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Energy Marketers of America weekly update on important national industry news
September 5, 2025  [WR-25-36]
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Quick Links to Articles

FMCSA Revokes Three Electronic Logging Devices

Federal Court Upholds EPA Termination of Climate Grants

Inside the Beltway Update

EMA Sends Letter to Congress Opposing the RECHARGE Act

EMA’s Fall Meeting at the NACS Show 2025: October 13-14: Website and Registration Open!

Special EMA Members Code for NACS Show 2025 Registration

PDI PCI Compliance

August 2025 Energy Marketers of America Small Business Committee (SBC) PAC Contributions

Weekend Reads

Federated Insurance Risk Management Academy Complimentary Webinar

EMA Member Services Spotlight Featuring: Hertz from National Purchasing Partners (NPP)

Articles for September 5, 2025

FMCSA Revokes Three Electronic Logging Devices

On September 4, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) revoked three electronic logging devices (ELDs) from its list of registered devices after finding that they failed to meet the minimum requirements under Title 49 CFR Appendix A to Subpart B of Part 395. This is on top of other revocations in previous months. The affected devices are:

  • TT ELD PT30 (Model Number: ARN752 | ELD Identifier: CZGS10 | Provider: TT ELD Inc.)

  • ELOG42 (Model Number: ERS | ELD Identifier: ERS156 | Provider: Leko Inc.)

  • RENAISSANCE ELD (Model Number: RNSSNC | ELD Identifier: RNS592 | Provider: Renaissance ELD)

Motor carriers currently using any of the revoked devices must take immediate steps to maintain compliance with federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. FMCSA has established a 60-day transition period, ending November 3, 2025, during which carriers are required to:

  1. Discontinue use of revoked devices and revert to paper logs or compliant logging software to record HOS data.

  2. Obtain and install a compliant device from FMCSA’s Registered Devices list.

Until November 3, 2025, FMCSA has instructed safety officials to exercise enforcement discretion not to cite drivers using these revoked ELDs for violations such as no record of duty status or failing to use a registered ELD. During the transition period, safety officials will instead review paper logs, logging software, or the revoked ELD display as a backup method to verify compliance.

Beginning November 3, 2025, drivers and carriers continuing to use the revoked devices will be considered to be operating without an ELD. At that time, safety officials are recommended to cite for failure to maintain a record of duty status and place non-compliant drivers out-of-service.

If an ELD provider corrects all deficiencies that led to its removal, FMCSA may reinstate the device to the Registered Devices list and will notify the industry of the update. However, FMCSA is urging motor carriers not to delay corrective action. Carriers that wait for potential reinstatement risk falling out of compliance if providers fail to resolve the deficiencies. Given the multiple revocations in the past months, carriers should consult with an updated ELD registered list.

See FMCSA’s Announcement here.

See FMCSA’s ELD Registered/Revoked List here.

Federal Court Upholds EPA Termination of Climate Grants

On September 2, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled that the Trump Administration can proceed with terminating more than $16 billion in climate grants initially funded under the Inflation Reduction Act. These funds had been awarded to eight nonprofit organizations to support programs aimed at electrification initiatives, particularly subsidies for electric heat pumps.

The court found that EPA had discretion to withhold or terminate the grants. By a 2–1 decision, the panel determined that challenges brought by nonprofit grantees should largely be heard by the Court of Federal Claims, since they were contractual in nature with the federal government. While key aspects of the legal dispute remain unresolved, the ruling could lead the Trump EPA to redirect funding towards its own policy priorities. Additionally, the One Big Beautiful Bill repealed the grant program at issue, eliminating the expenditure of uncommitted funds.

For heating oil marketers, the decision underscores the shifting landscape of federal energy policy. The prior administration prioritized electrification pathways without comparable support for lower-carbon liquid fuels such as Bioheat® or for energy-efficient oilheat boilers and furnaces. With these grant programs no longer locked into a single electrification strategy, industry stakeholders have an important opportunity to press for recognition of liquid fuels as a viable, immediate, and scalable solution for decarbonization.

“EMA will continue to emphasize the role of renewable liquid fuels and help ensure that heating oil marketers and customers are not left behind in federal climate policy,” said EMA President Rob Underwood.

Inside the Beltway Update

Congress returned to Washington this week from the annual August recess, however, several legislative headaches are already growing for House and Senate leadership, signaling a rocky September ahead on Capitol Hill.

