Issuu

THE VOICE AND RESOURCE FOR IOWA’S FUEL INDUSTRY

SUMMERFEST 2026

pg. 4

FUELIOWA ANNUAL MEETING RECAP

pg. 8

ZACH LAHN MEETS WITH FUELIOWA

pg. 12

VOLUME 81, NO.4 2026 JUL / AUG

F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

FE A TUR E S

ON THE COVER

SUMMERFEST 2026

FUELIOWA ANNUAL MEETING RECAP

ZACH LAHN MEETS WITH FUELIOWA

SUMMERFEST 2026

IN TH IS IS S UE 11

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

THE PETROLEUM REVOLUTION

INSIDE THE BELTWAY

WHAT' S I N THI S I S S UE

Gary

This issue of FUELIowa Magazine is all about momentum—and where we go from here. We recap another successful SUMMERFEST in Okoboji, where members came together for our Annual Meeting, networking, golf, bags and a tremendous show of support for the FUELIowa PAC. I also share a closer look at the priorities that came out of our Annual Meeting, including continued investment in advocacy, new member services, technology and a reimagined FUELIowa.com as we position the association for the future. John Maynes covers his conversation with gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn as well as important regulatory and government affairs issues impacting our industry, while Jim Ewing continues his look at 250 years of liquid fuels and their role in powering America. And as we look toward the end of the year, Sarah Bowman previews our December Regional Roundtables in Council Bluffs, Carroll, Dubuque, and Riverside. After record attendance last year, we hope even more members will join us to share what they are seeing in their businesses and help shape

10430 New York Ave Suite F Urbandale, IA 50322 p (515) 224-7545 f (515) 224-0502 info@FUELIowa.com www.FUELIowa.com 2

FUELIowa’s priorities for 2027. Together, We FUELIowa! Gary

M E S S A G E FROM THE C HAIR Dear FUELIowa Members, Thank you to everyone who joined us in Okoboji for SUMMERFEST 2026. We had record attendance and excellent support for the FUELIowa PAC. From our Annual Meeting and industry conversations to golf, bags tournament and the silent auction, it was another great reminder of what makes FUELIowa strong - our members and the relationships that bring our industry together. Those conversations are more than an opportunity to connect. They help guide the work we do on your behalf. To that point, this fall we will be reaching out to many of you to serve on various committees that shape our strategic direction and in December we will host our Annual Regional Roundtable meetings. Our committees and regional roundtables allow members to share what is happening in their

EXECUTIVE COM M I TTEE Nate Lincoln Chair Lincoln Farm & Home Service LLC Glenwood 712-527-4833 Jason Stauffer Vice Chair NEW CENTURY FS Ames, 515-370-3127

businesses, identify common challenges and discuss where FUELIowa should focus its efforts. Those discussions help us build consensus around our priorities. When we agree on what matters most, FUELIowa can take a clear, unified message to policymakers, and speak with one strong voice. We’ve seen how successful that approach can be. This past year, FUELIowa helped defeat an effort to index the motor fuel taxes to inflation, protected retailers from a cigarette tax increase and secured

Dennis Jaeger Treasurer Molo Companies Dubuque 515-845-8359

lower-than-proposed taxes on nicotine and vapor products. We also celebrated a landmark Iowa Supreme Court victory exempting aboveground storage tanks from property taxes, saving the industry millions each year. This December, our Regional Roundtables return to Council Bluffs, Carroll, Dubuque, and Riverside. Last year’s meetings saw record attendance, and I hope you’ll join us again.

Tessa Anderson Past Chair Rainbo Oil Dubuque 563 - 526-1179

Bring your questions, concerns, and ideas. The conversations we have today help determine the priorities we pursue and the successes we celebrate tomorrow.

Together we FUELIowa

Nate BOA RD O F D I R E C T O R S Chad Besch Director NEW Cooperative Algona | 515-295-2741

Dave Reif Director Reif Oil Company Burlington | 319-750-5405

Nate Stumpf Director HTP Energy Onalaska, WI | 608-779-6624

Don Burd Director Otter Creek Country Store Cedar Rapids | 319-533-1825

Scott Richardson Director Key Cooperative Roland | 515-291-0623

Kathy Gunlock Associate Director Core-Mark / Farner-Bocken Carroll | 531-777-6104

Brett Kimmes Director Kimmes Country Stores Carroll | 712-775-2202

Inder Singh Director Brew Oil LLC Storm Lake | 712-299-0838

Cara Ingle Associate Director Unified Contracting Services Des Moines | 515-266-5700

Keith Olsen Director Olsen Fuel Supply Atlantic | 712-243-2340

Cody Staab Director Casey’s General Stores Ankeny | 515-381-5815

Kyle May Associate Director Reynolds American Winston Salem, NC | 828-291-9049

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Ed Rogers Associate Director Midwest Petroleum Equipment Des Moines | 515-491-9891

SUMMERFEST 2026 Good Times, Great Connections and a Stronger Industry

By Sarah Bowman Director, Communications & Events FUELIowa

FUELIowa members once again proved that some of the best conversations happen when we step away from the office, head to Okoboji and spend a little time together. SUMMERFEST 2026 brought members, industry partners and friends to the Iowa Great Lakes August 6–7 for two days of business, networking, friendly competition and plenty of fun. From the Annual Meeting and industry conversations to bags, golf, the silent auction and a lot of laughter in between, this year's event was another great reminder of what makes the FUELIowa community special. The event kicked off Thursday at Bridges Bay Resort, where members gathered for FUELIowa's Annual Meeting before transitioning into an evening designed for catching up and making connections. After dinner, comedian Brendan Eyre kept the room laughing before teams headed outside for the annual bags tournament.

The annual SUMMERFEST Bags Tournament brought out plenty of friendly competition Thursday evening as teams battled for cash prizes, bragging rights and, most importantly, the coveted championship belts. Members lined the boards to cheer on their favorites as the field narrowed, with $500 and the belts going to the champions – Team Siouxland Trailer! The tournament has quickly become a SUMMERFEST favorite, giving everyone a chance to have some fun, talk a little trash and spend time together outside of the meeting room. Earlier Thursday, FUELIowa's Board of Directors and industry leaders also had the opportunity to meet with Iowa gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn (see page 12 for John Maynes article). Conversations like these are an important part of FUELIowa's mission—giving Iowa's fuel and convenience industry an opportunity to share its perspective directly with those seeking to lead our state.

The SUMMERFEST silent auction was another highlight of the event. Members and industry partners donated an impressive lineup of packages, experiences, tickets and merchandise, while attendees generously opened their wallets to support the FUELIowa PAC. SUMMERFEST is FUELIowa's largest PAC fundraising event of the year, and that support helps ensure our industry continues to have a strong voice in conversations that impact Iowa businesses.

Of course, none of it happens without the people behind it.

Friday morning, attention turned to Brooks Golf Club, where golfers hit the course for the annual SUMMERFEST golf tournament. Despite Mother Nature making her presence known, teams enjoyed another memorable morning of competition and camaraderie. For those who weren't golfing, SUMMERFEST offered the opportunity to enjoy one of Okoboji's most iconic attractions, Arnolds Park. Congratulations to team Yant Equipment for securing the trophy for 2026!

Events like SUMMERFEST are about more than a couple of days away from the office. They're about strengthening relationships across Iowa's fuel and convenience industry. They're about bringing competitors, suppliers, retailers and partners together as colleagues and friends. And they're about supporting the advocacy work that protects and strengthens our industry throughout the year.

FUELIowa extends a sincere thank you to our sponsors, silent auction donors, Board of Directors, and everyone who attended SUMMERFEST 2026. Whether you sponsored an event, donated an auction item, placed a bid, played a round of golf, tossed a bag or simply took the time to connect with another member, you helped make the event a success.

Thank you for making SUMMERFEST 2026 one to remember. Together, we FUELIowa.

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FUELIowa Annual Meeting Recap Investing in Our Members and Our Future

By Gary Koerner CEO, FUELIowa

Annual Meeting discussions at Summerfest highlight FUELIowa’s strategic priorities for the year ahead. One of my favorite things about Summerfest is that it gives us a chance to do two things at once. We get to enjoy some time together, catch up with old friends, make some new ones and celebrate what makes FUELIowa special. But with our Board of Directors gathered in one place, it is also an opportunity to look ahead. And this year, there was a lot to talk about. As part of our annual meeting in Okoboji, the Board approved FUELIowa’s 2026–2027 budget and spent considerable time discussing our strategic priorities for the coming year and beyond. If there was one theme that emerged from those conversations, it was this:

FUELIowa is in a position to invest in the future. 8

That doesn't mean spending money simply because we have it. Far from it. We continue to believe strongly in being good stewards of the resources entrusted to us by our members. But good stewardship also means recognizing when it is time to invest.

Advocacy Remains Job One

It should surprise absolutely no one that government affairs remains at the top of our priority list. Our industry continues to face an increasingly complicated legislative and regulatory environment. Fuel taxes, credit card swipe fees, biofuels policy, environmental regulations and dozens of other issues can have a very real impact on your businesses. We intend to make sure FUELIowa continues to have a strong voice in those conversations. That means investing in our lobbying and advocacy efforts, strengthening our grassroots capabilities, supporting industry coalitions when appropriate and making sure policymakers understand the realworld consequences their decisions have on Iowa fuel marketers, convenience stores and the customers we serve. It also means preparing for the issues that are coming next—not simply reacting after they arrive.

Advocacy remains at the heart of what we do. When decisions are being made that affect your business, FUELIowa needs to be in the room.

