| Coronavirus Situational Update and Resources
PMAA is working closely with the U.S. Departments of Energy, Transportation, Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to mitigate any negative impact of the COVID19 coronavirus on fuel marketers. The talks are a continuation of PMAA’s ongoing emergency preparedness initiative to establish and maintain coordination between marketers and emergency response officials during declarations of emergency to ensure adequate fuel supply is available to consumers. Specifically, PMAA is in discussions with the U.S. DOT regarding hours of service waivers for drivers. PMAA is concerned that a COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak will worsen the already acute shortage of qualified CDL drivers due to attrition from sickness and at home quarantine. PMAA is also meeting with emergency managers about guidance for heating fuel dealers and their drivers delivering fuel to residential customers within quarantined areas or to those who self-quarantined at home. The goal is to ensure that petroleum marketers and heating fuel dealers can operate in a coordinated and efficient fashion during a potential widespread COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak without being hampered by any emergency restrictions or limitations imposed by state and federal emergency managers.
PMAA encourages you to notify PMAA staff of any particular needs or concerns that you have so that we can communicate to the most efficient government employees to obtain the information or the help that you may need.
As you are aware, President Trump announced this week that at his direction the Small Business Administration (SBA) will offer Small Businesses impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19) up to $2 million in Economic Injury Disaster Loan Assistance (EIDL). Under the EIDL program the SBA makes loans available to small businesses and private non-profit organizations in designated areas of a state or territory to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Attached you will find a copy of SBA’s Press Release along with an SBA handout. Please do not hesitate to share the attachments with your distribution lists.
For updates and resources:
The FEMA National Business Emergency Operations Center (NBEOC) is activated as part of the Interagency Crisis Action Task Force, supporting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Lead Federal Agency for our nation’s response to COVID-19. Emergency Support Function #14 – Cross Sector Business & Infrastructure is also activated at the national level with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) coordinating. The NBEOC Operations Dashboard is active and being used to post incident updates:fema.connectsolutions.com/nbeoc
PMAA members may join the National Business Emergency Operations Center (NBEOC) Cross Sector Coordination Call (or continue to be represented by your state and national Petroleum Marketers Associations) each Tuesday/Thursday at 3:00 pm EST. The Call-In Number is: 800-593-7177, and the PIN is: 7963614.
*New CDC # for Public:
800-CDC-INFO
Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2
www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2
Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf
All CDC Coronavirus Information:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
CDC Guidance for Businesses:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html
Posters for Employees:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/factsheets.html
About Coronavirus:
www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
Chamber Coronavirus Information:
www.uschamberfoundation.org/coronavirus
CDC State Cases:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html
John Hopkins Global Cases Map:
gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6
Guidance: Get Your Mass Gatherings or Large Community Events Ready for Coronavirus:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/mass-gatherings-ready-for-covid-19.html
OSHA Standards/COVID-19 is a Recordable Illness/Worker Responsibilities:
www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/
For Medical Supply Information:
www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-issues/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
Businesses Preparedness, Making a Disaster Plan, Making a Supply Kit:
www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/oda/resources/2803
CISA “Risk Management for COVID-19” to Help Executives Think Through Physical, Supply Chain, and Cybersecurity
CISA.gov/insights
Senate Energy Bill Stalled
The bipartisan energy bill known as “The American Energy Innovation Act” is now in limbo over a controversial amendment sponsored by Sens. John Kennedy (R-LA) and Tom Carper (D-DE) that was intended to phase out the use of hydrofluorocarbons over 15 years. There was also intense debate over whether to expand the current EV tax credit from 200,000 per manufacturer to 600,000 and extend the credit for fuel cell vehicles through December 31, 2024.
The bill represented a compilation of more than 50 bills advanced by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The legislation, sponsored by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Ranking Member Joe Manchin (D-WV), focused on energy innovation by boosting new and developing technologies including ways to make cars and trucks more fuel efficient and manufacturing processes less CO2 heavy. The bill contained provisions that would improve electric reliability and energy efficiency; promote the development of hydropower, geothermal, weatherization of homes, and methane hydrates; enhanced cyber security efforts; bolstered mineral security; and would repeals a range of obsolete authorities currently within the U.S. Code.
The bill could still be revived in the coming weeks or months. The bottom line is that even if the Senate passes an energy bill, the Democrat controlled House would likely amend it with their priorities making final passage nearly impossible to achieve.
