The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Thursday, advanced the BUILD America 250 Act (H.R. 8870), a bipartisan five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill totaling approximately $580 billion. Passed by a strong 62-2 committee vote, the legislation seeks to reauthorize core programs for highways, bridges, transit, rail, and hazardous materials safety before the current law expires on September 30, 2026. While this represents a significant legislative step, the bill must still navigate the full House, Senate, and conference process before it can be enacted.
A key component of the legislation is the creation of a new revenue stream for the Highway Trust Fund (HTF), marking the first such addition in over 30 years. The bill imposes annual federal registration fees of $130 for battery electric vehicles (EVs) and $35 for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), with fees scheduled to increase by $5 every two years starting in 2029. This measure is designed to address the decline in gas and diesel tax revenue as EVs become more prevalent, ensuring that the infrastructure used by fuel delivery trucks remains funded without solely burdening traditional fuel users. States face a 125% withholding penalty for non-compliance, and though these fees are currently lower than traditional fuel taxes, they mark a directional shift in how EV drivers contribute to infrastructure. Additionally, the bill reauthorizes Road Usage Charge and per-mile user fee pilots through 2031, signaling a potential long-term move toward a VMT-based revenue collection system.
The legislation also codifies "Jason’s Law," creating a competitive grant program for commercial vehicle parking while requiring consultation with private providers to prevent publicly subsidized competition with private truck stops. The bill also establishes weight parity for hydrogen vehicles with existing gas and battery-electric exemptions and allows 10% axle weight variances for CMVs carrying dry bulk goods.
The bill also establishes restroom access requirements for CMV operators at “covered establishments” during loading and unloading, with specific obligations on marine terminal operators (including port authorities) to provide accessible restrooms and parking for drayage truck operators. Notably, the section does not require physical modifications which softens what could otherwise have been a significant facility-investment mandate for petroleum terminals and bulk plants.
Also this week, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development advanced the fiscal 2027 Department of Transportation (DOT) spending bill in a 9-7 party-line vote. The legislation is characterized by its heavy reliance on repurposing nearly $8 billion originally allocated in the 2021 infrastructure law. This funding strategy has led to conflicting interpretations. Republican summaries suggest an increase in discretionary spending, while Democrats argue the bill represents a year-over-year cut. While Subcommittee Chair Steve Womack (R-AR) maintains that the bill prioritizes essential sectors like air traffic control, highways, and freight rail, Ranking Member Jim Clyburn (D-SC) has dismissed the repurposing of funds as a "gimmick" used to cover an inadequate budget. The bill proposes maintaining mandatory spending for highway and airport trust fund-supported programs at $83.3 billion. It includes $4 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration’s Facilities and Equipment account, with $1 billion of that total redirected from an electric vehicle charger grant program.
Energy Marketers of America Holds Successful DC Conference and “Day on the Hill”
The Energy Marketers of America (EMA) successfully concluded its 2026 Washington Conference & Day on the Hill, held May 13-15 at The Mayflower Hotel. During the event, EMA members and staff visited more than 350 Congressional offices to advocate for policies supporting fuel marketers, convenience store operators, and heating fuel providers nationwide.
“EMA’s strong turnout on the Hill demonstrates our industry’s unified voice on issues that directly affect consumers, small businesses, and energy security,” said EMA President Rob Underwood. “We appreciate the engagement from lawmakers and remain committed to working with Congress to advance practical solutions.”
In meetings with lawmakers and staff, EMA highlighted several priority issues critical to maintaining a reliable, affordable, and efficient energy supply chain:
What Consumers Pay in a Gallon of Gasoline & Ways to Reduce Gas Prices
EMA presented its signature UST Graphic and a detailed diagram of the refined products distribution system to illustrate how crude oil costs, refining, distribution, marketing, and taxes combine to form the final pump price. Discussions focused on practical policy solutions to lower consumer costs, including streamlining permitting, supporting domestic production, and addressing regulatory burdens that drive up prices.
IRS Processing Delays of Federal Motor Fuel
EMA raised ongoing concerns about delays by the Internal Revenue Service in processing federal motor fuel excise tax (FET) ultimate vendor claims—particularly refunds for tax-paid diesel fuel sold to state and local governments. These delays create cash-flow hardships for small business marketers and disrupt operations; EMA urged Congress and the IRS to restore timely processing.
Payments Policies Impacting Convenience Stores
Marketers highlighted their concerns over skyrocketing credit card interchange (“swipe”) fees and evolving payment processing regulations that squeeze retailer margins.
THC and Hemp Policy for Convenience Stores
EMA emphasized the need for balanced federal oversight of hemp-derived products (consistent with the 2018 Farm Bill) that allows responsible sales while ensuring consumer safety, product compliance, and economic opportunity for c-store operators.
Heating Fuels Issues
EMA stressed the importance of reliable and affordable heating fuel supply for American homes. Key topics included strong continued support for the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) and other heating fuel priorities to maintain consumer choice, safety, and winter reliability.
The conference also featured a full schedule of educational sessions and high-level briefings. EMA President Rob Underwood opened the event with a Congressional briefing. Andrea Pavon of the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) provided an overview of NPGA’s Administrative Compliance Services to help marketers meet FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training credential requirements. Larry W. Minor of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) addressed the Northeast Region regarding federal hours of service waivers. The Southern Region Committee heard from Phil Squair of Colonial Pipeline, and Chris Elliott of the BP AMOCO Marketers Association (BPAMA) delivered remarks during the Washington Salute to EMA Chairman Glenn Hasken.