Building New Member Services Some of our most exciting

discussions centered around expanding the services we can provide members. FUELAlliance is an important part of that strategy. Our newly created company is now positioned to house FUELIowa's insurance, safety and regulatory programs. That creates an entirely new platform from which we can build services that help members manage risk, improve safety, remain compliant and potentially lower their cost of doing business. One of the first examples is Safety & Compliance 360, an initiative suggested by one of our committees who were discussing how FUELIowa can provide a more comprehensive approach to safety and compliance. At the same time, we are exploring the opportunity to dramatically expand our drug and alcohol testing program. What has traditionally been a FUELIowa member service could potentially become part of a much larger platform capable of

There is still much work to do, but the possibilities are exciting.

Our goal is not to create programs simply for the sake of having more programs. We want to build services that solve real problems for our members.

Reinventing FUELIowa.com

Another major priority is something members will eventually see every day: a completely reimagined FUELIowa website and digital experience. We aren't interested in simply putting a fresh coat of paint on the existing website. Our goal is to create a much more useful digital home for FUELIowa— one that makes it easier to register for events, access programs and services, find industry information, connect with vendors and take advantage of everything your membership provides. That includes a modern event registration experience and a new digital version of this magazine. Eventually, we envision transitioning FUELIowa Magazine from a traditional printed publication to a much richer digital experience. That will allow us to provide more timely content, incorporate video and interactive features, connect readers directly with additional resources and substantially reduce printing and mailing costs.

serving customers well beyond Iowa. F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

The objective isn't simply to become more digital. It is to make FUELIowa easier to do business with.

Technology— and AI—Will Be Part of the Equation

In addition to our new website, we also spent time talking much more broadly about technology and the infrastructure needs of our association. Artificial intelligence is going to change virtually every organization and every industry. FUELIowa will be no exception. We are beginning to look at how AI can strengthen our advocacy work, improve communications, help us better analyze legislative and regulatory information, support member service and make our staff more efficient. We are also looking at less glamorous—but equally important— technology improvements. That includes improving our billing and payment systems so interacting with FUELIowa and our affiliated programs becomes simpler and more seamless. Technology should reduce friction, not create it. That will be an important measuring stick as we make these investments.

Thinking Beyond Traditional Association Programs

staff have worked hard to build a financially sound organization while also developing successful programs and affiliated businesses. That foundation gives us the ability to think longer-term and make strategic investments without losing sight of fiscal responsibility.

Perhaps what I enjoyed most about our strategic discussion was that we

I believe that is exactly what a healthy

weren't limiting ourselves to what

association should do.

FUELIowa has traditionally done. We should protect what our members We talked about insurance.

have built. We should continue doing

Safety. Compliance. Technology.

the things that have made FUELIowa

Advocacy. Marketing. New business

successful for decades. But we also

opportunities. And even ways we

shouldn't be afraid to evolve.

might better serve the food and beverage side of our convenience-

Our members' businesses are changing.

store members' businesses over the

Technology is changing. Government

long-term.

is changing. The convenience-store industry is changing.

Not every idea discussed will ultimately become a program.

FUELIowa needs to change with them.

Nor should it. As we head into 2027, I am excited Part of good strategic planning

about where we are—and even more

is putting ideas on the table,

excited about where we can go.

challenging them, determining whether they truly create

You will hear much more about these

member value and then investing

initiatives in the months ahead. Some

aggressively in the ones that do.

will move quickly. Others will require additional research and development.

The question we will continue asking is simple: “Does this create meaningful value for FUELIowa members?”

And there will undoubtedly be new ideas that emerge along the way. That's exactly how it should work. Because ultimately, our strategic plan

A Strong Foundation— and an Exciting Future There is one other reason we can have these conversations. FUELIowa is fortunate to be operating from a position of strength.

Over the years, our Board and

isn't about a website, an insurance program, artificial intelligence or any single initiative.

It is about building the FUELIowa our members will need five and ten years from now. And that is an investment worth making.

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Zach Lahn Meets with FUELIowa Board Members at Summerfest Event in Okoboji

By John Maynes, President, Government Affairs, FUELIowa

Iowa Republican gubernatorial nominee Zach Lahn met with members of the FUELIowa Board of Directors during FUELIowa’s annual Summerfest event at Bridges Bay Resort in Lake Okoboji, providing an opportunity for FUELIowa leaders and the GOP gubernatorial candidate to discuss the issues facing Iowa small businesses, consumers and communities. The meeting brought Lahn together with representatives of Iowa’s fuel and convenience industry in an informal roundtable setting designed to encourage open dialogue and relationshipbuilding between Mr. Lahn and the small business fuel marketers who link Iowa's rural fuel distribution network. FUELIowa’s SUMMERFEST has long served as an opportunity for members, business leaders, and policymakers to connect

12 12

outside the traditional confines

continued to distinguish himself

interaction was evident as Lahn

of the Capitol and talk about the

from establishment Republican

engaged the FUELIowa Board

issues affecting Iowa businesses,

candidates by emphasizing

of Directors. Meetings like the

consumers, and Iowa’s economy.

his Iowa first message and

one between Mr. Lahn and the

distancing himself from the allure

FUELIowa Board of Directors

For Mr. Lahn, the meeting comes

of corporate influence which

give candidates an opportunity

as he prepares for the November

has controlled Iowa policy of

to hear directly from small

general election after securing

late.

business owners and industry representatives whose day-to-

the Republican nomination for governor in a closely contested June primary. Lahn, a businessman, farmer, and family man, defeated

Rest assured, Mr. Lahn is no fan of government mandates.

day experiences can provide a different perspective than the echo chamber of party officials, consultants, and lobbyists.

four other Republican candidates in the June primary and will face

Mr. Lahn's Iowa first message

Democratic nominee and State

intersects with the concerns

As Iowa's gubernatorial race

Auditor Rob Sand in the November

of Iowa’s fuel industry, which

heads toward the November

general election. The race has

occupies an important place in

election, conversations between

drawn significant attention locally

the state’s transportation and

candidates and industry leaders

and nationally as Republicans

agricultural economy, while

will remain important. Decisions

seek to retain the governor’s office

small business fuel marketers

made by the next governor

following Gov. Kim Reynolds’

and retailers serve as the fabric

and legislature will influence

decision not to seek a third

of Iowa's rural fuel distribution

the regulatory and economic

consecutive term.

network. Fuel retailers and

environment in which Iowa

distributors operate at the

businesses operate.

Lahn’s campaign has emphasized

intersection of energy costs,

what he calls an “Iowa First”

transportation, agriculture,

By meeting with the FUELIowa

approach, with a focus on issues

environmental regulations,

Board of Directors at

impacting Iowa in lieu of what

taxation and consumer

Summerfest, Lahn had an

he calls bumper sticker politics

demand, all of which are front

opportunity to listen to the

focused on issues which are not

of mind for Iowans. For industry

people working within one

front of mind for most Iowans.

leaders, discussions like the one

of Iowa’s essential industries

Lahn's Iowa first approach is

with Mr. Lahn at Summerfest

while introducing himself and

centered on rural Iowa, including

provide an opportunity to

his campaign priorities to small

keeping young Iowans home,

discuss how state policy

business energy leaders from

preservation of Iowa's family farms,

decisions affect businesses

across the state. Against the

education, and Iowa's first in the

operating in rural communities

backdrop of Lake Okoboji,

nation cancer rates.

throughout Iowa.

the gathering underscored the value of direct dialogue

A staple within Lahn's Iowa

The Summerfest gathering also

between Iowa’s political

first message is reducing the

reflects FUELIowa’s longstanding

candidates and the businesses

influence of large corporations

emphasis on bringing members

that fuel Iowa's economy.

on Iowa policy, a position in stark

together for informal policy

contrast to what Iowan’s have

discussions and peer to peer

experienced in recent years. In his

networking. The combination

meeting with FUELIowa, Mr. Lahn

of policy and personal

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IOWA’S VAPOR PRODUCTS DIRECTORY: WHAT RETAILERS, MANUFACTURERS AND CONSUMERS NEED TO KNOW HARBOR DEADLINE By John Maynes, President, Government Affairs, FUELIowa

For Iowa’s vape industry stakeholders, regulatory change has been sparse and regulatory oversight virtually non-existent. Created through House File 2677 during the 2024 legislative session,

House File 2677 became law in 2024 and directed the Iowa Department of Revenue to establish and maintain a Vapor Products Directory. Under the legislation, products qualify for

and competitive balance for manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers alike.

What the directory signifies for manufacturers

inclusion if the manufacturer

Manufacturers have a central

has received federal marketing

role in the system. Under HF 2677,

designed to establish a state-level

authorization for the product

manufacturers are required to

system for determining which vapor

from the U.S. Food and Drug

certify their vapor products with the

products could legally be sold or

Administration, or if the product

Iowa Department of Revenue. The

distributed in Iowa.

falls within a specific category

certification process is intended to

of products that were already

establish that each listed product

on the U.S. market and had a

satisfies the statutory eligibility

qualifying premarket tobacco

standards.

Iowa’s Vapor Products Directory was

The basic concept is straightforward, rather than allowing every vapor product on the market to be sold in Iowa, whether approved through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or not, the state created a publicly accessible list of products that meet state specific requirements.

product application pending with the FDA.

Manufacturers must submit initial and annual certification

The Iowa Department of Revenue

information and provide

initially planned to make the

documentation relating to the

directory publicly available

product's federal regulatory status.

January 2, 2025, with enforcement

They are also required to notify the

scheduled to begin February 3.

state when relevant circumstances

The implications, however, are

The department issued guidance

change. That can include

much broader. The law affects

explaining the responsibilities

changes in FDA authorization or

manufacturers, distributors,

of manufacturers, distributors,

other developments that affect a

wholesalers, retailers and, ultimately,

wholesalers and retailers.

product's eligibility.

