when it was discussed. It was strictly the
refiners and the ethanol industry that
made the first deal.
But the first deal in 2005 wasn't bad.
It was really reasonable and we would
not be having the blend wall issues with
that one. When the Democrats took
over in 2006 their view was anything the
Republicans can do on renewable fuels
we can do better. So they went back then
and expanded the whole mandate in a
very significant way, which really is the
source of the problem.
FON: What would you say to the
members of the association as you leave
office and as Rob takes over?
GILLIGAN: First, I would like to tell
them how much I respect what they have
to do to make their companies profitable
in probably the most competitive busi-
ness you can imagine. I have an immense
respect for people who have succeeded
and continue to succeed in this business,
and it certainly not getting it easier.
My message would probably be to get
out there and be more politically active on
the local level. Get to know your state leg-
islators and your congressmen if you can.
Send your local congressman a donation
for heaven's sake. Go to a town hall meet-
ing and give a donation, and start building
that rapport because that person makes a
lot of decisions that affect your business.
It frustrates me when I encounter so
many members who are detached from
their local political universe. I don't want
to get in politics; it's not my thing. But
you have to get involved with politics
because your business is at stake. Do not
be indifferent to local political races get
involved and be heard.
One of the old sayings is it doesn't
matter if you know your member of
Congress, it matters if he or she knows
you. And that is absolutely the truth. As
consolidation occurs and our industry
gets smaller, it's even more important
that you build those relationships and
get involved.
www.fueloilnews.com | FUEL OIL NEWS | JUNE 2015 27
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
l F O N
Dan Gilligan
