The home heating oil industry has a long and proud history, and Fuel Oil News has been there supporting it since 1935. It is an industry that has faced many challenges during that time. In its 77th year, Fuel Oil News is doing more than just holding
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dAtEliNE Thanks to new oil exploration and recovery technologies, progress in the areas of energy conservation and efficiency, and ongoing investments in alternatives such as biodiesel, experts believe we have the potential to be completely energy independent within a decade. But more must be done to unleash the full potential of American-made energy and bring stable and affordable energy to consumers. In writing energy policy, we urge federal and state officials to: • Maximize Domestic Energy Production. Congress and the administration must remove barriers to energy production on public lands and waterways. Policymakers must also lift restrictions on sea-borne vessels and permit the construction of new pipelines necessary to transport low-cost North American crude oil to refineries and on to U.S. consumers. • Invest in Energy Efficiency, Conservation and Renewables. We are now embracing a low-sulfur (15ppm) and, as a result, cleaner-burning fuel that will reduce carbon emissions, improve system performance, and allow the introduction of ultra-efficient heating technologies and provide even greater consumer savings. • Promote Fairness & Competition. Government policies should work for all industries- not against any one. Promoting Market Stability & Confidence Beyond investing in the extraordinary potential of American energy in a way that is fair and comprehensive, we must also bring renewed stability and confidence to the energy markets. Recent economic upheaval, unwarranted volatility in the commodity futures markets and partisan gridlock in Washington have taken their toll on our members and consumers. There are several things that Congress and the President must do to bring meaningful relief to energy consumers: • Implement Dodd-Frank. • Protect Hedgers. • Stop Printing Money. • Fund LIHEAP. Regulatory Relief for Small Energy Providers NEFI encourages smart, effective and responsible regulations that are sensitive to the needs of consumers and small businesses and that encourage innovation, a competitive market and overall economic security. However, unnecessary, duplicative or costly regulations stifle growth and competitiveness of the small business home heating industry and have a negative impact on employees, consumers and local economies. We are ready to respond to our members' needs in this regard. Compliance Assistance - NEFI will continue to provide timely regulatory guidance to its member in an effort to reduce costs and avoid fines for fees associated with non-compliance. This includes regulatory compliance kits, bulletins, updates on newly proposed or existing federal regulations and direct member access to NEFI regulatory compliance experts. NEFI webinars and other educational offerings will help the industry to fully understand and comply with the rules and regulations for an effective and efficiency operation. Regulatory Advocacy - As the Obama administration and regulators throughout the region consider new proposals that affect our industry, NEFI stands ready to voice the concerns of our members loud and clear. Some specific regulatory issues are already on the move and we are fully engaged. This includes: • Measures to Increase Supply and Decrease Disruptions. • Fighting Natural Gas Conversion Policies. • Reducing Regulatory Burden. pMAASigNSlETTErUrgiNg rEpEAlOFHEAlTHiNSUrANCE TAx Petroleum Marketers Association of America has signed a letter which commended Reps. Charles Boustany (R-LA) and Jim Matheson (D-UT) for reintroducing bipartisan legislation which CAlENdAr oF EVENts MAy OESP 60th Annual Convention and Trade Show May 19-23 HERSHEY® Lodge Hershey, PA www.thinkoesp.org JUNE Women in Energy Summit 2013 June 5, 2013 The Radisson Hotel Manchester, NH womensenergysummit.com The NEFI Energy Expo June 11 & 12 Putnam Clubhouse at Gillette Stadium Foxborough, MA Contact: nefiexpo@gstone.biz Cleaner Heat 2013 June 18 & 19 Delta Beausjour in Moncton, New Brunswick Contact: veronica.yu@coha.ca would repeal a tax imposed on health insurance providers included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Last Congress, the bill garnered 226 cosponsors. Although the tax is imposed on health insurance companies, it's likely the tax will be passed onto small businesses through higher premiums forcing small business owners who remain in the insurance market to self-insure. The non-partisan Joint Committee on Taxation found that the tax will raise insurance premiums on average by $350–$400 per affected family in 2016. Furthermore, Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) recently introduced the "Small Business Health Relief Act" (S. 24) which would repeal the insurance tax along with other taxes in the PPACA. FUEL OIL NEWS (ISSN 0016-2396), Canada Publication Mail Agreement #1588621, is published monthly by Specialty Information Media. 1030 W. Higgins Road, Suite 230, Park Ridge, Il 60068. Circulated free of charge to qualified individuals in the oil heating industry in the United States. Additional and/or personal copies are available on a paid subscription basis only. 1-year subscription rates: $28.00 USA. $40.00 Canada and Mexico via service postage. $90.00 other foreign countries via air-mail postage. Single copies: $8.00 U.S. via first-class postage. $12.00 other Canada/Mexico/Foreign via airmail postage. Payable in US currency. Periodicals postage paid at Park Ridge, IL and additional mailing offices. Copyright 2013 by Bev-Al Communications, Inc. Reproduction of any portion or portions of this publication is specifically prohibited without written consent. Postmaster: Send address changes to FUEL OIL NEWS, PO Box 4290, Port Jervis, NY 12771. 4 April2013| FUElOilNEWS|www.fueloilnews.com