The directory therefore was

The law also gives the Department

not intended simply to be an

of Revenue unilateral authority

informational database. It

to remove products from the

was created as a transparent

directory when they no longer

regulatory mechanism for

meet the requirements. When

determining which vapor

a product is removed, retailers,

products could legally enter

distributors and wholesalers must

Iowa's commercial market

be notified electronically. Retailers,

and provide transparency

distributors, and wholesalers then

consumers.

How the directory came about

have 21 business days to remove

periodically checking official

with the establishment and

the affected product from inventory

state information will therefore

enforcement of the vapor products

and return it to the manufacturer

become an important part

directory. The court concluded that

for disposal. After that period, the

of regulatory compliance.

the law impermissibly intruded on

statute provides that the products

Retailers will need to be diligent

federal authority under the federal

can become contraband subject to

in checking the directory for

Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act,

seizure, forfeiture and destruction.

updates and the Department

while leaving other portions of the

of Revenue has provided

law in effect.

assurance that an electronic

The Iowa Department of Revenue's

communication protocol will be in

current directory webpage

place to assist licensees.

continues to identify the May 2,

What retailers need to know

2025, court order and states that the directory's establishment and

making black and white the

Enforcement and penalties

question surrounding products legal

HF 2677 established penalties for

Because litigation and court

for sale in the state.

violations. The statute authorizes

For Iowa retailers, the directory represents a significant compliance responsibility while simultaneously

financial penalties for retailers, The statute provides that a person

distributors and wholesalers

may not sell or offer for sale a vapor

that sell products outside the

product in Iowa if that product is not

directory, as well as penalties

included in the directory. Retailers

affecting manufacturers. The

are also required to purchase

law also establishes escalating

vapor products for resale from

consequences for repeat

appropriately licensed distributors

violations, including potential

licensed with the Iowa Department

suspension or revocation of

of Revenue.

a retailer's permit, like the structure retailers have become

That means retailers cannot simply

accustomed to with tobacco and

rely on a supplier's assurance that

alcohol sales in Iowa.

a product is legal. Businesses need to determine whether the specific

Those provisions help explain

products they purchase and

why the directory has attracted

display are eligible under Iowa's

substantial attention from the

requirements. Additionally, retailers

vaping industry. A product's

use the directory to determine the

presence—or absence—from the

licensing status of their distributor.

list can affect whether a business can legally keep that product on

This is particularly important

its shelves, a question that has

because the directory is product-

gone on for too long without a

specific. A manufacturer may have

direct answer.

multiple products with different regulatory statuses, and the

At the same time, Iowa's

eligibility of one product does not

directory has been caught up in

automatically establish the eligibility

federal litigation. In May 2025, a

of another.

federal district court granted a preliminary injunction blocking

For businesses operating in a rapidly

the Iowa Department of Revenue

changing market, maintaining

from implementing and enforcing

accurate inventory records and

the portions of HF 2677 dealing

F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

enforcement were preliminarily enjoined.

orders can change, businesses should consult with FUELIowa staff before making compliance decisions based solely on older announcements or articles.

Why the directory matters beyond vape shops The debate surrounding Iowa's Vapor Products Directory illustrates a larger question in nicotine regulation: how should states regulate products that are governed simultaneously by state and federal law? Iowa’s Vapor Products Directory is an effort to answer that very question. Supporters of the system view a state directory as a tool for limiting the sale of products that have not satisfied federal regulatory requirements and bringing competitive balance to the marketplace. Critics have argued that Iowa's approach

improperly overlaps with the federal government's authority over FDAregulated products. The issue also has practical consequences for consumers. If the directory system is enforced, consumers may see fewer vapor products available through Iowa retailers, while manufacturers and retailers may have to reconsider which products they introduce or stock. For retailers, meanwhile, the directory makes regulatory due diligence increasingly important. Keeping documentation, monitoring state notices and verifying product status can help businesses respond to changes before they become costly compliance problems.

A directory worth watching

The underlying law establishes

Iowa's Vapor Products Directory

status has also been shaped by

is more than a list of approved products. It represents an attempt to create a statelevel gatekeeping system for an industry that has long operated within a complicated patchwork of federal, state and local regulations. Unfortunately, this patchwork approach to regulation has created confusion and led to competitive imbalances.

specific eligibility requirements, manufacturer certification procedures, inventory-removal rules and penalties. But the directory's legal and practical federal litigation, making the subject particularly important for anyone involved in Iowa's vaporproducts marketplace. With winds seemingly at the back of Iowa’s Vapor Products Registry, FUELIowa will continue to provide updates to members as the issue navigates its way through the court system toward a final resolution.

EMA Continues Push to Eliminate Unnecessary Re gulatory Burdens on Fuel Transportation The Energy Marketers of America

spills, the broader wording could

transportation fleet will carry this

(EMA) recently met with the Pipeline

extend new placard-durability

blend. Current exemption practice

and Hazardous Materials Safety

requirements to highway fuel

does not extend to it, requiring

Administration (PHMSA) to discuss

cargo tanks.

carriers to display an additional,

placarding rules applicable to fuel

higher-flashpoint identification

transportation. EMA appreciated

Removing the language would

number that offers no meaningful

the candid exchange and PHMSA’s

allow PHMSA to focus squarely

safety benefit.

openness to hearing directly

on the rail-safety concern

from the fuel marketing industry

that prompted the provision,

Discussions with Minnesota

about the practical, day-to-day

consistent with the existing Part

first responders confirm that

compliance challenges members

172 framework that already

emergency response protocols

face on the road.

accommodates mode-specific

do not change based on the

placarding requirements for

presence of E15 specifically.

EMA commended PHMSA for

rail (see 49 CFR §§ 172.508 and

Responders identify the lowest-

its recent final rule, Hazardous

172.510).

flashpoint product on the placard,

Materials: Eliminating Unnecessary

consult the appropriate Emergency

Regulatory Burdens on Fuel

If the phrase remains, the impact

Response Guidebook, and select

Transportation (91 FR 1433, Docket

on the motor fuels industry would

foam accordingly—whether the

No. PHMSA-2018-0080), which

be substantial. EMA estimates

blend is E10 or E15.

restored the longstanding low-

that approximately 66,800 tank

flashpoint placarding exemption

trucks and 124,100 tank trailers

EMA takes hazardous materials

for most commercially available

operate nationwide. A mandatory

transportation safety seriously and

petroleum distillates. Building on

highway placarding change

remains committed to gathering

that progress—and consistent with

could impose more than $200

additional information directly

Executive Order 14192 (“Unleashing

million in aggregate compliance

from the emergency response

Prosperity Through Deregulation”)

costs—costs that would fall

community. The association

and Executive Order 14156

disproportionately on small and

welcomes further engagement with

(“Declaring a National Energy

family-owned fuel marketing

PHMSA on this proposal, including

Emergency”)—EMA outlined two

businesses. A rulemaking of that

the opportunity to share more

additional opportunities to make

scope would likely require a Small

data on firefighting foam selection

fuel transportation regulation more

Business Advocacy Review Panel,

and first-responder practices as

efficient without compromising

a process that could be avoided

research continues.

safety.

entirely with narrower, rail-specific statutory language.

Support Removal of Expansive Language from Section 10607

Extend the Low-Flashpoint Placarding Exemption to E15

EMA is urging PHMSA to support the

Blends

removal of the phrase “or by other modes of surface transportation

EMA also recommends that

frequently used to transport

PHMSA extend the low-flashpoint

freight” from Section 10607 of

identification number exemption

the House Surface Transportation

under 49 CFR § 172.336 to

Committee mark (or its removal

expressly cover E15 blends.

in conference). Although the

As federal policy increasingly

provision responds to freight-train

supports year-round sale of

derailments and hazardous-material

E15, a growing share of the fuel

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2026 FUELIOWA SPONSORS DIAMOND

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BRONZE

F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

WANT BETTER HEALTH INSURANCE FOR LESS? HEALTHAlliance offers industry leading health & wellness plans exclusively designed to meet the needs of fuel marketers, convenience stores, and associated businesses. With partners like Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Delta Dental & more, FUELIowa members enjoy the finest coverage at low rates due to the combined buying strength of our membership. The last 10 groups to join HEALTHAlliance averaged premium savings of 21%

Call us today for a free quote.

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F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

250 Years of Liquid Fuels The Age of Abundance and Anxiety Part 4 of 6

By Jim Ewing, Director, Membership & Business Services

Highways, Suburbs, and Energy Crises (1945–2000) Following World War II, America entered an era of remarkable prosperity, and liquid fuels helped power the nation’s growth. Returning veterans started families, purchased automobiles, and moved into expanding suburbs. In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the FederalAid Highway Act, launching the Interstate Highway System. These highways connected communities, expanded commerce, and gave Americans greater freedom to live, work, and travel where they chose. For generations of young Americans, turning 16 and earning a driver’s license became a cherished rite of passage—one that brought a new sense of freedom, independence, and

responsibility. Car culture became

once focused primarily on fuel

standards, the Strategic Petroleum

woven into American life as classic

and vehicle service, gradually

Reserve, and changes to gasoline

automobiles, rock-and-roll music,

developed into convenience

and diesel formulations. Refiners,

drive-in theaters, and Hollywood films

stores offering food, beverages,

distributors, and retailers adapted

celebrated the open road. From

and everyday necessities. These

while continuing to serve their

cruising Main Street to taking the

businesses met the needs of

customers.

family on a summer road trip, the

increasingly mobile customers

automobile represented opportunity

by providing quick, dependable

By the 1990s, ethanol blending was

and the freedom to go.

service and became important

expanding, particularly in corn-

parts of their local economies.

producing states such as Iowa. Biofuels created new markets for

Gasoline powered personal mobility, while diesel moved goods, operated

America’s confidence in

farmers, supported rural economies,

farm machinery, and supported

abundant, affordable energy was

and added a domestically

American manufacturing. Aviation

tested during the 1970s. The 1973

produced component to America’s

fuel helped make commercial

Arab oil embargo and the 1979

fuel supply.

air travel available to millions.

energy crisis brought shortages,

Across Iowa, improved roads and

rising prices, and long gas lines.