This week, House Republicans made incremental progress on annual appropriations legislation ahead of looming federal funding deadlines. On Tuesday, the House Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services (LHHS) Subcommittee advanced their FY 2026 funding bill along party lines. The full House Appropriations Committee is expected to mark up the FY 2026 LHHS bill next week, which proposes a $10 million increase for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). On Wednesday, the Appropriations Committee also advanced the FY 2026 Financial Services Appropriations bill following a marathon markup, teeing the bill up for floor consideration later this month. Lastly, on Thursday, the House advanced its third spending bill, the FY 2026 Energy and Water Appropriations bill, across the House floor.

Despite progress on individual funding bills, when Members of Congress depart Capitol Hill this week, Congress will have just over three weeks to prevent a government shutdown when federal funding expires on September 30. House and Senate leaders, including Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma) are reportedly negotiating tying a trio of less controversial spending bills with a short-term continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government past September. The duration of a stopgap funding measure remains unclear; however, Republicans need several Democratic votes to advance a CR in the Senate and may require Democratic support in the House due to defections among House Republicans.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senate Republicans are preparing changes to Senate rules to expedite the chamber’s consideration of executive branch nominees. The rules change, driven by pressure from President Trump to circumvent Democratic delay tactics, may include new rules allowing Senators to vote to confirm multiple nominees at once in en bloc votes. The proposed rules change follows failed negotiations between Republicans and Democrats in early August to advance several pending nominations before the August recess.

EMA Sends Letter to Congress Opposing the RECHARGE Act

The Energy Marketers of America (EMA) opposed the RECHARGE Act in a letter to Congress this week. The bill was introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) which would amend a long-standing federal law banning automotive services, including electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, at state-operated rest areas. This law, in place for nearly 70 years, fosters competition by encouraging private businesses like restaurants, convenience stores, and truck stops to develop at Interstate exit exchanges.

Allowing EV charging at rest areas could undermine private investment by creating an uneven playing field where state governments don’t compete for customers. The opposition comes as the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) released Interim Final Guidance to promote a consumer-focused approach to EV charging station deployment. This guidance supports selecting sites where the charging station owner is also the site host, ensuring reliable and well-maintained infrastructure. Energy marketers, who are investing heavily in EV charging stations off Interstate highways, support this flexible approach, which aligns with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

This Act encourages collaboration with private sectors for alternative fueling locations while ensuring amenities like food and restrooms are available, without allowing states to unfairly compete by placing chargers at rest areas. Many energy marketers’ facilities, located less than a mile from highway exits, offer visibility, security, food, and restrooms, making them ideal for DC fast chargers that support 20- to 30-minute charging breaks. Expanding these facilities could boost consumer confidence in purchasing EVs.

EMA’s Fall Meeting at the NACS Show 2025: October 13-14: Website and Registration Open!

EMA will hold its Fall Meeting in conjunction with the NACS Show on October 13-14 at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile. The EMA meeting will begin with a New Attendee Orientation/Federal Legislative Update hosted by StoneX mid-afternoon on October 13. The NACS/EMA Reception Salute to State Association Executives (all EMA members are welcome) will follow at the McCormick Place Convention Center in the Hunter Club Lounge.

On the morning of October 14, 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 Louisiana Marketer and EMA’s Past Chair Grady Gaubert sponsored by EMA Board of Director Council Partner Federated Insurance.

An invitation was sent to your inbox on August 23. Responding to the links on the invitation email is the recommended way to register. Housing registration deadline is September 19, 2025 (Subject to Change) for Sunday, October 12, 6 rooms are available, for Monday, October 13, 84 percent is sold out, for Tuesday, October 14, 75 percent is sold out and for Wednesday, October 15, 68 percent is sold out so please do not delay in making plans! Members have access to all other hotels with availability in the block. If the general block has rooms, you will continue to see those options.

Click Here for EMA’s Fall Meeting at the NACS Show Information!

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

Special EMA Members Code for NACS Show 2025 Registration

Click Here to Register for the NACS Show and Use the EMA Promocode: 2025EMANS

Using the 2025EMANS 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.

**Please note that EMA state execs are comped for the NACS Show registration. Additionally, the NACS Show registration is separate from EMA's Fall Meeting registration.

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.

PDI PCI Compliance
5 Tips for Simplifying PCI Compliance

When it comes to meeting PCI DSS compliance requirements for payment card transactions, some convenience retailers simply ask, “What do I have to do to be compliant?”

Any good security expert should respond with their own question: “Do you just want to be PCI-compliant—or do you want your business to be secure?”

