus blends, which would circumvent the specific boutique fuel blend for the Midwest and increase funding for the existing Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to ensure marketers can sell E15 blends safely and legally.
From L to R: Carter Vaillancourt, Daigle Oil; Congressman Jared Golden (D-Maine) and "Archie"; and Charlie Summers, MEMA.
As EMA Members shared on Capitol Hill, the current HBIIP funding of $500 million is not enough for small business energy marketers to make necessary compatibility upgrades. The cost of hiring a grant writer ranges from $5,000 to $10,000, with no guarantee of receiving an HBIIP award. In addition to the cost of the grant writer, applicants are spending an average of 80+ work hours completing these applications. Congresswoman Miller Meeks (R-IA) recognized this concern and plans to introduce legislation soon that would maintain the current HBIIP program through an authorization request for an additional $500 million. Senators Ernst (R-IA), Fischer (R-IA), Ricketts (R-NE) and Klobuchar (D-MN) are also working on legislation to increase funding with the ultimate goal to
pursue an appropriation play to secure funding in the future. Of course, EMA would like to see billions more for UST upgrades and we will continue to fight for additional funding in the future.
Meanwhile, the reauthorization of the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) remains a top heating fuel priority for EMA. As noted above, a five-year extension of NORA could hitch a ride on the Farm Bill before the end of this year. Additionally, Senators Durbin (D-IL) and Marshall (RKS) remain committed to receiving an up or down vote on their coveted bill to tackle excessive credit card interchange fees known as the Credit Card Competition Act (CCCAct).
Finally, DC Conference attendees were introduced to EMA's new
BY ROB UNDERWOOD, EMA PRESIDENT
Member Service Benefit with Wolters Kluwer BizFilings to help streamline beneficial ownership information (BOI) filing times. In December 2020, Congress passed the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that created a federal framework for reporting, storing, and disclosing Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) of "reporting companies." BizFilings' BOI reporting tool reduces filing times and errors through a streamlined, secure, and automated workflow. BizFilings will offer EMA member companies a 12 percent discount off BOI report filings. The discount can be accessed via a dedicated EMAmember landing page: www. wolterskluwer.com/en/know/boiema
MAINE INTRODUCES FOR HOMEOWNERS RENEWABLE PROPANE
FOR INCREASED EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY
THE PROPANE SUPPLIER, WALTZ & SONS PROPANE, IS THE FIRST IN THE STATE TO IMPLEMENT THE RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCE IN RESIDENTIAL APPLICATIONS.
Waltz & Sons Propane, a family-owned and operated propane delivery, installation, and service provider, received the state’s first shipment of renewable propane for residential use. The local propane supplier plans to deliver renewable propane to its customers to provide residents with a more efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy solution.
“The team at Waltz & Sons Propane has always
prioritized the development and success of our community. It’s why we do what we do,” said Sue Waltz, owner of Waltz & Sons Propane. “We want a better future for generations to come, and that starts by lowering the carbon emissions we’re releasing today. Renewable propane can do just that.
Renewable propane, derived from sources such as camelina plant oil, vegetable oil, and used cooking oil, is methane-free and entirely fossil fuel-free. It
shares the same reliability, portability, and power capabilities as conventional propane while also emitting fewer carbon emissions than other energy sources.
According to the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), the carbon intensity for renewable propane is five times lower than diesel due to it being produced from bio-based or renewable resources. It has one of the lowest carbon intensity scores, meaning it can help households and businesses meet their environmental goals efficiently and reliably. The nonprofit also found that propane-powered residential furnaces can last up to 50 percent longer than electric ones.
“Renewable propane is a versatile energy source that, put simply, just does more,” said Waltz. “Its contribution to creating a healthier environment is vital. The additional outstanding benefits that renewable propane can bring to residents are just an added bonus.”
Waltz & Sons Propane received the shipment of renewable propane this week and will begin delivering to residential customers in the coming weeks.
To learn more about the benefits of renewable propane, visit propane.com/renewable-propane/
WE WANT A BETTER FUTURE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME, AND THAT STARTS BY LOWERING THE CARBON EMISSIONS WE’RE RELEASING TODAY. RENEWABLE PROPANE CAN DO JUST THAT.”
2024 RECAP
OSPONSORS
Federated Insurance
Ditech Testing
Fluid Industrial Associates, Inc.
F. W. Webb
VENDORS
Bergquist
Consumer Focus
Ditech Testing
Federated Insurance
FIA Inc
F.W. Webb
MTEC
PGANE
P3 Propane Safety
Ray Murray Inc
TerraVest Industries
The Granite Group
PRESENTERS
Leslie Anderson
Brent Cammett
Dale Hersey
Roger Mitchell
Dave Newman
Keith Newton
Phil Saraceno
Steve Whitcomb
n Thursday, May 2, nearly 150 industry professionals gathered at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in Auburn, ME, for the 6th annual Propane Summit.
The day kicked off with a warm welcome from MEMA President/ CEO Charlie Summers and MTEC Dean Roger Mitchell. This was followed by an engaging education session on propane safety by Brent Cammett of P3 Propane Safety. Leslie Anderson of PGANE then captivated the audience with strategies for promoting propane in the age of the heat pump, and Dale Hersey of the Maine Fuel Board wrapped up the opening with an informative review of industry codes.
After the opening sessions, the summit buzzed with excitement as attendees split into two breakout groups. They had the option to dive into a session on Underground Tank Installation and Cathodic Protection and Testing led by Dave Newman of F.W. Webb, or to gain insights from Steve Whitcomb on Driver Qualification and Internal Audits.
The highlight of the day was the lively vendor fair, featuring twelve wonder vendors exhibiting cutting-edge products and services that are and will continue to move this industry forward.
The summit concluded with two final educational sessions by Roger Mitchell, MTEC, and Keith Newton, Davenport Associates. These sessions included the required NFPA 58 three-year recertification and TracPipe Installation and Certification.
The Propane Summit was a resounding success, thanks to the sponsors, vendors, presenters, and attendees whose energy and dedication made the event truly memorable. MEMA extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this year's Propane Summit a triumph.