By the close of the century,

mechanized agriculture connected

The disruptions exposed the risks

liquid fuels remained essential to

farmers and businesses with markets

of relying heavily on foreign oil

American freedom, commerce, and

throughout the country.

and reinforced the importance of

prosperity. The era demonstrated

domestic energy production.

that energy security matters,

The marketplace evolved alongside

Government and industry

innovation delivers results, and a

the motorist. Traditional gas stations,

responded with fuel-efficiency

strong domestic fuel supply is vital to keeping America moving.

F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

2026

GOAL : $75K YTD: $64.83k

PAC CONTRIBUTIONS As of 8/26/26

VISIONARY ($5,000+) $10,300 - Don Burd - Otter Creek Country Stores* $5,000 - Tessa Anderson - Rainbo Oil Company* $5,000 - Larry Bentler - Jet Gas Company*

86.4%

DONORS: GOAL: 50 YTD: 41 82%

LEADER ($2,500-$4,999) $4,000 - Cliff & Dave Reif - Reif Oil * $3,730 - Todd Kanne - Community Oil Co* $3,260 - Keith Olsen - Olsen Fuel Supply* $2,500 - Thomas Flogel - Mulgrew Oil & Propane* $2,500 - Brett Kimmes - Kimmes Enterprises $2,500 - Jason McDermott - McDermott Oil* $2,500 - Andrew Woodard - Elliott Oil Company* PARTNER ($1,000-$2,449) $2,050 - Nate Lincoln - Lincoln Farm & Home Service $2,000 - Jennifer Likes - Harms Oil $2,000 - Mike Hildenbrand - CHS $1,500 - Marc Beltrame - Beltrame Law Firm $1,500 - Josh Gilroy - Grysson Oil $1,500 - Gary Koerner - FUELIowa $1,125 - Brooke Lilley - Jet Gas Company* $1,050 - John Maynes - FUELIowa $1,000 - Jim Ewing - FUELIowa $1,000 - David & Matt Scheetz - The Depot Express $1,000 - Richard Weiner, Cartersville Elevator FRIEND ($500-$999) $975 - Hank & Bev Jessen $800 - Dustin Jones $775 - Jared Olsen $700 - Doug & Andi Coziahr $600 - Kwinn Mazzilli $500 - Sarah Bowman $500 - Geoffrey Ogren CONTRIBUTOR ($0-$499) $425 - Nate Stumpf $420 - Troy Lindsey $400 - TJ Oleson $350 - Todd Clubb $325 - Jason Stauffer $250 - Dennis Jaeger $225 - Brad Rudolf $125 - Mary Johnson

$125 - John Meehan $100 - Alan Boeckman $100 - Mike Grzeslo $100 - Kathy Gunlock $100 - Jacob Jessen $100 - Reo Menning $100 - Steve Sikkema

F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

Fuel Marketer Leader Program

Regional Roundtables

Your Voice. Your Industry. Your Seat at the Table

By Sarah Bowman Director, Communications & Events FUELIowa

This December, FUELIowa is hitting the road—and we want you at the table. The FUELIowa Regional Roundtables return with four stops across Iowa, giving members the opportunity to connect directly with FUELIowa staff, industry leaders and fellow members. It’s a chance to hear what’s happening in Iowa’s fuel and convenience industry, talk about the issues affecting your business and help shape FUELIowa’s priorities for the year ahead. Last year’s Regional Roundtables saw record attendance, and we’re looking forward to building on that momentum in 2026. Four Stops. Two Hours. One Important Conversation. December 2 – Council Bluffs December 3 – Carroll December 9 – Dubuque December 10 – Riverside Each Regional Roundtable runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and lunch is provided.

These aren’t meetings where we want members sitting quietly in the back of the room. The Roundtables are designed for conversation. What are you seeing in your business? What challenges are keeping you up at night? What legislative or regulatory issues should FUELIowa be watching? What can we do to provide even greater value to our members?

We want to hear from you. Those conversations matter. What FUELIowa hears from members across the state helps guide our advocacy, programs and priorities and ensures we remain focused on the issues that matter most to Iowa’s fuel and convenience industry.

Keep the Momentum Going

Reserve Your Seat

It has already been a strong year

at FUELIowa.com. Visit the Events

for FUELIowa. From legislative and

Calendar, select your preferred

regulatory advocacy to industry

Roundtable location and reserve

resources and successful events—

your seat.

Find the Regional Roundtable that works best for you and register today

including another great SUMMERFEST and Annual Meeting—our members

Bring your questions. Bring your ideas.

continue to show the value of an

Bring a colleague.

engaged industry. Most importantly, bring your voice. The Regional Roundtables are an opportunity to keep that momentum

We’ll bring lunch.

going as we look toward 2027. Register today and join us at a There’s no big conference

FUELIowa Regional Roundtable this

commitment and no need to travel

December.

across the state. Just two hours, a free lunch and an opportunity to connect with the people working on behalf of your business—and with other industry members who understand the opportunities and challenges you face every day.

F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

Protecting Profit. Proactive maintenance and real-time diagnostics safeguard your entire fueling infrastructure, maximize system uptime and protect profitability with every transaction. OWL Services Great Plains Area office and Training & Distribution Center 4140 East 14th Street Des Moines, IA 50313 Office Phone: 515-262-5000

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GY M AR KETERS INSIDE THE BELTWAY ENER OF AM ER I CA

recriminalization. Specifically, it would

for SNAP benefits.

have redefined hemp to allow up to 1 percent delta-9 THC on a dry-weight

President Donald Trump has directed

basis, measured (in the amendment's

the Department of Justice to

words) on the finished consumer

investigate major oil companies for

product rather than on raw floral or

alleged price gouging, arguing that

work-in-process material, including any

gasoline prices have not declined

unfinished hemp ingredient. For now,

in line with falling crude oil prices.

June 26

the ban remains in place. Standalone

In social media posts, the president

bills addressing the hemp framework

noted that crude oil has dropped

are pending, though their prospects

from roughly $120 to approximately

Inside the Beltway Update

are uncertain; the White House letter

$70 per barrel while retail gasoline

The White House has formally requested

may help spur movement.

prices remain elevated. The directive comes amid continued

an $87.6 billion supplemental, of which roughly $67 billion would replenish

Both provisions complicate an already

inflation concerns and ahead of the

the Department of War following

difficult vote. The E15 measure splits the

November midterm elections, where

the Iran conflict (Operation Epic

conference along familiar lines, with

energy prices are expected to remain

Fury). To draw Democratic votes, the

corn-state Republicans favoring it and

a key voter issue.

administration packaged in $11.1

oil-state Republicans long opposed;

billion in farm aid, $1.4 billion for the

the hemp language has pitted

Industry participants have pushed

Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, and

Kentucky's Mitch McConnell against

back on the premise of the

other items including Washington

Rand Paul. Republican Appropriations

investigation, noting that gasoline

restoration projects and a modernized

leaders such as Reps. Tom Cole (R-OK)

prices do not move in lockstep

Penn Station. The request arrived late

and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) signaled,

with crude oil due to refining costs,

Wednesday following President Trump’s

they will move quickly to process the

distribution expenses, taxes, and

abrupt decision to withhold signing a

request, the proposal faces significant

market disruptions, including the

bipartisan housing affordability bill until

internal and bipartisan hurdles.

ongoing conflict involving Iran. While the DOJ has stated it is committed

Congress passes, or at least the Senate votes on, the SAVE America Act.

Also, this week, Senate Agriculture

to protecting consumers, it has not

Chair John Boozman (R-AR) unveiled

confirmed that a formal investigation

For EMA members, the energy-relevant

a budget-neutral farm bill proposal

has been opened.

rider is the administration's push for

intended for markup before the

permanent, year-round sale of E15. The

Senate's August break. This draft

request states the White House "strongly

largely reflects the House GOP version

supports" the measure as a tool to ease

passed in April but omits several of the

pump prices. On hemp, the request

more contentious elements, such as

takes the form of a special finding

provisions barring states from setting

request to Speaker Johnson urging him

their own pesticide labeling or animal

to revise hemp's regulatory framework

confinement rules. Additionally, the

to align with Rep. Andy Barr's

Senate version does not include House

amendment to H.R. 8646, the Lawful

language that has received public

Hemp Protection Act, or at a minimum

attention and would allow SNAP

to delay the hemp ban set to take

benefits to be used for hot rotisserie

effect November 12. Barr's amendment

chicken. The proposal sets the stage

failed in the House Rules Committee,

for a potential partisan conflict by

but it would have preserved the legality

rejecting Democratic requests to delay

of many hemp products now slated for

the date states must begin cost sharing

F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

Federal Judge Strikes Down State SNAP Pilot Programs Restricting Food Purchases U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson ruled on Monday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture cannot approve state pilot programs

limiting what Supplemental Nutrition

The underlying concept—restricting

EMA is a member of the Main Street

Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients

SNAP purchases to healthier options—

Competition Coalition (MSCC),

may purchase with their benefits. The

has attracted bipartisan interest in

which represents thousands of

decision blocks ongoing efforts in

Congress for years. However, the

independent businesses and

Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee,

state-level pilots have produced

agricultural producers nationwide,

and West Virginia.

inconsistent rules. A product deemed

and strongly welcomed the

ineligible in one state could remain

measure.

