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 (Sold out), Wednesday night (2 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 |
The EPA announced on March 25, that it will issue temporary emergency fuel waivers under the Clean Air Act to create a single national gasoline pool containing 9–15% ethanol (E10–E15) at a uniform 10.0 psi Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP). These actions are intended to address fuel supply circumstances resulting from military operations in the Persian Gulf and reduced U.S. refining capacity. The waivers, which are effective May 1 for wholesale and June 1 for retail, will be issued in 20-day increments with the intention of renewing them through the end of the summer driving season on September 15. The 2026 emergency plan consists of four interlocking components designed to remove regulatory impediments to a uniform fuel pool. Specifically, the waivers lift summer restrictions on E15, effectively allowing it to be sold year-round at the 10.0 psi standard. They also temporarily reverse E10 opt-out decisions in seven Midwest states (IL, IA, MN, MO, NE, SD, and WI) and suspend federal low-volatility RVP requirements in non-attainment and boutique fuel areas, raising those standards to the common 10.0 psi level. Finally, the EPA has waived federal enforcement of state-specific boutique fuel requirements codified in State Implementation Plans (SIPs).
A significant compliance risk for marketers is that federal waivers do not automatically preempt state enforcement authority. While federal enforcement is suspended, states retain the legal right to enforce their own fuel standards independently. Consequently, marketers must confirm whether their specific state has issued its own waiver, announced enforcement discretion, or taken action regarding ASTM D4814 specifications, which over 40 states have codified into law. States that adopt federal standards by reference may receive automatic relief, but those with independently codified boutique programs or unique RVP rules will likely require affirmative state-level action. For marketers choosing to offer E15, several downstream compliance obligations are triggered. These include notifying state Underground Storage Tank (UST) programs of the product change and ensuring that all UST system equipment is compatible with higher ethanol blends. Marketers must also update dispenser labeling with the federally required orange "E15" label and continue to comply with state fuel quality and consumer protection laws. Recommended immediate actions include contacting state regulatory agencies to confirm their enforcement posture and monitoring for the 20-day EPA renewal announcements to avoid gaps in coverage.
Meanwhile, a coalition of national and state energy organizations, including EMA, urged Congressional leadership to support the “Bolstering the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve Act” (H.R. 6933). This bipartisan legislation, introduced by Reps. Chris Pappas (D-NH) and Mike Lawler (R-NY), serves as an alternative to the Administration's proposal to eliminate the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve (NEHHOR). The coalition argues that the reserve is a vital safeguard against supply disruptions in a region that accounts for over 80 percent of the nation's residential heating oil consumption. Because the Northeast is geographically distant from major refining centers and relies on long-distance deliveries, even brief disruptions can have severe consequences for residents and businesses.
The organizations emphasized that recent extreme winter weather and global market volatility, specifically ongoing conflict in the Persian Gulf, underscore the continued necessity of a reliable fuel supply. They argue that maintaining the NEHHOR is essential for regional and national energy security. Rather than closing the reserve for short-term budget savings, the coalition supports the bill's requirement for a 180-day strategic review. This review would evaluate the reserve's long-term role, its optimal capacity and location, and the resources needed to ensure its continued effectiveness. Furthermore, the coalition suggests that the Department of Energy should consider restoring the reserve to its original capacity of two million barrels, up from its current one million barrels. They point out that while residential heating oil use has declined, the transition to ultra-low sulfur distillate has expanded the reserve's potential applications, making a larger volume of fuel beneficial for extending relief during disruptions. The coalition concludes by affirming the readiness of these organizations to participate in the review process to protect the heating fuel delivery businesses and the consumers they serve.
In other news, the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce has issued a subpoena to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) due to the agency's alleged refusal to provide documents for a congressional investigation. This probe focuses on California's Clean Air Act policies and reports that CARB continued to enforce EV mandates on auto manufacturers despite these mandates being nullified by bipartisan Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions signed into law in June 2025. Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie (R- KY) stated that the subpoena was necessary because California’s lack of cooperation left the committee with "no choice" in order to obtain the requested records. While CARB has produced roughly 6,400 pages of material over the past seven months, the committee claims that many of these documents are duplicates or near-duplicates of previously provided information. Furthermore, CARB is accused of stalling or refusing to produce specific communications between itself and the California Governor's Office and the California Attorney General's office. Guthrie highlighted broader concerns regarding fossil fuel phase-outs, arguing that forcing a transition to electric vehicles could strain the electric grid, increase costs for Americans, and heighten reliance on entities tied to the Chinese Communist Party.