EPA Won’t Extend May 2020 Deadline for Retailers to Sell-Off Less Efficient Wood Burning Stoves
In a final rulemaking this week, the EPA decided not to extend an upcoming deadline for retailers to sell off floor-stocks of soon-to-be noncompliant residential wood burning stoves. A final rule published in 2015 gave retailers until May 15, 2020 to sell off wood stove heaters that met an older, less stringent air emissions threshold known as “Step 1.” The Step 1 emission standards limit wood burning stoves to 4.5 grams of smoke per hour. After May 15, retailers may only sell stoves that meet more stringent Step 2 emission limit of 2.0 grams of smoke per hour.
Last fall, the EPA proposed to extend the deadline to 2022 after retailers complained that they would suffer significant economic harm if the agency stuck with the 2020 deadline. However, the EPA has determined the $10 million dollars in benefits for retailers gained by a deadline extension outweighed the additional $230 million dollars in health care costs resulting from increased emissions over the proposed two-year extension period. The agency determined that retailers provided insufficient justification for the deadline extension because the cleaner burning Step 2 stoves with enhanced emission technology have been available and sold to consumers for many years. The EPA said retailers had enough time to sell their Step 1 inventory. The final rule also removes new quality standards for wood pellet fuel although the prohibition of pellets containing garbage, lawn clippings, rubber and plastic remain in place.
The EPA residential wood stove emission standards and related requirements can be seen here.
FDA Creates Webpage Providing Guidance on Tobacco 21
Last week, the FDA unveiled a website that provides information regarding the new law that raised the federal age to purchase tobacco from 18 to 21. The website includes a “Commonly Asked Questions” portion as well as other resources for tobacco retailers. Notably, the FDA announced that it is now conducting compliance checks with decoys under the age of 21. Before the new law was passed, the FDA was using decoys under the age of 18. Retailers should continue to abide by the law and not sell to anyone under the age of 21.
Click here to view the website.
PMAA Mourns the Loss of Bob Krogman
We are deeply saddened to pass along the news that Bob Krogman passed away last week. “Bob will be deeply missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Dee (Peanut) and the rest of the family,” said PMAA President Rob Underwood.
Bob worked with the Minnesota Petroleum Marketers Association starting in 1974 and became Executive Director in 1985. Since his retirement in 2012, Bob continued to work part time as a consultant with the Association. Bob’s dedication to the Association and its members was second to none.
PMAA President Emeritus Dan Gilligan, who coordinated a lot of projects with Bob over 17 years, was saddened by the news. "Bob was a special guy in so many ways. He was extremely dedicated to the "jobber class of trade" and especially Minnesota marketers," said Gilligan. "He was an amazing problem solver who enjoyed the challenge and he had a gift for explaining complex regulations in layman's terms. One of a kind for sure."
A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at the Church of St. Pius X, 3878 Highland Ave, White Bear Lake, with visitation being held on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 from 5 to 8 PM at Mueller Memorial White Bear Lake, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave and also an hour prior at the church. A private interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Ducks Unlimited, Pheasant Forever, or Delta Water Fowl.
Trump Floats Payroll Tax Cut Idea in the Wake of Coronavirus Outbreak
Congress Looks to Quickly Pass Stimulus Package
In response to the coronavirus outbreak and its severe effect on the economy, President Trump took to Capitol Hill earlier this week to lobby Congress on a payroll tax cut that would last through the November elections in order to help small businesses. Trump also said that he was considering aid to workers who are affected by the virus and low-interest loans for small businesses that may be affected.
However, Democrats have come out in opposition to the idea of a payroll tax cut. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced that he favors paid sick leave for workers and unemployment insurance for people out of work instead of a payroll tax cut. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) also expressed his opposition, saying that a payroll tax cut is not the best choice of action in this particular situation.
Congress is currently hashing out the details of a plan that would provide financial aid to Americans during the outbreak. Specifically, House Democrats are working on a bill that would provide paid sick leave for workers, unemployment insurance for those looking for jobs and spending increases for social programs. The package is expected to be voted on today. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced yesterday that the Senate is no longer going to recess next week and instead will be in Washington to work on a stimulus bill.
While the details of funding packages are being considered in each chamber, President Trump has announced that he may sign a declaration soon that would free up billions of dollars in funding in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Court Grants EPA More Time to Appeal Small Refinery Exemption Case
This week, the 10th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals announced that it was granting the EPA an extra two weeks to appeal a recent ruling which said that the EPA had exceeded its authority and must reconsider the small refinery exemptions (SREs) that it had granted to three different refineries. News reports last week had indicated that the Trump Administration would challenge the ruling, but the Administration decided it needed a few more weeks to make a final decision.
In the ruling, the court said only refineries that had exemptions continuously since 2011 could apply for new ones. The Trump Administration’s announcement marked a reversal where top officials had planned to drastically scale back the number of SREs which would have negatively impacted refineries by increasing RIN prices. The issue is important to petroleum marketers because high RIN prices leads to an unlevel playing field in the motor fuels market.