In a sharply worded opinion, Judge

purchasable in another, creating

Jackson—an Obama appointee—

a patchwork that complicates

“Small businesses depend on

found that Agriculture Secretary

administration and participant

open and competitive markets to

Brooke Rollins exceeded her authority

understanding.

innovate, invest, and grow,” said

under federal law by greenlighting

Chris Jones, Executive Director of the

the waivers. She concluded that the

Critics maintain that the restrictions

Main Street Competition Coalition.

pilots improperly attempt to override

lack strong evidence of improving

“Today’s House passage of the Main

Congress’s statutory definition of

health outcomes for SNAP households.

Street Competes Act is an important

“food” eligible for SNAP purchases.

They warn that added complexity

recognition that competition policy

could confuse beneficiaries and

is small business policy. By giving the

“With her solicitation and approval

discourage program participation,

Small Business Administration a more

of the pilot projects in this case, the

particularly among those already

active role in assessing the health

Secretary purports to waive not just

facing barriers to enrollment.

of competition in our economy,

a mere administrative or technical

Congress has taken an important

obstacle, but the very definition

The decision leaves the broader

step toward ensuring that the voices

of ‘food’ as it was laid down by

question of SNAP reform unresolved

of independent businesses and

Congress,” Jackson wrote. “Neither

and returns the issue to ongoing

agricultural producers are heard in

the USDA nor the states can force this

legislative and administrative debate.

our nation’s antitrust debates.”

House Passes Bipartisan Main Street Competes Act to Strengthen Competition for Independent Businesses

The coalition had previously sent

square peg into a round hole to avoid the plain language of the statute and the requirements of 2026(k).” The ruling directly challenges a centerpiece of the Make America Healthy Again agenda. Secretary Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have actively encouraged states to seek waivers restricting purchases of soda, candy, and other items they consider unhealthy. They argue that federal nutrition assistance should support better health outcomes and that taxpayer dollars should not

businesses, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Main

subsidize junk food.

Street Competes Act (H.R. 8882).

Secretary Kennedy reinforced the

Derek Schmidt (R-KS) and Rep. Hillary

push by conditioning portions of federal rural health funding on whether states had applied for the waivers. USDA data show that at least 23 states have now submitted applications to limit certain foods in SNAP.

In a bipartisan victory for small

The legislation, introduced by Rep. Scholten (D-MI), expands the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) role in promoting competitive markets and evaluating whether current antitrust enforcement adequately protects opportunities for entrepreneurs and independent businesses.

a letter to House members in support of the bill. It commended Representatives Schmidt and Scholten for their bipartisan leadership and thanked the House Small Business Committee for advancing legislation that recognizes the critical link between competitive markets, entrepreneurship, consumer choice, and broad-based economic opportunity. The MSCC said it looks forward to continuing its work with policymakers on both sides of the aisle to ensure that competition policy serves the interests of Main Street businesses and consumers alike. This legislative development underscores growing bipartisan interest in making competition enforcement more responsive to

the needs of smaller players in the

interpretation. Since EPA first

well beyond Minnesota's borders. A

economy. The bill now moves to the

promulgated UST rules in 1988, an

legal outcome that effectively makes

Senate for consideration

"operator" has been consistently

wholesalers co-insurers of every retail

defined as any person in control

A Minnesota Lawsuit Every Fuel Distributor Should Watch

site they supply would crush smaller

of, or having responsibility for,

operators who lack the capital to

the daily operation of the UST

insure and assume compliance

system. Minnesota, like most states

responsibility across dozens or

with EPA-approved programs,

hundreds of customer locations.

adopted this definition verbatim.

Given the broad implications of the

In nearly 40 years of enforcement,

case, EMA is supporting the fuel

no environmental agency has

company with funds from its Marketer

A quiet case working its way through

successfully applied that definition

Defense Fund to ensure this regulatory

to a product supplier whose only

overreach does not propagate across

connection to the tank was a data

the nation.

a Minnesota district court may carry more long-term significance for the fuel distribution industry than almost any regulatory development in recent memory from EPA’s Office of Underground Storage Tanks. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has sued a conventional fuel wholesaler, asserting that it qualifies as an "operator" of an underground storage tank (UST) system it never owned, managed, or controlled. The Energy Marketers of America (EMA) is supporting the defense of this case with funds from its Marketer Defense Fund, reflecting how seriously the industry views the potential

feed used for logistics planning — until now.

July 2

The implications of an MPCA

Inside the Beltway Update

victory would ripple across every state in the country. Distributors could find themselves legally responsible for tank and line leak detection, UST maintenance and repair, operator training and recordkeeping requirements, and — most consequentially — cleanup costs and third-party liability at every customer site they supply. That financial exposure would be

consequences.

compounding: standard pollution

The facts of the case are

typically excludes non-owned sites,

straightforward. The company supplied fuel to a third-partyowned retail gas station, arranged deliveries through an independent common carrier, and received an automated data feed from the station's tank gauge — used solely to determine delivery timing. When a petroleum release occurred at the site, the MPCA bypassed Minnesota's petroleum cleanup fund and instead pursued the distributor as the liable party, arguing that access to tank gauge inventory data made the company an "operator" for purposes

and storage tank liability insurance meaning distributors could face pressure to separately insure each customer's individual tanks. For the typical jobber supplying dozens or hundreds of retail locations, that burden would be commercially untenable. The case also raises a practical impossibility: a wholesaler that does not own, manage, or have legal authority over a site simply cannot perform the compliance functions the law assigns to operators. Imposing that obligation anyway

of cleanup liability.

does not make stations safer — it just

That argument inverts nearly four

no ability to act on it.

decades of established regulatory

F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

reallocates liability onto parties with This case deserves close attention

The automotive industry, represented by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI), is currently urging a federal court to reject the reinstatement of Biden-era greenhouse gas tailpipe standards, warning of "disastrous consequences" for both the sector and consumers. The industry argues that rapid and dramatic shifts in emissions policy between different presidential administrations have created significant policy uncertainty, putting billions of dollars in capital investment at risk. While these rules were already considered difficult to achieve, the AAI now contends they are "entirely infeasible" due to changing market and political conditions. Several factors have contributed to the industry's claim of infeasibility, including lower-thanexpected electric vehicle (EV) market penetration and the repeal of critical EV tax credits. Additionally, the industry points to the nullification of California's statelevel mandates and the stalled deployment of charging infrastructure caused by the freezing of federal funding. AAI asserts that the credit market is under too much strain to

offer a path to compliance and

experts and oil industry officials

warns that reinstating the rules

highlight that gasoline and crude

could cost the industry tens of

oil are different commodities and

These lawmakers argue that the

billions of dollars, potentially forcing

that a natural lag exists between

waiver has instead become a tool

manufacturers to restrict the sales of

crude price reductions and pump

exploited by adversarial nations to

internal combustion engine vehicles.

price changes. Chevron’s Chief

chip away at U.S. maritime strength.

This legal conflict was triggered by

Financial Officer noted that while

They cite Maritime Administration

youth plaintiffs seeking to block the

they expect prices to normalize, the

figures showing that roughly 95

Trump administration’s repeal of

process takes time. Additionally,

percent of the cargo moved under

federal vehicle climate standards

although an interim peace deal

the waiver went to foreign shipping

and the 2009 endangerment finding.

was signed to reopen the Strait

operators that avoid U.S. taxes

Unlike other challengers focusing

of Hormuz the situation remains

and operate beyond American

on statutory objections, these youth

tenuous with recent exchanges of

immigration rules.

plaintiffs are raising constitutional

fire disrupting shipping. President

issues and seeking an immediate

Trump has also targeted California’s

stay to reinstate the standards during

state government, urging it to

litigation. Conversely, a coalition of

reduce heavy gasoline taxes, which

Republican state attorneys general

he claimed would soon exceed the

is defending the repeal, arguing that

cost of the product itself. California’s

the youth plaintiffs have not suffered

taxes and environmental levies

"concrete injury" and are relying on

account for roughly 20% of its $5.43

"dubious claims" related to religious

average per-gallon price, the third

liberty and due process. The U.S.

highest in the nation. In response,

Court of Appeals for the District of

Governor Gavin Newsom’s office

Columbia Circuit is expected to rule

criticized the president, noting that

on the matter after final filings are

the "GOP-enabled Iran war" has cost

orders before 20 ZYN nicotine

submitted in July.

Americans approximately $63 billion

pouch products. As a result, the

FDA Issues Modified Risk Authorizations for 20 ZYN Nicotine Pouches On June 30, the FDA issued modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) granted

in extra fuel expenses so far this

Zyn nicotine pouch products noted

President Donald Trump in a Truth

year. Newsom’s team also reminded

below may now be marketed with

Social post has demanded gasoline

the public of past comments by

the following risk modification claim:

retailers to lower pump prices,

Trump suggesting that the U.S.

“Using ZYN instead of cigarettes puts

arguing that they are not falling

makes money when oil prices rise.

you at a lower risk of mouth cancer,

quickly enough to match recent

As the midterm approaches expect

declines in crude oil futures. In the

heart disease, lung cancer, stroke,

the debate around affordability,

post, the president suggested that

and by extension gas prices, to

emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.”

retailers should target an average

continue to be a hot topic.

price of $2.50 per gallon, which is

commodities between U.S. ports.

significantly lower than the current

Meanwhile, a group of 52 House

national average of $3.85 per gallon

Republicans, including Speaker

reported by AAA. This follows a Truth

Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve

Social post from last week where

Scalise, and several committee

Trump called for the Department

chairs, has urged President Trump to

of Justice to investigate major oil

let the Jones Act waiver end on its

companies for alleged price gouging.

planned expiration date of August

The push for lower prices comes

16. The Trump administration had

as global crude prices fall amid

issued and repeatedly extended

optimism regarding the reopening of

the measure to ease sharp price

the Strait of Hormuz and progress in

increases for fuel, fertilizer, and

U.S.-Iran negotiations. While crude oil

other goods tied to the conflict

benchmarks like Brent and West Texas

with Iran, giving foreign-flagged

Intermediate have dropped, market

vessels permission to carry select

This MRTP authorization comes after these ZYN nicotine pouch products received a PMTA Marketing Granted Order in January 2025. The products for which the FDA issued MRTPs are the following, each with two nicotine strengths (3 milligram and 6 milligram): ZYN Chill, ZYN Cinnamon, ZYN Citrus, ZYN Coffee, ZYN Cool Mint, ZYN Menthol, ZYN Peppermint, ZYN Smooth, ZYN Spearmint and ZYN Wintergreen.

