Lawmakers are currently navigating various hurdles as they work toward the next surface transportation reauthorization before the September 30 deadline. While Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) has scheduled a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee markup for April 29, Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA) expressed skepticism about meeting that date. Funding levels remain a point of discussion; Graves is primarily targeting between $500 billion and $550 billion, though he has indicated openness to a top line exceeding $600 billion.
Meanwhile, in the Senate, leaders of the Environment and Public Works Committee have pushed their markup goal to this summer as they work to bridge gaps in their negotiations. The legislative process also involves several contentious proposals regarding revenue and consumer costs. Rep. Larsen has voiced support for levying fees on electric vehicles and hybrids, an idea that may be included in the upcoming bill after being excluded from previous Republican efforts. Additionally, amid the ongoing war with Iran, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) has proposed a gas tax holiday to reduce pump prices by up to 18 cents per gallon. While Hawley criticizes Congress for legislative inaction on affordability, the gas tax suspension remains unpopular with the majority of his Republican colleagues, despite garnering support from some Democrats. Despite these disagreements, key figures like Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) are still aiming to finalize the legislation by late September to avoid a long-term extension of existing authorities.
The Trump Administration plans to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, roughly four months after President Trump issued an executive order to expedite the change. Potential actions from the Administration could include a Department of Justice (DOJ) announcement that states will manage marijuana licenses or a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announcement regarding a new administrative hearing. The White House has stated that these efforts are intended to increase medical marijuana research and bridge the gap between current usage and scientific knowledge. Although rescheduling would not federally legalize cannabis, it would provide a major financial boost to state-licensed businesses by allowing them to take federal tax deductions currently blocked by IRS code 280E. The initiative is currently being overseen by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, following the departure of Pam Bondi, who had a history of opposing cannabis reform. The process has been hampered by legal complications, including a previously canceled hearing that involved allegations of agency bias and improper communications with anti-rescheduling groups.
The House recently passed the Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events (FIRE) Act (H.R. 6387), a legislative effort designed to reform how the Clean Air Act handles wildfire-related emissions. Led by Rep. Gabe Evans (R-CO), the bill seeks to ensure that states and manufacturers are not penalized for smoke and emissions resulting from wildfires and other "exceptional events" beyond their control. Supporters argue that existing regulations are restrictive and inconsistent, often punishing states for taking proactive measures to improve air quality and manage forests. The legislation specifically addresses a regulatory gap where prescribed burns, an essential tool for reducing wildfire risks, are treated the same as industrial factory emissions when evaluating compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Beyond simplifying regulations, the FIRE Act updates Section 319(b) of the Clean Air Act to strengthen coordination between states and the EPA, ensuring that determinations for exceptional events are timely and transparent.
The House has approved the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act (H.R. 4690) which EMA supports. The bill aims to repeal and nullify the revised federal building energy efficiency performance standards originally established under the Energy Conservation and Production Act. By removing these standards, the legislation effectively eliminates their implementation and ensures they no longer have any legal force. To support this transition, the Act includes conforming amendments to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, stripping away references to these repealed benchmarks in sections concerning high-performance and green building requirements. Ultimately, these legislative changes are intended to align the federal building standards framework with the current legal structure by discarding outdated or superseded performance metrics.
Amendment Introduced to Delay the “Hemp Ban”
As you know, the federal government passed a budget deal at the end of 2025, which included the re-prohibition of hemp and hemp-derived products. To be clear, the Big Beautiful Bill, or BBB, does not ban hemp; specifically, it bans hemp derived cannabinoid products with over 0.4 milligrams of THC per container. This effectively bans close to 100% of the hemp derived cannabinoid products currently on the market. The ban takes effect on November 12, 2026.
This week, Rep. James Comer (R-KY), Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, filed an amendment to the 2026 Farm Bill, formally known as the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567) to delay implementation of the “hemp ban” for one year to November 2027. Other Republican lawmakers have also submitted hemp related amendments, including Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) and Rep. Jim Baird (R-IN), but these have since been withdrawn. Amendments to the Farm Bill, including Rep. Comer’s, are expected to be considered next week by the House Rules Committee.
Jeff Lykins to receive 2026 Distinguished Service Award from Energy Marketers of America
This week, the Energy
Marketers of America (EMA) proudly announced that Jeff Lykins, past EMA
Chairman and a widely respected leader in the energy distribution
industry, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished
Service Award (DSA)—EMA’s highest individual honor.
“I’m deeply honored to receive this award,” said Lykins. “After a
lifetime of work serving in energy marketing, I couldn’t be more
thrilled to be recognized by my peers for helping to make a difference
in our industry.”
EMA President Rob Underwood describes Jeff as a respected and effective
leader who is highly deserving of this award.
