EMA Regulatory Alert: EMA Urges FMCSA to Restore 30-Day Emergency HOS Relief and Adopt a Preemptive Framework for Fuel Supply Resilience
EMA Regulatory Counsel Contacts: Jeff Leiter and Jorge Roman
This week, the Energy Marketers of America (EMA) submitted formal comments to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) strongly supporting the agency’s proposed rulemaking to reinstate the 30-day automatic relief period for hours-of-service (HOS) relief during regional emergencies. EMA, representing family-owned energy marketers nationwide, emphasized that reversing the 2023 rule is essential to preventing fuel supply disruptions and reducing administrative burdens during energy crises.
In addition, EMA highlighted three critical areas for reform within the emergency response framework to support small business energy marketers and maintain the flow of motor fuels and heating oil.
Restoring the 30-Day Relief Period to Align with Recovery Realities
EMA emphasized that the current 14-day limit on automatic emergency relief is insufficient for the operational realities of emergency and disaster response. The shortened timeframe often leads to market uncertainty, supply delays, and the need for frequent, redundant extension requests.
"Restoring the 30-day period is a practical step that aligns with the realities of extended emergency recoveries," said EMA Vice President Sherri Stone. "Our marketers have seen firsthand how the shortened 14-day limit leads to uncertainty, delays, and unnecessary extensions, as evidenced by the ongoing Regional Emergency Declaration No. 2025-012 for winter storms and the Marcus Hook refinery outage,” Stone added.
Establishing a Preemptive Policy for Predictable Emergency Events
To further enhance fuel resiliency, EMA is calling for a formal preemptive policy that allows FMCSA to issue regional declarations up to five days in advance of predictable weather events, such as hurricanes or severe winter storms. By leveraging forecasts from other federal agencies, the FMCSA can enable marketers to preposition supplies and coordinate logistics before roads or other infrastructure are compromised.
Advancing Federal Leadership to Eliminate State Regulatory Patchworks
EMA further urged proactive federal leadership in issuing declarations to eliminate the patchwork of often conflicting state relief and underlying conditions. When states issue disparate waivers, it creates significant compliance confusion for drivers and enforcement officials involved in interstate fuel distribution. A uniform federal approach would ensure a seamless flow of energy resources across state lines, supporting public safety and emergency services during regional disruptions.
"Fuel resiliency is vital not just during disasters but in the critical preparation phase," EMA Disaster Response Director Sam Bell stated. "By adopting preemptive and coordinated federal declarations, FMCSA can help ensure uninterrupted energy supplies, supporting public safety, emergency services, and recovery efforts across affected regions," Bell added.
EMA works closely with FMCSA, the Department of Energy CESER, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on disaster preparedness and response. The organization urged the agency to prioritize these recommendations to address the increasing frequency and severity of emergencies impacting the national fuel supply chain.
Click here to read the letter.
In response to a deepening global energy crisis triggered by the war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the 32 member nations of the International Energy Agency (IEA) have agreed to a historic release of 400 million barrels of oil. This unprecedented collective action, which is more than double the amount released during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, aims to stabilize markets after crude prices surged past $100 a barrel following U.S.-Israeli strikes and Iranian retaliatory attacks on energy infrastructure. While the G7 nations, led by French President Emmanuel Macron, provided the primary momentum for the measure, concerns remain among some European officials regarding the long-term challenge of refilling reserves before winter if regional production and trade routes remain disrupted. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that President Trump will make the final decision on U.S. participation.
The Trump administration has announced the release of 172 million barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) as part of a historic 400-million-barrel global effort by the International Energy Agency to stabilize soaring oil prices. This intervention follows Iranian attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, which have driven crude prices to four-year highs amid the U.S. war with Iran. The drawdowns are scheduled to begin next week and last approximately 120 days, despite concerns regarding the SPR's current capacity (which is less than 59 percent full) and potential physical constraints on its maximum flow rate. While Energy Secretary Chris Wright criticized the previous administration for leaving the reserve "drained and damaged," he emphasized that the current action is a commitment to energy security and noted plans to replace the drawdown with 200 million barrels within the next year.
President Trump’s “energy dominance” team, led by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, is currently facing significant criticism for its response to surging global oil prices following a U.S. attack on Iran. Despite claims that this team would usher in a "golden age" of American prosperity, critics and energy experts argue the administration underestimated the conflict's impact on energy markets, which saw gasoline prices rise 60 cents a gallon in less than two weeks. High-profile communication errors, such as a deleted social media post erroneously claiming U.S. Navy escorts for tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, have contributed to historic market volatility and skepticism regarding the administration's strategy. While the Energy Department is releasing 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve as part of a global effort to stabilize costs, Democratic lawmakers and industry analysts have characterized the team's leadership as a "PR shop" lacking a clear plan to secure vital shipping lanes. Despite reports of internal criticism regarding Burgum’s public appearances during the crisis, the White House maintains "full confidence" in the "Tiger Team," citing record-high domestic production and a long-term vision for global energy stability.