July 10

producing high-quality vehicles at

Inside the Beltway Update

consumers through cheaper goods

Last week, the House of

transportation.

hostilities. Some experts anticipate

amendment to the National Defense

The proposal repeals the Biden

while others believe the market has

Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027

rule’s extended warranty periods,

(NDAA) that would have permanently

reverting to prior shorter terms,

repealed beneficial ownership

and delays the lengthened useful-

information (BOI) reporting mandates.

life requirements until model year

While the Trump Administration issued

2030. It also creates temporary

a decision in March 2025 to exempt

nonconformance penalties for

over 32 million businesses, resulting in

certain engines that meet only

an estimated $128 billion in regulatory

the older 200 mg/bhp-hr standard

savings, many argue that a legislative

and eliminates the requirement

repeal is necessary to provide lasting

for engines to derate power when

certainty. The National Federation

diesel exhaust fluid systems have

of Independent Business is leading a

issues, replacing it with driver

coalition on the matter composed of

notifications. EPA analysis projects

over 60 industry groups including EMA.

net annual cost savings of $640

The coalition remains concerned

million but additional emissions of

that a future administration could

over 30,000 tons of NOx and other

reimpose these invasive regulations

pollutants in 2030 compared with

and severe penalties, and they

the original rule, while still delivering

continue to urge Congress to lock

major long-term reductions versus

in the existing exemptions through

pre-Biden levels.

factors, the Trump administration

House NDAA does not stop or

President Donald Trump’s

petroleum companies and retailers

codify changes to the FinCEN BOI

declaration that the U.S. ceasefire

requirements, it is likely that it'll be

with Iran is “over” has caused

included in the Senate NDAA version

a sudden rebound in oil prices,

or through conference committee

ending a month-long period of

later this year.

decline. Speaking at a NATO

lower costs that ultimately benefit

Representatives failed to adopt an

must-pass legislation. While the

summit in Turkey, Trump dismissed Meanwhile, the EPA proposed

ongoing negotiations as a “waste

targeted revisions to Biden-era

of time” and raised the possibility

NOx emission standards for new

of reimposing a naval blockade,

heavy-duty trucks, keeping the

causing U.S. oil prices to briefly surge

strict numerical limits in place while

past $75 per barrel. This renewed

addressing industry complaints

volatility has created significant

about high upfront costs. The core

political anxiety for the Republican

standards—35 mg/bhp-hr for Class

party, as candidates fear that rising

4-5 trucks and 50 mg/bhp-hr for

gasoline prices will damage their

heavier trucks beginning with model

prospects in the upcoming midterm

year 2027—remain unchanged,

elections. While Trump maintains

preserving nearly 90 percent of

that preventing Iran from obtaining

the projected pollution cuts. EPA

a nuclear weapon is more important

Administrator Lee Zeldin said the

than fuel costs, he also suggested

changes respond to feedback

the presence of an oil glut would

on affordability and innovation,

eventually cause prices to drop.

allowing manufacturers to continue F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

In spite of the immediate price spike, market analysts remain divided on the long-term impact of the resumed a steady increase in gas prices, become resilient to Middle East tensions after five months of conflict. Although tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz had begun to recover after the June ceasefire, it remains significantly below historical averages, and renewed skirmishes may further discourage shippers. Mitigating factors, such as OPEC’s pledge to increase output, Saudi price cuts in Asia, and rising U.S. crude inventories, have tempered some industry fears. However, the potential for Iranian retaliation and the rapid reimposition of U.S. sanctions continue to threaten global supply and the restoration of pre-war production levels. Despite the changing geopolitical is continuing to actively pressure to lower gasoline prices, with the President accusing the industry of price gouging after retail price declines failed to keep pace with falling crude oil costs. To address these concerns, the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission have issued warnings that they are monitoring markets for illegal conduct, and they have urged state attorneys general to investigate potential violations of consumer protection and antitrust laws. This political push follows a period of significant price volatility; national average gasoline prices peaked at $4.56 per gallon in May 2026, a 53% increase following military conflicts involving Iran, before retreating to approximately $3.80 per gallon by early July. However, petroleum economist Philip K. Verleger Jr. warns that these efforts to force prices toward a $2.50 target could 33

backfire and cause domestic gasoline

EMA, along with a coalition of other

resulting from renewed conflict

shortages. Currently, global gasoline

main street business associations,

with Iran. While the administration

inventories are tight, leading U.S.

sent a letter to Senate leaders John

views these waivers as a vital tool

refiners to favor exports, which yield a

Thune (R-SD) and Charles Schumer

to increase shipping capacity and

$56/bbl margin compared to $46/bbl

(D-NY), urging the swift passage of

lower domestic crude prices, which

for domestic sales. Verleger argues

the Common Cents Act (H.R. 3074).

have reached approximately $80

that if domestic gasoline margins are

This legislative push follows the

a barrel, no final decision has been

forced too low, refiners will simply

House of Representatives’ bipartisan

made regarding an extension beyond

shift their production toward more

approval of the bill on July 14, 2026.

the current August 16 expiration

profitable fuels like diesel and jet

The coalition, representing industries

date. To manage these pressures,

fuel, further tightening the supply

ranging from retail and restaurants

the White House has also leaned on

of gasoline. Verleger also said that

to hospitality and energy,

other measures, such as loaning oil

repealing the RFS would alleviate

emphasizes that businesses require

from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve,

price increases. However, Congress

immediate clarity to continue

which is currently at its lowest level

doesn't have the votes to repeal the

serving their communities fairly and

since 1983. To mitigate criticism from

RFS.

efficiently. Since the US Treasury has

the maritime industry and Republican

ceased minting of the penny, many

allies, officials are considering

businesses have met challenges in

implementing geographic restrictions

managing cash transactions without

to limit where foreign ships can

exact change. Currently, businesses

operate. The century-old Jones Act

face significant operational

typically requires goods moved

uncertainty, financial losses, and the

between domestic ports to be carried

risk of legal challenges. Furthermore,

on vessels that are American-built,

a lack of federal guidance has

owned, and crewed. Consequently,

led more than 15 states to enact

the waivers have sparked a significant

their own rounding laws, creating a

political challenge, with critics like

confusing patchwork of regulations

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA)

for both merchants and customers.

arguing that the policy undermines

To resolve these issues, the coalition

the U.S. maritime industry and

advocates for the Common Cents

weakens national security. While

Act as a way to establish a clear

the White House maintains that

national standard for rounding cash

the waivers have been decisive in

transaction amounts. The act would

preventing supply chain shortages,

also provide businesses with a safe

opponents dispute their actual

harbor from liability, provided the

impact and warn of potential long-

rounding is conducted fairly. By

term harm to domestic shipbuilders

passing this legislation, the Senate

and American crews.

July 17 Inside the Beltway Update The House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Environment Subcommittee recently advanced a series of bills focusing on diesel emissions and critical mineral recovery. While Republicans, led by Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY), argued these measures balance economic growth and national security with environmental health, Democrats expressed concern that several airrelated bills would undermine clean air protections and increase fuel consumption. Among the measures, only the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA), which reauthorizes funding for retrofitting old diesel engines through 2029, received broad bipartisan support. Additionally, the Diesel Engine Flexibility (DEF) Act (H.R.9618) sought to codify eased rules for diesel engines with pollution control issues, a move Republicans framed as providing long-term certainty, but Democrats criticized. Conversely, the subcommittee found common ground on legislation aimed at bolstering the domestic supply chain for critical minerals through recycling and reclamation.

would provide the consistency and certainty necessary for everyday

House Republican leaders are

commerce to proceed without

preparing to release a blueprint

further interruption.

for "reconciliation 3.0," a third party-line budget bill that notably

The Trump Administration is currently

excludes previously anticipated

debating a third extension of

energy provisions. Despite earlier

Jones Act waivers to allow foreign-

expectations that the legislation

flagged vessels to transport essential

would include energy-related

commodities, including oil, fuel,

provisions such as oil and gas lease

and fertilizer, between U.S. ports.

authorizations and permitting

This consideration is primarily

reforms to offset new spending,

driven by rising energy prices

key committee chairs like Bruce

and potential supply disruptions

Westerman (R-AK) of Natural

Resources and Brett Guthrie (R-KY)

currently scheduled to take effect in

bill would also preserve interstate

of Energy and Commerce have not

November. Rather than prohibiting

transportation of compliant products,

been asked to draft language for

hemp-derived products outright, the

allow states, territories, and Tribes to

the bill. This omission is a shift from

legislation would establish federal

adopt more stringent requirements,

earlier proposals by the Republican

standards governing product

and permit certain hemp-derived

Study Committee that sought to roll back energy efficiency standards and overhaul federal rulemaking. The current framework for the legislation is expected to focus primarily on defense spending and agricultural aid, with approximately $67 billion envisioned for defense and $11 billion for farmers. Additionally, the bill is likely to include a new grant program for election security, incentivizing states to implement voter ID and citizenship requirements for federal elections, a move intended to satisfy demands from conservative lawmakers and the White House for provisions similar to the SAVE America Act.

