Urge Lawmakers to Support Resolutions to Overturn California Waivers Allowing ICE Bans
Next week, the House of Representatives plans to consider three
Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions to overturn Biden-era rules
granting Clean Air Act waivers to California. The resolutions,
introduced by Reps. John Joyce (R-PA), John James (R-MI), and Jay
Obernolte (R-CA), would overturn the Environmental Protection Agency’s
approval of the Clean Air Act waiver for California's Advanced Clean
Cars (ACC II) rule, along with approved federal waivers for the State's
clean trucks and heavy-duty NOx rules.
The CRA resolutions are strongly supported by EMA. Under the CRA,
Congress is empowered to review “rules” issued by federal agencies,
including EPA, before the rules take effect. Congress may review a rule
for a period of 60 days and then disapprove it using special procedures,
including a joint resolution of disapproval. The EPA transmitted the
three waiver approvals to Congress earlier this year, starting the clock
for review of the waivers by lawmakers. If agreed to by the House and
Senate, the joint resolutions will head to President Trump’s desk for
his signature.
California’s ACC II rule includes a mandate for vehicle manufacturers to
sell increasing percentages of zero-emission vehicles in the State,
beginning in model year 2026, and culminating in a ban on internal
combustion engine-powered vehicles in 2035. To date, 17 states have
adopted portions of California’s light- and heavy-duty vehicle
regulations. By design, California’s ACC II rules operate to reduce the
liquid fuels market by giving preferential treatment to electric
vehicles, thereby injuring energy marketers and others who participate
in the market. EPA’s waivers not only increase vehicle costs but also
increase the costs of goods and the cost of living for American
families.
EMA calls on energy marketers to contact their Representatives and
Senators, urging them to support the CRA resolutions of disapproval for
the California waivers and restoring vehicle choice for all
Americans.
| Click here to Take Action |
Supreme Court Hears EMA’s Legal Challenge Targeting the California Car Mandate
On Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments today on EMA,
American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, and other fuel industry
stakeholders’ challenge to the Biden EPA’s issuance of a Clean Air Act
waiver, authorizing California to implement its Advanced Clean Cars I
(ACC I) rule. Court observers feel it is likely that the high court will
remand the case to the D.C. Circuit to consider the groups’ challenge to
the federal waiver on the merits. A ruling from the Court is expected by
the end of June.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for D.C. Circuit had tossed out the energy
petitioners challenge to the granting of the ACC I waiver, holding that
the fuel producers and energy marketers did not have standing to bring
their case because the automakers make their compliance plans and
decisions years in advance and overturning the waiver would not redress
or provide them with meaningful relief. Under ACC I, California was
accelerating the move to electric vehicles in the State through model
year 2025. The Supreme Court agreed to hear only the standing issue and
not the merits of EPA’s waiver.
During today’s oral argument, several Justices signaled interest in the
energy groups’ claims, particularly in light of both sides acknowledging
that the D.C. Circuit misinterpreted the federal waiver as applying only
through model year 2025, when in fact its effects may extend
indefinitely. However, the Court expressed caution about establishing a
broad new legal standard for industry standing. If the Supreme Court
determines that the harms asserted by the energy groups can be
redressed, it will send the case back to the D.C. Circuit for further
proceedings. The Trump administration also can rescind the ACC I waiver
through a rulemaking.
“EMA is optimistic that the Court will recognize that the aggressive
constraints on the liquid fuels market imposed by EPA and California are
redressable and that energy marketers have standing to challenge
tailpipe emissions standards being used to mandate EVs,” said EMA
President Rob Underwood. “After all, EV enthusiasm is clearly dwindling,
and California is relying on this unlawful regulatory action to force
electrification.” “We have simply asked the Court to step in to preserve
consumer choice and ensure that all forms of energy are treated equally,
which will guarantee that small business energy marketers can continue
to sell American-made fuels in the future,” Underwood added.
CVSA’s Annual Roadcheck Will Focus on HOS Compliance
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) will conduct its annual International Roadcheck from May 13 to May 15 across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, focusing on compliance with regulations regarding driver hours-of-service (HOS) records and vehicle tire conditions. During this three-day initiative, law enforcement officials will inspect commercial motor vehicles and drivers at various locations, including weigh stations and mobile patrols, using primarily the North American Standard Level I Inspection—which covers both driver credentials and vehicle mechanical fitness.
This year’s inspection will closely examine the driver’s record of duty status (RODS) to ensure accurate reporting and compliance with HOS rules. Drivers found with deficient logs may be placed out of service. Additionally, inspectors will check the driver’s documents, commercial driver license, medical examiner’s certificate, skill performance compliance certificate, U.S. Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse status, among others. On the vehicle side, inspectors ensure compliance with applicable regulations regarding brake systems, cargo securement, fuel and exhaust systems, etc. This year, the inspection will pay special attention to tire integrity—checking tread depth, inflation, and damage such as leaks or bulges.
Inspectors may conduct alternative inspections (Levels II or III) under special circumstances like bad weather.
Learn more about CVSA’s Roadcheck here.
More Items for EMA PAC Silent Auction!
EMA Small Business Committee (SBC) PAC Co-Chairs Mike Downs
and Tim Keigher would like to thank Kris DeLair and Empire State Energy
Association, Inc., for donating a Mejuri Pavé Diamond Evil Eye Bracelet and
Emily LeRoy and Tennessee Fuel & Convenience Store Association for donating a
Judith Bright Cuff Bracelet.
The evil eye symbol represents a multitude
of cultural traditions, said to ward off envy and evil by bending it back on the
bestower. Now, you can carry it with you every day.
Mejuri’s pieces are
handcrafted from precious materials like solid gold, sterling silver, and
diamonds—never brass or steel—so you can wear them with confidence.