Confirm Your Rooms and Register NOW for PMAA’s Washington Conference and Day on the Hill
NOTE: We are currently continuing to hold this important conference. We will continue to follow the COVID-19 updates.
PMAA’s annual Washington Conference and Day on the Hill will be held in our Nation’s Capital of Washington, DC from May 13-15. Our industry continues to have several important legislative and regulatory issues to discuss and the Day on the Hill continues to be the primary focus of this conference.
The meeting will begin with an Opening Session / Issues Briefing and Region meetings in the afternoon of May 13. Our welcome reception, including our fun and popular PAC silent auction fundraiser, concludes the day! On the morning of May 14, marketers will head to Capitol Hill for visits with their Congressional delegations after a buffet breakfast and issues briefing for those who were not able to attend the opening session. Please make your Congressional appointments as soon as possible. There will be a hospitality suite and luncheon on the Hill. On the evening of May 15, we will feature our 2020 PMAA Chair Aaron Littlefield along with honoring our other Past Chairs in attendance. Our conference will conclude after the PMAA Board of Directors meet on May 15 following a buffet breakfast and committee meetings.
Please click here for our event website for all available details including registration. Reminder invitations will be sent out soon to members and Corporate Partners who have attended PMAA Conferences in the past. We would encourage you to register for the meeting prior to making your travel arrangements. We are expecting record attendance with over 250 members who have made hotel reservations and over 110 members currently registered! May is a peak month here in Washington, DC where hotels book quickly and there are many citywide events also going on during our conference. We would encourage you to register for the meeting prior to making your travel arrangements. Please be sure to review the Hotel and Travel section of the event website.
Please make your plans now to attend this significant and productive forum to meet with your members of Congress and network with other marketers from across the country! It is your chance to make a positive difference for our industry!
See you in DC in the Spring!
Federated Insurance: Risk Management Corner
Learn the Lingo, Remove the Mystery, Gain Some Confidence
As a business owner, there’s so much more to know about insurance than premiums (payments in exchange for coverage), losses (incidents that cause financial harm), claims (requests to pay for a loss), and deductibles (the value that an insured party must pay before an insurer will begin paying). It can be an intimidating piece of the business puzzle. But learning the basics — and a few not-so-basics — can remove some of the mystery and help you become a well-informed consumer.
While these terms are just a small fraction of what there is to know in the insurance industry, they will help you form a foundation of knowledge you can use as you navigate the complexities of running — and protecting — your business.
For additional information or to discuss further, please contact your Federated regional representative or PMAA’s National Account Executive Jon Medo at 800.533.0472. Federated is a PMAA Corporate Platinum Partner.
Check Out PMAA Journal Anytime Online
You can now take PMAA Journal with you wherever you go. Click here to view the latest issue online, optimized for any device. Scroll to select the articles that matter to you, then read, learn and share with the icons at the top of your screen. Looking for a past issue? Scroll through past covers on the left side of your browser or use our convenient search feature to find a topic. Miss flipping pages? Select "page view" from the menu bar or click the handy magazine icon for a classic page-turner.
For information on advertising in this valuable format, please call 844.423.7272 or email Innovative Publishing.
PMAA Corporate Platinum Partner Spotlight Featuring: Renewable Energy Group, Inc.
National Biodiesel Conference Recap
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) held its annual National Biodiesel Conference & Expo January 20-23 at the Tampa Convention Center in Florida.
This year’s conference was particularly noteworthy for several reasons: 1) It came on the heels of the biodiesel tax credit’s long-anticipated reinstatement (see story above), which helped fuel enthusiasm throughout the event; 2) It took place on the East Coast (PADD 1), the country’s largest Petroleum Administration for Defense District by gallon sales; and 3) A number of sessions touched on the growing importance of the Northeast heating oil market, with a coalition of heating oil business and association leaders receiving this year’s Industry Partnership Award in recognition of last year’s Providence Resolution.
To read the entire article, please click here.
REG’s coverage of our extensive involvement in the 2020 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo will continue in future issues of Let’s Blend. For now, follow the links below to see and hear some additional highlights.
Listen to the heating oil industry panel discussion.
Watch REG’s video recap of the National Biodiesel Conference.
Read REG’s written recap: “Biodiesel: The Future of Energy, Available Now.”
For additional information about Renewable Energy Group, Inc., please visit or contact Steve Klein. Renewable Energy Group is a PMAA Corporate Platinum Partner. National Biodiesel Board is a PMAA Corporate Gold Partner.
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