July 23 Inside the Beltway Update – HEMP Legislation and CRAs Targeting California Electrification Policies Introduced On Wednesday, Reps. Andy Barr (R-KY) and Angie Craig (D-MN) introduced the bipartisan Lawful Hemp Protection Act, comprehensive legislation intended to preserve lawful hemp commerce while establishing a federal regulatory framework for hemp-derived consumer products. The bill represents a true alternative to the federal hemp restrictions enacted in the fiscal year 2026 agriculture appropriations law, which are

F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

composition, labeling, packaging, age verification, manufacturing, distribution, taxation, and interstate commerce. Most importantly, the bill would replace the 0.4 milligram total THC-per-container standard scheduled to take effect in November. It would instead direct FDA to establish science-based serving limits through notice-andcomment rulemaking. If FDA does not complete that process within one year, statutory limits would take effect at: • 5 milligrams of THC per serving

for ingestible products;

• 50 milligrams of THC per serving

for inhalable products; and

cannabinoid products to be offered as supplemental benefits under Medicare Advantage plans. Overall, the proposal represents a significant regulatory alternative to the prohibition-oriented framework scheduled to take effect in November, although its tax structure, domestic sourcing requirements, distribution rules, and treatment of specific cannabinoids would require careful company-specific review. Also, this week, Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) has introduced a resolution, H.J. Res. 202, aimed at repealing a 2009 greenhouse gas waiver that allowed California to set stricter vehicle emissions standards. This legislative action is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration and congressional Republicans to

• 50 milligrams of THC per serving

for topical products.

use the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to dismantle federal waivers that grant California the authority

The Lawful Hemp Protection Act

to establish air pollution rules often

would establish a federal regulatory

adopted by other states. This follows a

pathway for lawful hemp-derived

pattern from the previous year, when

consumable products, including

Congress repealed Biden-era waivers

national standards for labeling,

that Republicans characterized as an

packaging, testing, product quality,

electric vehicle mandate. The current

age verification, and restrictions

push targets a second batch of four

on synthetic or artificially modified

waivers recently sent to Congress by

cannabinoids. It would require

the EPA. These include mandates

covered products to be cultivated,

for Advanced Clean Cars I, which

processed, manufactured,

set requirements through model

packaged, and labeled in the

year 2025, and a rule regarding the

United States, create a federal

electrification of non-road engines,

TTB permitting and oversight

such as lawn equipment. While the

structure for manufacturers

California rules technically only apply

and hemp-derived beverage

through 2025, critics argue they

wholesalers, establish a three-tier

effectively create a national standard

distribution system for hemp-derived

because the EPA has revoked all

beverages, and impose new excise

federal greenhouse gas rules for

taxes on both beverages and

vehicles.

other cannabinoid products. The

Hageman, who is running for the

paired with a voter ID mandate

Thune emphasized that while

Senate, frames the move as a

for federal elections. While this bill

reconciliation remains a possibility, if

way for the 119th Congress to

allows lawmakers to sell equities

necessary, he would prefer to avoid

reclaim its Article I authority over

if they provide advance notice

that route.

the "administrative state" and

to House authorities, its future is

stop "climate lunacy". California

uncertain; the Senate currently

Looking ahead, Freshman Senator

is currently legally contesting the

shows little interest in the measure,

Dave McCormick (R-PA) is positioned

CRA resolutions signed last year, as

and the House has not yet moved

to potentially lead Republicans on the

well as the EPA's recent transmission

to implement these restrictions

Senate Energy and Natural Resources

of the four additional waivers. A

through its own internal rules. Many

Committee next year. This leadership

key legal point of contention is the

of the Democrats who crossed

opportunity arises from a domino

Trump administration's assertion that

party lines to support this high-

effect triggered by the death of Sen.

actions taken under the CRA are not

profile bill are currently facing

Lindsey Graham, which may lead

reviewable by the courts.

competitive reelection bids or are

the current chair, Mike Lee (R-UT), to

running for higher office.

move to the Judiciary Committee.

Meanwhile, Speaker Mike Johnson

Although other Republicans have

(R-LA) and the House Republican

Senate Majority Leader John

more seniority, they are either

Conference achieved a significant

Thune (R-SD) announced on

ineligible or expected to remain in

legislative trifecta just before the

Tuesday his intention to bring a

their current leadership roles, clearing

August recess, passing three major

short-term stopgap funding bill

a path for McCormick's remarkable

pieces of legislation: the FY2027

to the Senate floor for a vote

rise. McCormick's leadership would

National Defense Authorization

before the upcoming August

represent a significant shift for the

Act (NDAA), a $95-billion budget

recess. While the House is already

committee, as he would be the

resolution, and a quasi-ban on stock

in recess the Senate has one

first top Republican from an East

trading for members of Congress.

more week ending on the 31st.

Coast state in decades. Unlike his

The budget resolution is particularly

Senate Appropriations Chair Susan

predecessors from Western states

noteworthy as it creates a path

Collins (R-ME) is currently leading

who focused heavily on public lands

for Republicans to pursue a third

negotiations with Democrats to

and national monuments, McCormick

reconciliation bill. Despite the narrow

establish a bipartisan deal that

is expected to prioritize energy

GOP majority, these victories were

would keep the government

production.

secured through

funded until after the November

a combination of leadership

election. Thune noted that the

maneuvering and, in some cases,

Senate's version of the stopgap is

critical support from across the aisle.

the more likely legislative vehicle

The passage of the NDAA and the

because it incorporates "spending

budget resolution involved close

anomalies" requested by the White

collaboration between the House

House, which were excluded from

GOP leadership and the White

the House's Republican-crafted

House’s legislative affairs team. The

version. While expressing hope for a

NDAA passed with a slim 216-212

bipartisan resolution, Thune warned

margin, requiring six Democratic votes

that Republicans are prepared to

to offset seven Republican defections.

pursue a party-line spending bill via

Notably, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna

the reconciliation process if a deal

(R-FL) maintained her "no" vote on

cannot be reached. This strategy

the defense package even after

involves using a House budget

leadership agreed to her demand

resolution to fund the government

of including the SAVE America Act.

and has received support from

The bill to restrict congressional stock

conservative members like Sen.

trading passed more easily (232-198)

Rick Scott (R-FL), who view it as

with the support of 13 Democrats,

a necessary backup to meet the

even though the legislation was

September 30 funding deadline.

July 31 Inside the Beltway Update The 2026 midterm elections are set to be competitive, as control over both chambers of Congress will be decided by a few key races. Currently, the Republican party controls Congress with a 219-212 advantage in the House of Representatives and a 53-47 advantage in the Senate. Historically, the party in the White House loses seats during the midterm elections, and this cycle appears to be no different. Based on polling data, the House has a greater chance of flipping compared to the Senate, as 18 races have been characterized as “toss-ups” or highly competitive. While

the Senate could change control, it

Capito (R-WV) shared that the

(R-KY). Sen. McConnell made a

is less likely. Democrats would have

committee is in the process of

statement that he will return to the

to gain four seats while maintaining

drafting a surface transportation

Senate following his recovery, but

several competitive seats in swing

extension, and that votes on the

no timeline has been provided.

states. However, recent polls reflect

extension are expected to occur

Notably, Republicans will require

single-digit races in six Republican-

in September, following the August

full attendance to pass the farm

held seats, including Alaska, Iowa,

recess. Senate Environment and

bill along party lines as Democrats

Maine, North Carolina, Ohio, and

Public Works Ranking member

oppose the bill due to its omission of

Texas. Redistricting and retirements

Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) has

their SNAP requests.

will likely play a significant role in the

emphasized the slim chance

Senate Agriculture Chair Boozman

outcome of the midterm elections.

of a reauthorization prior to the

shared that the Senate is in the

September 30 deadline. While

process of unveiling E15 legislation.

Looking ahead, Congress is working to

Congress has worked to draft

Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) is taking

pass a continuing resolution (CR) and

an extension and eventual

the lead on the bill. She previously

Budget Reconciliation 3.0. The Senate

reauthorization, the Trump

drafted a version of the bill that

is currently drafting its own CR without

Administration has been outspoken

excluded reforms to small refinery

many of the “anomalies” proposed

about their requests for the

exemptions, which had received

by the Office of Management and

bill’s contents. Transportation

opposition from oil-state lawmakers.

Budget. The CR may include a surface

Secretary Sean Duffy sent a letter

While there is momentum among

transportation and farm bill extension.

to key Senate committees in

Senate Republicans such as Sen. Ernst

Both pieces of legislation are set to

hopes of advancing the Trump

and Sen. Jim Justice (R-WV) to pass

expire on September 30, 2026. In

Administration’s priorities. However,

the bill before August recess, Sen.

addition, with the House’s passage

some of the requests have

McConnell’s absence will continue to

of a Reconciliation 3.0 budget

proven to be highly contentious.

hinder any legislation that requires a

resolution, Senate Republicans

Senate Environment and Public

party-line vote.

face pressure from the Trump

Works Chair Capito and House

Administration to provide additional

Transportation and Infrastructure

money for the Pentagon and to raise

Chair Sam Graves (R-MO) have

the debt ceiling. However, some

opposed the attachment of the

members of Senate GOP leadership

Railway Safety Act as well as the

remain doubtful that current versions

proposal to eliminate the Highway

of Reconciliation 3.0 will receive the

Trust Fund’s mass transit account

necessary 50 votes. Overall, Senate

and reallocate the federal fuel tax

appropriators remain hopeful that the

revenue to the trust fund’s highway

text of all 12 annual appropriations

account. Surface transportation will

bills will be posted prior to the August

likely be a focus for Congress in the

recess.

lead up to the midterm elections.