Finally, Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune have initiated a plan to end the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown by moving a funding bill that excludes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This strategy, influenced by a Truth Social post from Trump, aims to address the two border agencies separately through budget reconciliation. While the Senate is moving forward with the funding bill, House leadership faces internal resistance from rank-and-file members who oppose the measure, potentially delaying a final vote until mid-April. This legislative schedule is further pressured by an upcoming deadline for FISA reauthorization and Trump’s demand that the final reconciliation package be on his desk by June 1. The proposed reconciliation bill represents a significant legislative gamble, seeking to lock in three years of funding for ICE and CBP at a cost of $45 billion to $75 billion. Republicans believe this move will bypass Democratic opposition and place the agencies on "autopilot" through 2029, even if the GOP loses control of Congress in the upcoming midterms. Beyond securing funds, the plan aims to strip away a decade of policy riders that impact these agencies. However, the process faces internal friction; while leadership and the White House prefer a narrow focus on border funding, many rank-and-file Republicans hope to expand the bill to include health care reform, election grants via the SAVE America Act, increased defense spending, or cuts to social safety-net programs.
More Than Ever, Strong Cybersecurity is Imperative for Marketers
What petroleum marketers do every day is vital for our country, and what marketers do in preparation for and response to a disaster is critical. Marketers should be extremely proud of the role you play in serving and defending America.
Because you are critical, you are also a target for those who wish to harm this country. This is truer today than it has ever been, and EMA urges you to defend your businesses by paying particular attention to your physical infrastructure and continuing to set up strong cybersecurity roadblocks against cyber-attacks.
For up-to-date information and resources, go to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) website at Home Page | CISA.
To sign up to receive alerts and advisories, go to Cybersecurity Alerts & Advisories | CISA. Alerts provide information about current security issues, vulnerabilities, and exploits.
For more information and resources specifically for Small and Medium-sized businesses, visit Small and Medium Businesses | Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency CISA
For an extensive selection of no cost cybersecurity services and tools provided by the private and public sector to help organizations further advance their security capabilities go to No-Cost Cybersecurity Services & Tools | CISA.
Finally, see CISA’s Shields Up! Program that recommends that all organizations adopt a heightened posture when it comes to cybersecurity and provides recommended actions at Shields Up | CISA.
THANK YOU TO EMA’s Partner Sponsors for the Washington Conference!
EMA wants to give a huge THANK YOU to our EMA Board of Directors Council and Executive Committee Council Corporate Partner Sponsors: Federated Insurance, Reynolds American Inc., Marathon Petroleum Company LP, Philip Morris International, Valero Energy Corporation, Citgo Petroleum Corporation, ExxonMobil, Chevron, HF Sinclair, BP Products North America, and Shell Oil Products! A special THANK You to our Elite Sponsors for this meeting only: Spirit Petroleum and Meridian Associates!
EMA and the Fuel Iowa want to extend a special THANK YOU to Federated Insurance and BP Products North America, Inc. for the Reception honoring 2026 EMA Chair Glenn Hasken.
We appreciate the loyalty and support of each of our EMA Corporate Partners and their continuous commitment to the energy sector. For more information on our Partner Programs, please contact Rob Underwood.
The EMA MDF will hold a raffle during the Washington, DC May 13-15 conference. The winner will be identified on May 15, and the winner does not have to be present to win. If you are not attending the conference and you are the raffle winner, you will be notified the week following the May drawing.
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The proceeds of the raffle will benefit the EMA MDF. Tickets are $25 each or five for $100. Advanced tickets are available until May 12. Ticket sales will continue at EMA’s conference in Washington, DC until the drawing on May 15. Tickets can be purchased with personal or corporate funds by MasterCard, VISA, American Express, cash or check (checks should be made out to the Energy Marketers of America Marketer Defense Fund). You can donate online by clicking here.
To purchase tickets before May 13, please email completed MDF Raffle form to Sabrina Pitcher so that we can place your name on a raffle ticket.
March 2026 Contributors to EMA MDF
EMA’s Marketer Defense Fund (MDF) committee wants to thank the following individuals for their MDF contributions during the March 1-31, 2026 timeframe:
Arkansas:
Steve Turner, Petromark, Inc.
California:
Steve Lopes, Western States Oil Company
Connecticut:
Richard Bologna, Westmore Fuel Company, Inc.
Kentucky:
Jeff Lykins, Lykins Companies
Maryland:
Mindy Beaver, A.C. & T. Company, Inc.
Mississippi:
Jim Lipscomb, Lipscomb Oil Company
Eric Prince, Prince Oil Company, Inc.
Oklahoma:
Alex Williams, Jiffy Trip
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.
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Federated Insurance Risk Management Academy Complimentary
Webinar
Buckle Up for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
(CVSA) Roadcheck
Thursday, April 16, 2026, 2:00 PM Eastern
Time
This webinar will provide an overview of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA)
International Roadcheck, scheduled for May 12–14, 2026. Fleet
managers and business owners will learn key information about the
largest targeted commercial motor vehicle enforcement
program in North America.
The CVSA-led presentation outlines common violations and areas of focus to help you understand what inspectors may look for during this event.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
An overview of the CVSA Roadcheck and its purpose.
A review of the 2025 focus areas, including tire safety and false records of duty status.
The most common out-of-service violations found during past inspections.
The importance of pre-trip inspections, electronics logging device (ELD) usage, and proper documentation.
Click here to Register Today!
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Business Owners/Operators
Risk Managers
Operations Managers
HR Professionals
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®