Judith Bright is committed to creating unique artisanal jewelry that is both
heirloom-quality and affordable. Sculpting each piece by hand in their studio,
they are able to deliver meticulous craftsmanship and the opportunity for
customization within their line of designs. In this way, they bring a
conscientiousness and a sense of meaning to each piece of jewelry they create.
Authenticity, accountability, and kindness are the touchstones of everything
they do, from how they treat their customers to how they treat each other.
This is a beautiful 3-stone cuff bracelet. Due to the one-of-a-kind nature
of gemstones, their appearance may vary to some degree. Each piece is handmade;
therefore, any slight imperfections or flaws are something to embrace as it
makes the piece uniquely yours.
Full color, full styling, full creativity,
and full fun!
The Auction will take place in conjunction with EMA’s
Washington Conference May 14-16. Auction bidding will begin April 14 and will
close during the conference on May 16 at 9:00 am. The auction items will be
displayed at the Welcome Reception on May 14. Last year, there was tremendous
support in auction contributions and 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 to the EMA SBC PAC Silent Auction or the MDF Fall Auction, please click here or contact Sabrina Pitcher at 703-351-8000.
Congress is approaching the starting line of a May
legislative sprint as House and Senate leaders continue to work behind the
scenes on Republicans’ tax and spending bill, reportedly named the Renewing the
American Dream Act.
Details of the House’s version of Republicans’
multi-trillion reconciliation bill are expected to be released in the coming
days as House Committees plan to begin marking up portions of the bill next
week. The House Armed Services, Education & Workforce, Judiciary, Homeland
Security, Oversight, and Transportation & Infrastructure Committees are expected
to begin marking up reconciliation legislation next week, while the House Energy
& Commerce and Ways & Means Committees will hold markups later in May.
House leaders are optimistic that the House will consider a reconciliation
package on the House floor the week of May 19 prior to the Memorial Day recess.
If the House is successful in moving the reconciliation bill by Memorial Day,
the Senate is expected to consider its own reconciliation package in June,
leaving July to resolve differences between the House and Senate proposals. This
effectively makes the traditional August congressional recess the deadline to
send a reconciliation bill to the President’s desk.
Further details of
Republicans’ tax policy proposals remain close hold. However, despite reports
that the White House and key Members of Congress have considered allowing an
increase in the top income tax rate on high earners as a potential offset for
other Republican tax priorities, President Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson
effectively neutralized those rumors this week, with President Trump telling
reporters that the tax hike would be “very disruptive.”
The Trump
Administration also continues to take action on President Trump’s trade and
tariff agenda. This week, the Trump Administration announced two new trade
investigations focused on the national security impacts of critical minerals and
truck imports. These investigations may serve as the basis for future tariff
actions on those imports. Meanwhile, President Trump is reportedly considering
further exemptions to previously implemented tariffs to provide relief to
certain sectors, including exemptions for car parts from certain tariffs on
China.
HHS, FDA to Phase Out Petroleum-Based Synthetic Dyes in Nation’s Food Supply | U.S. Food & Drug
Philip Morris Stock at Record High as Zyn Powers Profits | The Wall Street Journal
Texas may ban THC products just a few years after legalization started a big business | NPR
Federated Insurance® is excited to formally invite business owners in the petroleum industries to attend our complimentary 2˝ -Day Risk Management Academy (RMA) offerings from May 20-22, 2025. Led by risk management professionals, this session will be held at Federated®'s Home Office in Owatonna, Minnesota.
Often, business owners may find themselves so busy in the day-to-day workings of their company that they may have less time to focus on the overall safety of their business. The RMA sessions can help owners in the petroleum industry learn how to prevent losses impacting their bottom line by developing risk management best practices, connecting with industry peers facing similar challenges and insurance professionals who are committed to helping owners, and applying what is learned to make a difference at their businesses.
Key Agenda Items:
Developing a risk management culture
Learning the importance of risk management for businesses
Advantages of using Federated DriveSAFE℠ Telematics
Evaluating workers compensation risks
Focusing on business succession and employee retention
Building a culture of workplace safety starts with business leaders. Learn more and register now to attend this valuable 2˝-Day RMA to help take risk management to the next level. To reserve your spot in the upcoming session, or for more information, please contact FederatedRMA@fedins.com or please reach out to your Federated regional representative or EMA’s National Account Executive Jack West at 262.719.7750. Federated is a Partner in EMA’s Board of Directors Council.
At Federated Insurance, It’s Our Business to Protect Yours®
Founded in 1904, Federated Insurance is a national insurance and risk management organization that serves the property, casualty, and life insurance needs of clients in select industries. The organization has 500+ recommendations from state, regional, and national associations and buying groups and is rated A+ (Superior) by industry analyst A.M. Best®.
EMA Platinum Partner Spotlight Featuring: Meridian
Associates, Inc.
Push, Pull, Prod – Time to Stop! By Betsi Bixby
Talk to any business owner right now for at least 5 minutes and my educated guess is you’ll hear a time frustration indicator, something about them feeling pushed, pulled, or prodded. Typical phrases include:
I wish I could be in two places
I meant to do that
I didn’t have time for that
I get to the end of the day and still have my list barely half done
I feel like I have to…
If I could just clone myself, I’d get it all done
This talk has become commonplace. People globally, in all types of positions from laborers to CEOs, are feeling pushed, pulled, prodded and, may I dare say, just a little bit out of control? This leads to undue stress, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and short tempers. As a leader of your company, is this the state you want to be in for major or even daily critical decisions?
Click here to read this article in its entirety.
To learn more about EMA’s Corporate Platinum Partner, Meridian Associates, please visit or contact them at 817-594-0546.