Surface transportation reauthorization

Similarly, a farm bill extension will

remains a key priority for Congress,

be a pressing issue due to the

but with its deadline approaching,

upcoming September 30 expiration.

a surface transportation extension

TheFarm, Food, and National

is most likely to occur. The

Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567)

reauthorization bill, the BUILD America

passed the House on April 30 and

250 Act (H.R. 8870), which would

the Senate Agriculture Committee

reauthorize surface transportation,

released its discussion draft on

was reported favorably by the House

June 23. Senate Agriculture Chair

Transportation and Infrastructure

John Boozman (R-AR) remains

Committee on May 22 but has not

determined to mark up the farm bill

moved since. Senate Environment

prior to August recess despite the

and Public Works Chair Shelley Moore

absence of Sen. Mitch McConnell

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August 7 Inside the Beltway Update Senators will gavel in at 11:30 a.m. today and confront a crowded agenda that stands between them and a five-week August recess. Before the Senate moves to a floor vote on the bipartisan December 11 Continuing Resolution, it is expected to clear a package of 74 lower-level Trump administration nominees. Majority Leader John Thune (RSD) originally saw the CR as a straightforward way to head off any October 1 shutdown risk, but the bill is now snarled in sharp disputes over hemp policy—as well as reconciliation maneuvers that have Democrats warning of a possible Republican end-run ahead of the recess. EMA supports a one-month delay of the hemp ban to give both sides more room to negotiate a deal.

Adding to the tension, Sen. Ted Budd

to enforce EV mandates. This

(R-NC), joined by Sen. Pete Ricketts

coordinated effort marks the

(R-NE), has filed an amendment to

latest Republican push against

The Senate has also followed the

strip the hemp-delay language from

such waivers, some dating to the

House by introducing four CRA

the continuing resolution entirely.

Obama administration, following

resolutions on Thursday aimed at

The Senate parliamentarian has

Congress’s elimination of three

repealing the California EV mandate.

reportedly ruled the amendment

Biden-era waivers last year and

Four Republican senators—Cynthia

germane, meaning it could be

the Trump administration’s call to

Lummis of Wyoming, Eric Schmitt of

adopted by a simple majority if

repeal four more.

Missouri, Pete Ricketts of Nebraska,

brought to a vote. That significantly

and Jon Husted of Ohio—introduced

increases the prospect that the four-

Rep. Gary Palmer’s resolution

the CRAs. Senator Schmitt’s resolution

week delay could be removed before

targets a first Obama administration

targets a waiver from the first Obama

final passage of the CR.

waiver authorizing California

administration authorizing California

Meanwhile, the long-awaited farm bill

emissions mandates starting with

failed to advance out of the Senate

model year 2009 vehicles. Rep.

model year 2009 vehicles; Senators

Agriculture Committee this week,

Pfluger’s would revoke a Biden-

Ricketts and Husted’s resolutions

leaving another major agricultural

era waiver supporting California’s

would revoke the waivers enabling

priority unresolved before the recess.

Advanced Clean Cars I program,

California’s Advanced Clean Cars I

Included in the Senate farm bill

which restricts vehicle emissions.

program, which imposed progressively

was language to extend the year

Rep. Obernolte’s aims to repeal a

tighter standards through model year

round waiver for E15. Unfortunately,

waiver enabling California to set

2025; and Senator Lummis’s resolution

negotiators could not bridge deep

emissions standards for small off-

seeks to eliminate a waiver covering

divides over a SNAP cost sharing

road engines, such as those in lawn

emissions rules for small off-road

provision with the states, with the

mowers and golf carts. The Clean

engines such as those in lawn mowers

measure ultimately falling short of the

Air Act has long allowed California

and golf carts.

votes needed for markup.

special authority to set different emissions standard than the federal

The farm bill’s collapse in committee

government, with other states often

adds to the sense of unfinished

adopting its standards, and the

business hanging over the chamber

CRA provides a simple-majority

as it prepares to leave town. All of

mechanism to overturn such

this sets the stage for an extended

federal rules—a tool first applied to

session that could stretch late into

these waivers only last year.

the evening. It remains unclear

mandates.

Trump Administration to Extend its Jones Act Waiver The Trump Administration is preparing

whether Thune will also bring up the

This introduction builds on earlier

another extension of its Jones Act

SAVE America Act, the voter-ID and

Republican measures, including

waiver to reduce the movement of

proof-of-citizenship measure President

one by Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-

oil and gas between U.S. ports as it

Trump is pressing hard despite the

WY) against the same 2009 waiver

seeks additional tools to ease pressure

bill’s lack of 60 votes; the leader

and another by Rep. John Joyce

on gasoline prices. The Jones Act,

may still move it as a way to unify

(R-PA) targeting a 2013 waiver

enacted in 1920, requires that cargo

Republicans against Democrats rather

for stricter standards through

shipped by water between U.S. ports

than risk internal party friction.

model year 2025, with Rep. James

travel on vessels that are built, owned,

Gallagher (R-CA.) also planning

and registered in the United States

Finally, three House Republicans

a similar resolution. All four key

and crewed by American workers.

— Reps. August Pfluger (R-TX), Jay

sponsors serve on the Energy and

The White House first suspended

Obernolte (R-CA), and Gary Palmer

Commerce Committee, which

the law for 60 days in mid-March

(R-AL) — introduced separate

oversees the Clean Air Act, and

and later extended the waiver by

Congressional Review Act (CRA)

the bills could advance to the floor

another 90 days in April. A White

resolutions of disapproval on Thursday

after the August recess amid the

House official said discussions about a

to eliminate federal Clean Air

administration’s broader goal of

further extension remain active while

Act waivers that permit California

removing remaining California EV

the administration monitors how the

existing waiver is being used.

measures. However, due to internal

a letter to Senate leadership urging

Separately, American Petroleum

divisions over the SAVE America

them to preserve the delay in the CR.

Institute CEO Mike Sommers

Act, Republicans did not hold

Attention now turns to the House as

addressed political scrutiny of oil-

a vote on a budget resolution,

tensions around the hemp ban are

industry profits. Responding to

pushing back the timeline for

rising. This week, Rep. Andy Harris (R-

President Trump’s recent criticism of

the reconciliation process. With

MD) shared his goal of revoking the

Exxon Mobil and Chevron for “making

the House returning September

delay, while Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-

too much money” while retail gasoline

14, it will need to take up the

TX) and Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH)

prices remain elevated, Sommers

Senate-passed CR to prevent

introduced the Beverage Regulatory

noted that the sector understands

a government shutdown, but

Parity Act (H.R. 10079) to regulate

it may face attacks in an election

discrepancies between the House

hemp THC drinks like alcohol and

year. He emphasized that "American

and Senate CRs over the federal

exempt them from a federal ban. Still,

consumers have to understand that

grant approval process and

given the White House’s continued

during this time of high earnings, this

immigration agency funding levels

involvement, it is unlikely that the

is the time when we invest for future

will prove to be contentious issues.

House will remove the delay from the

production going forward.” He added

final stopgap funding bill.

that the industry is a “price taker, not

Looking ahead, Congress is set to

a price maker,” and pointed to the

address programs of importance

Two EMA legislative priorities gained

roughly five-month closure of the Strait

to EMA. Senate Agriculture Chair

traction in the Senate last week. The

of Hormuz as a key driver of elevated

John Boozman (R-AR) shared that

Credit Card Competition Act (S. 3623)

pump prices.

the committee will vote on the farm

added three cosponsors: Sen. Bernie

bill in September after it failed in

Moreno (R-OH), Sen. Cynthia Lummis

In legal news, the Supreme Court

August due to a state SNAP cost

(R-WY), and Sen. Angus King (I-ME).

scheduled oral arguments for

sharing provision. As a reminder,

Of the new cosponsors, Sen. Moreno

October 5, the opening day of its

the farm bill includes a year-round

and Sen. Lummis sit on the Senate

new term, in Suncor v. Boulder. The

extension of the sale of E15. Sen.

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

case will test whether federal law

Boozman also noted the bill’s slim

Committee, which has jurisdiction

or the Constitution prevents cities,

chance of passing before the

over the legislation. The Trump-

counties, and states from suing oil

midterm elections. Additionally,

backed bill increases competition in

and gas companies over the costs

while the Senate included a

the credit card processing market by

of addressing climate change. The

surface transportation extension

creating a choice for the processing

outcome could shape the viability of

in the CR, major disagreements

of credit card purchases. The Senate

dozens of pending climate-related

persist over a larger surface

also passed the Common Cents

lawsuits against fossil fuel producers.

transportation reauthorization bill. In

Act (S. 1525), which grants legal

the meantime, the extension awaits

protection to businesses that round

House action before its passage.

transactions to the nearest 5 cents if

August 14 Inside the Beltway Update The Senate has finally left Washington, DC, after passing a continuing resolution (CR) in a 90-6 vote to extend government funding through December 11. While Congress is set to return next month, it will be met with a long list of big-ticket items, including reconciliation 3.0. On Friday, Senate Budget Chair Ron Johnson (R-WI) unveiled the reconciliation framework, which includes defense spending, farm aid, and voter ID

F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

they don’t have enough pennies. The Debates over the federal hemp

Senate bill was altered to match the

ban took center stage in the

opt-in version that the House passed

Senate’s final days before August

in July. Since the House and Senate

recess. The Senate ultimately

have advanced measures under

included a one-month delay of the

different bill numbers, the House

federal hemp ban after voting 61-

will have to pass the Senate version

32 to reject Sen. Ted Budd’s (R-NC)

before the bill reaches the President’s

amendment aimed at removing

desk.

the extension of the delay. The outcome was heavily influenced by the lobbying efforts of White House officials, the hemp industry, and consumer groups. Notably, EMA and nearly 100 organizations sent

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