EMA Regulatory Alert: Trump Administration to Issue Temporary Jones Act Waiver
Yesterday, the Trump Administration announced that it is preparing to
suspend the Jones Act for 30 days, a move with significant implications
for petroleum marketers. The Jones Act — formally the “Merchant Marine
Act of 1920” — requires that cargo transported between U.S. ports travel
on vessels that are American-built, American-owned, American-flagged,
and crewed primarily by U.S. citizens. President Trump’s planned 30-day
exemption would apply broadly to vessels moving crude oil, gasoline,
diesel fuel, heating oil, liquefied natural gas, and fertilizer among
U.S. ports, enabling foreign tankers and barges to move those
goods.
The announced waiver is a direct response to fuel price spikes triggered
by the U.S.-Israel military strikes on Iran and disruption to the Strait
of Hormuz shipping lanes. For petroleum marketers, the practical effect
could be meaningful — greater tanker availability on domestic waterborne
shipping routes should ease supply bottlenecks that have pushed rack
prices higher, particularly in East Coast markets that depend heavily on
Gulf Coast product.
While announced, the Jones Act waiver itself has not yet been
finalized.
“Marketers should monitor developments closely, and if the waiver is
finalized and issued, short-term price relief at the rack is possible,”
said EMA President Rob Underwood. “However, how quickly the price
changes may be seen will depend largely on regional supply conditions
and how aggressively suppliers move to take advantage of expanded vessel
availability.”
71 Lawmakers Urge the Administration to Counter Illegal Chinese Vapes and E-Cigarettes
Recently, 71 Republican lawmakers told Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer in a letter that the Trump administration should counter a flood of illegal Chinese vapes and e-cigarettes that are taking over the American market without any approval or oversight from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Lawmakers explained that vapes from China pose threats for multiple reasons, from health to national security, and the need for action is urgent. Furthermore, cartels have secured a dominant share of the illegal market in Mexico and are continuing to expand their operations in the United States. To review the letter, go here.
EMA’s annual Washington Conference and Day on the Hill will be held
in Washington, DC from May 13-15 at The
Mayflower Hotel. Our industry continues to have many important
legislative and regulatory issues to discuss and the Day on the Hill
remains the primary focus of this conference for you to meet with your
members of Congress and network with other marketers from across the
country!
Hotel reservations will close April 30 at 6:00 pm Eastern or when
the room block is sold out. Tuesday night (4 available), Wednesday night
(26 available), and Thursday night (Sold out). If we sell out,
please refer to Additional Hotel Information #3.
Registrations must be received by April 30 to be included in our hotel guarantee.
| Click here to Register and Book your Hotel Room for EMA’s DC Conference and Day on the Hill |
EMA PAC Silent Auction: Calling for Auction Items!!!
EMA is reaching out to ask you to donate an item or experience for The Day on the Hill PAC Silent Auction. Please consider helping to grow the EMA PAC so that we can reach and support lawmakers that help you and the entire industry by contributing to the use of your vacation home or an experience for the auction. No value is too low to help generate funds for the EMA PAC during the 2026 Midterm elections.
The auction will take place in conjunction with EMA’s Washington Conference May 13-15. Bidding and raffle purchase will begin April 13 and will close May 15 at 9:00 am. The auction items will be displayed at the Welcome Reception on May 14. Last year, there was tremendous support in contributions for the auction and EMA SBC PAC Co-Chairs Mike Downs and Tim Keigher urge your participation this year as well!
If you have items that you would like to contribute for the Silent Auction, please click here or contact Sabrina Pitcher at 703-351-8000.
Investment supports more than 2,000 U.S. jobs while expanding manufacturing capacity and fueling innovation across a multicategory portfolio
Recently, the Reynolds American companies (Reynolds American) announced a forward-looking commitment to invest more than $3.2 billion across its U.S. operations by 2030, reinforcing its long-term focus on value creation and American manufacturing. The investment began in 2024 and is expected to support more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs across Reynolds American’s operations and U.S. supply network, including roles tied to recent manufacturing expansion and innovation initiatives.
The announcement marks the launch of Growing
Tomorrow; Reynolds American’s campaign focused on driving
business performance and delivering sustainable returns. The campaign
reinforces Reynolds American’s position as a leading organization with
the largest multicategory nicotine product portfolio in the U.S.
“Growing Tomorrow reflects the investments we’re making today in American manufacturing and jobs,” said David Waterfield, President and CEO of Reynolds American Inc. “By expanding manufacturing capabilities and strengthening our workforce, we’re building on more than 150 years of investment in the U.S. economy to ensure our competitiveness for the future.”
Growing Performance
Reynolds American’s investment supports the organization’s continued evolution toward a predominantly smokeless future, building on momentum in high-growth categories. The organization continues to expand its innovative smokeless portfolio with a multiyear investment focused on:
Modernizing and expanding U.S. manufacturing
Scaling innovation and production
Strengthening domestic supply chains
Advancing workforce capabilities and operational excellence
More than $200 million has already been invested in U.S. manufacturing over the past two years as part of this commitment.