After all, your business can be compliant without necessarily being secure. If you want to truly protect your business and reduce risk, you need to move beyond a “checkbox compliance” mindset.

Here are five essential tips for simplifying PCI compliance while strengthening your security posture:

  1. Build a secure network firewall and segment cardholder data from other types of data.

  2. Use the latest anti-virus software and regularly implement system patches to help prevent cyberattacks.

  3. Deploy strong access control measures, such as limiting access to cardholder data on a need-to-know basis.

  4. Regularly monitor and test your network security systems and processes so you have a clear compliance audit trail.

  5. Conduct ongoing employee security awareness training, emphasizing the need for both digital and physical security around cardholder data.

If you aren’t ready to become a PCI compliance and cybersecurity expert, engage with an experienced security partner to help you protect cardholder data and reduce business risk. PDI Technologies is an EMA Corporate Platinum Partner.

Discover the latest security insights at security.pditechnologies.com.

August 2025 Energy Marketers of America Small Business Committee (SBC) PAC Contributions

PAC Co-Chairs Mike Downs and Tim Keigher are grateful for the EMA Small Business Committee (SBC) PAC contributions from the following individuals during the August 1-31, 2025 time frame:

Louisiana: Justin Alford, Ricky Bearden, Art Bonneval, Keith Chambers, Dean Duplantis, Giselle Eastlack, Annie Gauthier, Jesse Hoppes, Frank Marcello, Taylor Marcello, Josh Milazzo, Mike Sibley, Junior Smith, Nick St. Romain, Brian Vaill, Allie Waguespack, Steven Waguespack

Montana: Alec Acevedo, Earl Allen, Trent Biggers, Jason Bliss, Vern Draney, Brett Kavlie, Mark Kunze, Mark Lauer, Ron Ludlow, Jon Matovich, John Monahan, Jim Mead, Valeri Milburn, Jason Norsby, Tim O'Neal, Carol Pillard, Richard Privat, Jim Rolle, Bryce Simpson

Pennsylvania: Jason Flohr, Ted Harris

Rhode Island: Diane Quesnelle

South Carolina: Jason Terry

Weekend Reads

The Wrong Way to Help Farmers | Wall Street Journal Opinion

Diesel Prices May Climb Higher Into Harvest Season | Transport Topics

Oil heads for first weekly loss in three as supply glut looms

USA Hits New Crude Oil Production Record | Rigzone

Federated Insurance Risk Management Academy Complimentary Webinar
Cybersecurity: Thursday, September 18, 2025, 1:00 p.m. Central Time

The webinar covers emerging cybersecurity threats, such as ransomware attacks and AI-powered phishing. It also highlights trends like double extortion, Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), and attacks on critical infrastructure. The presentation will feature case studies of major ransomware incidents, including the CNA Financial and Royal Mail attacks, and emphasizes the need for strong cybersecurity measures to defend against these threats.

What you will learn:

  • The latest tactics cybercriminals use, including AI-generated phishing emails and deepfake videos.

  • Insights into how you could prepare for and respond to ransomware attacks, such as regular risk assessments and a layered security approach.

  • Why employee training and awareness are vital for stopping cyberattacks, as well as the importance of ongoing monitoring and incidents response planning.

  • Tips for getting started with cybersecurity, including how to choose the right provider and tools for your business.

Who should attend:

  • Business Owners / Operators

  • Risk Managers

  • Operations Managers

  • HR Professionals

Please click link to REGISTER: RMA Complimentary Webinar Invitation

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®

EMA Member Services Spotlight Featuring: Hertz from National Purchasing Partners (NPP)
Exclusive Discounts on Travel with Hertz and NPP

EMA members can now enjoy big savings on Hertz car rentals—perfect for business trips, family visits, or weekend adventures. Through NPP, you will get special contract pricing on sedans, SUVs, trucks, EVs, 12-passenger vans, and box trucks (where available).

And there’s more: once you activate the offer, you will enjoy free enrollment in Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® for added convenience and perks.

Make the most of this opportunity—add Hertz to your list of member benefits and start sharing today!

NPP provides special contract pricing on a wide selection of Hertz rental vehicles including sedans, SUVs, trucks, electric vehicles, 12-passenger vans, and box trucks where available. Choose from convenient airport or neighborhood locations, weekly or monthly rates, and more.

Enroll with NPP for free to save.

NPP is a member benefit provider of Energy Marketers of America.

Restrictions may apply.