Oil Prophets

Fall 2014

Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/414216

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 17 of 39

18 Oil Prophets Our industry is blessed to have had long-time, productive relationships with our state officials. In this issue, we profile Senator Arthur Orr and Representative Steve Clouse, who both grew up in the petroleum and oil industries and have first-hand knowledge of the challenges we face every day. Both bring their unique experiences with the industry, particularly the nuances of UST practices, to their roles, and work closely together on many issues important to our industry. Arthur Orr, representing District 3 (Morgan, Madison and Limestone Counties) in the State Senate, was raised in North Alabama where his family has been involved in the petroleum industry for over 70 years. Growing up in the business, he was involved in many aspects of the industry. He graduated from law school and returned to Decatur to join a local firm, then took more than 3 years to "give back," working with Habitat for Humanity International. Upon his return to Alabama, he joined Cook's Pest Control as Vice President and General Counsel. He says, "working with Cook's Pest Control has provided me the opportunity to be more involved in the ongoing growth and management of a business — which I enjoy." This also led to his interest in management of real estate development. Senator Orr was elected to the Alabama Senate in 2006, and currently chairs the Senate Finance and Taxation Committee for state government. The petroleum industry is "a tough business to be in," says Orr. In comparing his experiences with the pest control and petroleum marketing industries, he points out that pest control is a service, not a commodity, and therefore not as price-sensitive as the petroleum business. He comments "gas prices are published on signs. Show me another business like that. No other commodity is so price sensitive." He is aware that the man on the street thinks the marketers are responsible for the price at the pump. "When the prices go up, the average citizen is very angry at the retailers because they are the face of the market." Citizens don't realize that "the price of petroleum is beyond wholesaler and retailer's control." From his family business experience, as well as his time with the legislature, the senator knows that "petroleum marketers have environmental requirements that most other retailers don't have." Senator Orr offers an explanation of the principles behind the UST Trust Fund. This Fund was created by the industry to help with the costs of mitigation and clean-up of underground storage tanks and is funded by self-imposed fees. He states, "Occasionally there are legislators who think that money could be taken elsewhere, but it helps to have that knowledge and explain the importance of having that [the fund] in place." Senator Orr sees first-hand the value of trade associations, particularly our own Association. He realizes the importance of informing policy- makers about our industry's nuances. "Many times there are misconceptions that circulate around any group or association or industry. These associations are able to dispel or explain misconceptions." He also realizes that associations provide a tremendous resource for educating policy makers on various issues faced within each industry. Orr notes that with any association, there is strength in numbers. The more that policy- makers hear from their constituents who may be involved in the Petroleum & Marketing industry, the better understanding they will have on various issues. "For example, if they only hear from one person in their district regarding a particular issue Friends in High Places

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Oil Prophets - Fall 2014