Growing Innovation
Reynolds American’s research and manufacturing hubs in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and operations in Clarksville, Tennessee play a central role in the organization’s transformation, supporting a broad, science-led portfolio designed to meet the evolving preferences of adult nicotine consumers. Planned investments will further modernize facilities, expand production capabilities, and reinforce Reynolds American’s competitive position for sustained performance.
Innovation remains foundational to that future. Reynolds American employs hundreds of scientists in Winston-Salem, supported by approximately $100 million in annual research and development investment, with the majority focused on innovative smokeless categories.
Growing Careers & Community
Today, Reynolds American employs more than 4,300 people across the U.S., with roles spanning advanced manufacturing, engineering, science, skilled operations, and corporate functions. Continued investment in technology, training, and workforce readiness extends the organization’s economic impact beyond its direct operations through a broad U.S. supply network.
“Investing in growth means investing in people,” said Borgia Walker, Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer at Reynolds American Inc. “We’re focused on building capabilities, expanding opportunity, and helping our employees grow meaningful careers as we grow business performance.”
Reynolds American’s impact extends beyond its direct business operations to agriculture and local economies nationwide. North Carolina, the nation’s leading tobacco producing state, anchors this ecosystem, with farmers and agricultural partners remaining integral to the organization’s success and domestic supply chain. In 2025, Reynolds American was the largest purchaser of U.S. tobacco leaf from American farmers.
Together, these investments reinforce Reynolds American’s long-term strategy focused on disciplined growth, sustained returns, and shared value creation. This approach strengthens U.S. manufacturing, supports good-paying jobs, and helps build resilient communities.
Growing Tomorrow is how Reynolds American delivers on that commitment today and for decades to come.
About Reynolds American Inc. Reynolds American Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the global BAT Group and the U.S. parent company of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, Inc., American Snuff Company, LLC, R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company, and Modoral Brands Inc. References to “Reynolds American,” “the group,” “the company,” “the organization,” “we,” “us,” and “our” are simply for convenience and are not intended to imply or suggest that the subsidiaries’ businesses are operated other than as separate, distinct businesses. To learn more about Reynolds American Inc. and its operating companies, please visit www.reynoldsamerican.com or for Media Contact mediaoffice@rjrt.com. Reynolds American Inc. is a Partner in EMA’s Board of Directors Council.
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Crude prices are higher after IEA announces historic oil reserve release | CNBC
February 2026 Contributors to EMA MDF
EMA’s Marketer Defense Fund (MDF) committee wants to thank the following individuals for their MDF contributions during the February 1-28, 2026 timeframe:
Connecticut:
Donald Mitchell, Norbert E. Mitchell Company, Inc.
Indiana:
Trout Moser, National Oil & Gas, Inc.
Kentucky:
A. Bryant, Valor, LLC
Josh Emmick, Valor, LLC
NECSEMA:
Tom Frawley, Summit Distributing
New York:
Brandon Smith, Scott Smith & Son, Inc.
North Carolina:
T. Scott Aman, New Dixie Oil Corporation
Oklahoma:
Candace McGinnis, Oklahoma Petroleum Marketers and Convenience
South Carlina:
Matthew Greene, Lindsay Oil Co., Inc.
Virginia:
Jim Emmart, W.H. Emmart & Son, Inc.
Wisconsin:
Jon Crawford, Crawford Oil
Corporate donations are acceptable. MDF funds have been used to create a COVID-19 Situational Update & Resources webpage, to hire experts to cover important regulatory agencies and disaster relief dedicated to strengthening our lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill. Click here to donate to the EMA MDF.
EMA Spring Journal Issue Online Now
EMA Spring Journal is the current issue online. You can take the digital edition with you wherever you go. Scroll to select the articles that catch your eye, then share the content with the icons at the top of your screen. Archived covers are handy on the left side of your browser or use our convenient search feature to find a specific topic. If you prefer to read with pages that flip, select "page view" from the menu bar for a classic page-turner.
In 2023, the Journal adjusted to three issues per year, making it even easier and more affordable for our members and industry supporters to find and connect with each other. For information on marketing to our members, please call 844.423.7272 or email them at advertise@innovativepublishing.com. Ads for Summer 2026 (NACS Preview) are due by April 27, 2026 to be delivered in July 2026.
Federated Insurance Risk Management Academy Complimentary
Webinar
How Can Telematics Help Your Drivers
Improve?
Thursday, March 19, 2026, 2:00 P.M. Eastern
Time
Join our upcoming webinar to explore how telematics technology can support your fleet’s safety and efficiency goals. This session offers insights into the tools available to monitor and understand driver behavior, such as Lytx in-cab video and Federated DriveSAFESM telematics, to help manage your fleet more effectively.
Discover how modern telematics systems operate and the data they can provide to business owners and fleet managers. These tools can help your drivers improve operational awareness and reinforce safer habits.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
An overview of in-cab video and telematics solutions for risk management.
How machine vision and AI can detect and flag risky driving behaviors.
Using GPS tracking and video access to monitor fleet operations.
The role of coaching workflows and performance analytics in promoting safer driving habits.
Register today to learn more about the technology shaping modern fleet management.
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®