Committee sessions offered deeper dives into sector-specific challenges: Heating Fuels Committee – Featured Chris Brennan of Sprague Energy and Michael Devine of NORA; Motor Fuels Committee – Included Holly Alfano of the Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association (ILMA), who addressed the nationwide base oil supply crunch; Convenience Store Committee – Heard presentations from Jim Duke of PMI US and Chris Semrau of Worldpay.
The Board of Directors Meeting featured Jon Medo and Dave Szymanski of Federated Insurance and Amber Moore of Altria Group Distribution Company. The Board of Directors also heard from EMA VP Sherri Stone and EMA Disaster Response Director Sam Bell over the latest with EMA's efforts to streamline hours of service waivers.
EMA thanks its generous sponsors for making the conference possible: Federated Insurance, Altria Group Distribution Company, Marathon, Reynolds American, PMI US, BP Products North America, HF Sinclair, Shell, Valero, ExxonMobil, CITGO, and Chevron.
Another Below-Average Activity Forecast for 2026 Hurricane Season
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and all official forecasts are expecting the 2026 Atlantic basin hurricane season activity to be lower than normal.
This week forecasters with NOAA’s National Weather Service announced that they are predicting a below-normal hurricane season for the Atlantic basin this year. NOAA predicts a 35% chance of a near-normal season, a 10% chance of an above-normal season, and a 55% chance of a below-normal season.
The agency is forecasting a total of 8-14 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 3-6 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1-3 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5 with winds of 111 mph or higher). An average season has 14 named storms with seven hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.
The Atlantic season is expected to be below-normal due to competing factors. El Niño is expected to develop and intensify during the hurricane season, while ocean temperatures in the Atlantic are expected to be slightly warmer than normal and trade winds are likely weaker than average. El Niño conditions tend to support less tropical storms and hurricanes, while warmer ocean temperatures and low winds support a more active year.
As previously reported, the Colorado State University (CSU) forecasted last month that the 2026 Atlantic basin hurricane season activity to be lower than normal, and that was in line with AccuWeather’s expectations for the season, which was released in March. CSU expects six hurricanes with a 32 percent probability of a major hurricane making landfall somewhere on the U.S. coastline and 13 named storms during the season, while AccuWeather is calling for a near-to-below-average Atlantic hurricane season, with 11 to 16 named storms. CSU expects four to seven hurricanes and two to four major hurricanes and AccuWeather forecasters expect three to five direct impacts to the U.S. during the season.
The forecasts are not very different from what was seen during the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which produced 13 named storms, five hurricanes and four major hurricanes. Three of those hurricanes - Erin, Humberto and Melissa - were Category 5 storms.
All forecasts will be regularly updated as the hurricane season progresses, and EMA will update you as needed. Visit weather.gov/safety and Ready.gov for important preparedness information.
Special EMA Members Code for NACS Show 2026 Registration
Registration is now open for the 2026 NACS Show in Las Vegas, Nevada from October 6-9. Please use EMA’s promocode to register. EMANS2026
| Click Here to Register for the NACS Show |
If you have already registered, please provide your full name, company, state, and date you registered to Karma O’Neill so we can work with NACS to get you re-coded.
Using the EMANS2026 code provides EMA with $100 for every retailer or marketer paid registration at any rate. EMA encourages EMA state execs to promote and share with your state association's member companies. Click here for the flyer and the early bird pricing ends June 12, 2026.
**Please note that EMA State Execs are comped for NACS Show registration. Additionally, the NACS Show registration is separate from EMA's Fall Meeting registration.
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.
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Federated Insurance: Risk Management Corner
How Driving Choices Can Impact Your Reputation
Your company vehicles are highly visible markers of your business in the local community. Every time your employees drive in a branded vehicle, they carry your company’s reputation with them.
The Danger of Distractions
With an easily identifiable logo on the side of a vehicle, your drivers both promote your business and give an instant calling card if they aren’t driving safely. With one quick search, anyone can find your business online and leave a review.
Distracted driving isn’t just about using a phone — it includes eating, adjusting navigation, frustration and emotional fatigue, or anything that takes attention from the road. Most importantly, distracted driving puts lives at serious risk.
Building a Culture of Safe Choices
As a business owner, it’s up to you to lead by example. Give clear direction that safety comes before a quick response. Consider the following tips:
Encourage employees to pull over before returning calls or texts.
Create policies that clearly outline acceptable and unacceptable behavior while driving.
Hold regular safety meeting to discuss safe driving behavior and expectations behind the wheel.
Give drivers the training and support they need to eliminate distractions.
Protect Your Reputation
By addressing distracted driving, you can help protect your employees, the communities you serve, and your reputation. Recognize and reward safe driving behavior and make safety a key part of your company’s culture. This can help build trust, strengthen your brand’s reputation, and make roads safer.
Federated Insurance® offers safe driving resources, telematics tools, and more to help keep your drivers safe. Reach out to your local marketing representative to learn more or for additional information or to discuss this in further detail, please contact your Federated regional representative or EMA’s National Account Executive Jack West at 262.719.7750 for any additional information or risk management questions. Federated is a Partner in EMA’s Board of Directors Council.
At Federated Insurance, It’s Our Business to Protect Yours®
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. Examples shown are for illustrative purposes only. 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. ©2026 Federated Mutual Insurance Company.
EMA Member Services Spotlight Featuring: Member Benefits
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