EPA Extends Emergency RVP Waiver allowing Summertime Sale of E15 Nationwide

Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the fifth waiver extension this year allowing the sale of E15 blends nationwide during the summer driving season. This most current waiver is an extension of the previous RVP waiver issued by the EPA on June 16, 2024. The EPA can only issue RVP waivers for 20 days at a time under the Clean Air Act. The current RVP waiver extension begins on July 20, 2024, and lasts through August 8, 2024.

The EPA plans to issue a string of RVP waiver extensions similar to last year that allow E15 to be used nationwide between June 1 and September 15. The RVP waiver temporarily exempts E15 from RVP volatility requirements that effectively block it from being sold during the summer driving season. To justify the emergency waiver, the EPA cites the same conditions that provided the foundation for a series of summerlong temporary RVP waivers last year. The EPA says that the fuel volatility waivers for E15 is in the public interest to address fuel supply shortages caused by the war in Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East

Responding to Disasters

On top of what is predicted to be the most severe hurricane season on record, our country is facing wildfires, tornadoes, floods, severe storms, mudslides and even a horrible attempted political assassination.

In fact, the Colorado State University meteorologists updated their forecast for the 2024 hurricane season which was already predicted to be abnormal. Now forecasters are predicting an extremely active season with 25 named storms. With this forecast, named storms increased by 2 and major hurricanes increased by one, with 6 major (Category 3+) hurricanes predicted. When disaster strikes it's important to respond quickly.

Therefore, consider reaching out to EMA to find useful information about disaster response in the EMA Disaster Fuel Response Program link below.

In addition, please reach out to Sherri Stone at EMA if you have suggestions on ways that EMA can assist you in disaster planning and response by contacting sstone@emamerica.org.

Inside the Beltway Update

This has been a whirlwind of a week in Washington and across the country. First, and the irony of saying this after someone is shot at is not lost on anyone, but Donald Trump, who just survived an assassination attempt, may have just had the best week a politician-or anyone-has ever had. He survived a bullet, his classified documents case was dismissed in Florida (though an appeal is pending), and he enjoyed a weeklong celebration in Milwaukee where he was nominated once again as the Republican nominee for president in one of the most unified political nominating conventions in decades. And, on the other side of it, Democrats appear to be in complete disarray, as party leaders including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), President Obama, Hillary Clinton, and dozens of others publicly and privately call for President Joe Biden to drop out of the race for reelection, so while Donald Trump looks like a hero after standing up after being shot, Joe Biden is being urged more and more to sit down and let someone else run for President. Sources are saying that, after weeks of pushing the President to accept the reality that his running may cost democrats to lose in a clean sweep, those Democrats may fish their wish, and that Biden may withdraw as soon as this weekend.

If Democrats do that, it is unclear who the Presidential or Vice-Presidential nominees would be, but, for Republicans, that's not the case, where Donald Trump announced Monday that he was nominating Ohio Freshman Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) to serve as his Vice President. Senator Vance, who's origin story was popularized in a book and movie, Hillbilly Elegy, was a one-time Never Trumper who has become a vocal advocate of the former president, frequently offering full-throated endorsements of his and other populist messages.

Notably, Senator Vance is one of the cosponsors of the Durbin-Marshall Credit Card Competition Act. He has strongly opposed many of the Biden Administration's environmental policies, and to that end, former President Trump said that, if elected, he'd roll back the Biden Administration EV mandate "on day one."

All that to say, Republicans are riding high following their convention and Democrats are reeling, trying to find a way to prevent a blow out in November.

Reminder: USDA Accepting New Applications for the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) through September 30^th

The USDA began accepting new applications in grants through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). These grants support the infrastructure needed to lower out-of-pocket costs for energy marketers to install and upgrade biofuel-related infrastructure such as pumps, dispensers and storage tanks. The HBIIP funds are available for both retail and wholesale fueling/storage facilities. The application window to distribute the $90 million in HBIIP grants began July 1, 2024, and ends September 30, 2024.

EMA's Fall Meeting at the NACS Show 2024: October 6-7: Website and Registration Open!

EMA will hold its Fall Meeting in conjunction with the NACS Show on October 6-7 at the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas. The EMA meeting will begin with a New Attendee Orientation/Federal Legislative Update mid-afternoon on October 6. NACS/EMA Reception Salute to State Association Executives (all EMA members are welcome) will follow at the Las Vegas Convention Center in the Hunter Club Lounge. On the morning of October 7, there will be a Buffet Breakfast followed by Region and Committee Meetings. The EMA Board of Directors meeting is scheduled after the Distinguished Service Award Luncheon honoring Spirit® Petroleum President and former Washington State Marketer Gerry Ramm exclusively sponsored by EMA Board of Director Council Partner Federated Insurance.

An invitation was sent to your inbox on July 1. Responding to the links on the invitation email is the recommended way to register.

Remember, the NACS Show registration is separate from EMA's Fall Meeting registration.

Special EMA Members Code for NACS Show 2024 Registration

The NACS Show is returning to Las Vegas this October, and it's time to start planning.

Using this code provides EMA with $100 for every retailer or jobber paid registration at any rate. EMA encourages EMA state execs to promote and share with your state association's member companies. Please see attached flyer.

**Please note that EMA State Execs are comped for NACS Show registration, and this link will be sent directly to them in the near future from NACS. Additionally, the NACS Show registration is separate from EMA's Fall Meeting registration.

Again, the EMA NACS Show Registration Code is: EMANS2024 and CLICK HERE for full instructions to register.

Questions registering for NACS Show? Contact NACS Show registration customer service at nacs@maritz.com or 469-513-9489, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST, for assistance.

Weekend Reads

FDA, FTC Continue Joint Effort to Protect Consumers Against Companies Illegally Selling Copycat Delta-8 THC Food Products

How a Republican election sweep could hobble U.S. climate efforts - The Washington Post

Ford pivots from EV plans to heavy-duty trucks at Canada facility

AFPM: Polling shows likely voters nationally solidly oppose Biden-Harris gas-car ban

FDA and DOJ Action Leads to Permanent Injunction Against E-Cigarette Manufacturer

Tesla's California car registrations fall for third straight quarter

Federated Insurance: It's Your Life
What Are The Benefits of Trust Planning?

Trusts have gained significant popularity in personal estate plans due to their numerous potential benefits. They are specifically tailored to the person setting them up. Whether you want to pass your assets to the next generation, protect yourself from potential creditors, prevent wasteful spending by young heirs, or minimize estate taxes, there's likely a trust that suits your needs.

Please click here to read about Federated's benefits of this topic.

Please always feel free to contact your Federated regional representative or EMA's newNational Account Executive Patrick Cunningham at 507.455.8935 for any additional information or risk management questions. Federated is a Partner in EMA's Board of Directors Council.

This article is for general information and risk prevention only and should not be considered legal or other expert advice. The recommendations herein may help reduce, but are not guaranteed to eliminate, any or all risk of loss. The information herein may be subject to, and is not a substitute for, any laws or regulations that may apply. Qualified counsel should be sought with questions specific to your circumstances. © 2024 Federated Mutual Insurance Company

EMA Member Services Spotlight Featuring: National Purchasing Partners (NPP)
Members Save on Sherwin-Williams

NPP members receive national account contract pricing on paints, coatings and supplies. You can also receive free services like order planning and specification recommendations. Click here to enroll with NPP and start saving.

Join NPP for free, then register for the Sherwin-Williams discount. You'll find a diverse catalog of business offers as well as lifestyle deals you can share with your employees.

Membership is free and there is no obligation to purchase. NPP is a member benefit provider of EMA. Restrictions may apply.