“Jeff grew up in a marketer family and understands this business at
every level,” said Underwood. “He succeeded in expanding the Lykins
business in wholesale, retail, and heating oil—and contributed
significantly to the creation of the National Oilheat Research Alliance
(NORA), as well as serving with distinction as EMA Chairman.”
Jeff Lykins served as President and CEO of Lykins Energy Solutions, a
third-generation family company founded in 1948. Headquartered in
Milford, Ohio, Lykins employed more than 500 people, generated over $1
billion in annual sales, and supplied over 160 independent dealers. The
company marketed Marathon, BP, Shell, and Gulf and offered branded and
wholesale fuels, petroleum transportation, home heating oil, propane,
lubricants, commercial fleet fueling, card locks, wet hosing, pipeline
sales, electricity, and natural gas—serving customers across 15 states
and more than 25,000 residential accounts.
In 2014, the company rebranded from Lykins Oil Co. to Lykins Energy
Solutions and became one of Ohio’s 100 largest privately held companies
and a top 10 privately held firm in the greater Cincinnati area. Under
his leadership, the company diversified its offerings and maintained a
strong community focus, supporting CASA for Clermont Kids (raising over
$1 million through an annual golf outing), the Guy B. and Mabel Lykins
Scholarship, Boys & Girls Clubs, food pantries, and anti-child abuse
initiatives. Jeff currently serves on the boards of Little Fork Advocacy
Center and Valley View.
Jeff is active in industry leadership, serving as Special Advisor to the
Executive Committee of the Kentucky Petroleum Marketers Association
(KPMA) and on its Board of Directors. His award is especially fitting
this year as KPMA celebrates its 100th anniversary in
2026.
In addition to leading in Kentucky, Jeff served on the Board of
Directors and was a past chairman of the Ohio Petroleum Marketers &
Convenience Store Association, known today as the Ohio Energy &
Convenience Association (OECA). He held multiple leadership roles with
the Energy Marketers of America—including chairman, vice chairman, and
treasurer—and chaired the Petroleum Marketers Educational Foundation. He
chaired the BP Amoco Marketers Association Board and its Strategic
Advisory Group, and served on the Brands, Executive, and Nominating
committees.
Jeff’s contributions extend well beyond his professional career as he
deeply supported local civic and economic development in Ohio. He served
as president of the Milford/Miami Township Chamber of Commerce, chaired
chamber committees on governmental affairs and economic development, and
led Frontier Days. He was president of the Clermont County Community
Improvement Corporation, served on the Economic Development Council of
Clermont County and the Clermont County Transportation Improvement
District, and served as a Milford city councilman and vice mayor.
Jeff also served on the boards of the National Bank & Trust
(Wilmington), the Greater Cincinnati Autism Society, the Clermont County
Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Andy & Jordan Dalton
Foundation executive board, and the Society of Independent Gasoline
Marketers.
Jeff attended the University of Cincinnati. In retirement he lives in
California, Ohio, spends time at Norris Lake and at his new home in The
Villages, Florida, remains active in Rotary, and is a private pilot. He
has two children, Andrea and DJ, and one grandchild, Juniper. He resides
in Cincinnati “on the river” with his partner Linda and his dog,
Hornblower.
The selection committee for this prestigious award included:
Bruce Spiridonoff, Tevis Energy, Westminster, Maryland (DSA Chair)
Brad Longcake, executive director, Montana Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association (Helena, Montana)
Grady Gaubert (past DSA Recipient)
Brian Lohman, ASAP Energy, Weatherford, Oklahoma (committee chair)
Glenn Hasken, Molo Companies, Dubuque, Iowa (EMA Chair)
Jim Lipscomb, Lipscomb Oil Company, Greenville, Mississippi (past EMA chairman)
The 2026 EMA Distinguished Service Award is a fitting tribute to a career defined by integrity, innovation, and enduring service to the energy marketing industry.
EMA to Congress: Modernize the Jones Act!
EMA along with a coalition of organizations representing energy, agriculture, and food supply chains has written to Congressional leadership to support a recent 60-day partial waiver of the Jones Act and to advocate for permanent reform and modernization of the law. The Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act of 1920) is a federal statute requiring that all goods transported by water between U.S. ports be carried on ships that are U.S.-built, U.S.-owned, and U.S.-crewed. The coalition argues that the frequent necessity of emergency waivers, undermines the statute. They contend that a law requiring frequent suspension during economic stress is antiquated and structurally flawed, urging Congress to end the "cycle of waive-and-forget.” The letter highlights significant economic and logistical constraints caused by the current Jones Act requirements, noting that shipping costs are approximately three times higher than equivalent foreign-flagged services.
To address these systemic issues, the coalition urges Congress to conduct hearings on the national security and consumer implications of the Jones act and to modernize vessel eligibility requirements, specifically the domestic-build mandate. They also propose exploring permanent exemptions or streamlined waivers for critical commodities, such as energy products and agricultural inputs. Finally, they request that Congress evaluate existing reform proposals, such as the Open America's Waters Act (H.R. 3940 / S. 2043), asserting that the law as written is not working for the American economy and requires a bipartisan effort to strengthen domestic supply chains.
EMA PAC Silent Auction is Open!
Energy Marketers of America Small Business Committee (SBC) PAC Co-Chairs Mike Downs and Tim Keigher would like to thank Philip Chamblee and the Mississippi Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association (MPMCSA), Brian Clark and Kentucky Petroleum Marketers Association (KPMA), and Tim Keigher and the Nebraska Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association (NPCA) for donating items to EMA PAC Auction which will support EMA PAC.
MPMCSA donated a Jerry Can Mini Bar. A perfect addition to your man-cave, home bar or for tailgating. This bespoke jerry can mini bar is constructed of the highest quality, authentic steel and the gas can is available with a poplar wood insert that holds your favorite bourbon, whiskey glasses, and mixer sodas or beers. Our own KPMA state executive and craftsman, Brian Clark, handcrafted this jerry can mini bar. This piece is unique, handmade with expert craftsmanship and built to last.
KPMA donated one bottle of Kentucky Straight Bourbon. The winning bidder will enjoy the Kentucky Petroleum Marketers Association's Signature 100th Anniversary Bourbon from RD One. Specially selected by the KPMA Executive Committee, this limited-edition bottle (750 ml) is Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey finished with sweet cherry wood. Packaged in a custom-made maple presentation box for display. Learn more about the award-winning RD One distilled spirits.
NPCA donated a box of cigars and a bottle of bourbon. The winning bid will enjoy one box of 24 Alec Bradley Magic Toast Toro Natural Cigars, which deliver a medium to full-bodied smoke with a slight natural sweetness, and one bottle of Whistle Pig 15, a subtle and nuanced whiskey.
We want to remind you about our format for the Annual Silent Auction and Raffle. This is our eighth year with C2Auctions. They will organize the EMA PAC Silent Auction during our EMA Day on the Hill Conference. All EMA members are eligible to participate from anywhere in the United States if they download the C2Auction App on their mobile phone. The PAC auction event is now live.
To access the bidding platform:
Text the word EMA to 71760
Click the text message reply link
Follow instructions to complete your registration
Once you have accessed your account, browse all items or search by item name to begin bidding. On each item, you will see various options:
Bid: Bid at the pre-assigned increment
Watch: Clicking "Watch" will put this item in your "My Items" box in the menu for easy access
Set Auto-Bid: Allows you to set a maximum bid. As others bid on this item, the system will automatically increase your bid, up to your maximum bid limit.
As you enter a winning bid or are outbid, you will receive a message alerting you of your status. You will be notified at the end of the Silent Auction if you are a winning bidder!
The Auction will take place in conjunction with EMA’s Washington Conference May 13-15. Auction bidding is now live and will close during the conference on 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! 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.
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.
ASTM Approves Updated Heating Oil Specification to Include Biodiesel Blends Up | Clean Fuels
Don't Mistake Easing Oil Prices for Calm, Analyst Warns | Rigzone
Make America AI-Ready | U.S. Department of Labor
Phillips 66, Kinder Morgan Advance Texas to Arizona Pipeline Project | Rigzone
Federated Insurance Employment Practices Network HR Question of the Month
Federated Insurance’s HR Question of the Month focuses on employment-related practices liability issues. This month’s question is: Bonuses and the FMLA. We are confused about how bonuses work for employees who take leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Can an employee’s FMLA leave be counted against them for their bonus?
As a general matter, employers must be cautious when denying any right to an employee who takes FMLA leave. Employers are prohibited from discriminating or retaliating against an employee or prospective employee for having exercised or attempted to exercise any FMLA right. Employers may not use an employee’s request for or use of FMLA leave as a negative factor in employment actions, such as hiring, promotions or disciplinary actions.
That said, an employer may deny a bonus that is based upon achieving a goal, such as hours worked, products sold or perfect attendance, to an employee who takes FMLA leave (and thus does not achieve the goal) as long as it treats employees taking FMLA leave the same as employees taking non-FMLA leave. For example, if an employer does not deny a perfect attendance bonus to employees using vacation leave, the employer may not deny the bonus to an employee who used vacation leave for an FMLA-qualifying reason.
Additional laws may apply to an employee’s situation, such as other federal, state and/or local laws. Employers are advised to work with local counsel to ensure they comply with all applicable legal requirements. 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®
The Question of the Month is provided by Zywave®, a company wholly independent from Federated Insurance. Federated provides its clients access to this information through the Federated Employment Practices Network with the understanding that neither Federated nor its employees provide legal or employment advice. As such, Federated does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy, or completeness of the information herein. This information may be subject to restrictions and regulations in your state. Consult with your own qualified legal counsel regarding your specific facts and circumstances.