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is in a state of crisis right now as a result of EPA's continued delays in finalizing RFS volumes. An influx of Argentinian biodiesel will only exacer- bate the domestic industry's troubles at the worst possible time." The EPA initially approved the appli- cation from Argentina's biofuels associa- tion, CARBIO, on Jan. 27. Typically under the RFS, foreign pro- ducers must map and track each batch of feedstock used to produce imported renewable fuels to ensure that it was grown on land that was cleared or cul- tivated prior to Dec. 19, 2007--when the RFS was established. The EPA's January decision allows Argentinian biodiesel producers to instead rely on a survey plan being implemented by a third party to show their feedstocks comply with the regu- lations. The goal of the survey program is to ease the current map and track requirements applicable to planted crops and crop residues grown out- side of the United States and Canada, resulting in a program that seems far less stringent and more difficult to verify. Because EPA did not provide an open process when it considered the application, the limited infor- mation provided in EPA's approval document raises significant questions about whether soybean-oil biodiesel being imported from Argentina meets the renewable biomass requirement under the regulation. Many of the soybeans processed into soybean oil in Argentina come from Uruguay, Peru, Brazil and other countries. Given the complex international trade involved and the apparent gaps in the program as outlined in EPA's approval docu- ment, EPA will have little ability to verify the survey plans proposed by Argentinian producers, even with the third-party surveyor's limited reviews. Argentina would be the first country to use a survey approach under the RFS. Canada and the U.S. operate under an aggregate approach in which feedstock is approved so long as the aggregate amount of agricultural land in each country does not grow. NBB estimates that up to 600 million gallons of Argentinian biodiesel could enter the U.S. next year as a result of the change, particularly after the European Union blocked Argentinian biodiesel in 2013 after the country exported some 450 million gallons to the EU in 2012. SIGMA SELECTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER The Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America, a national asso- ciation of fuel marketers and conve- nience store chain retailers in the United States and Canada, has announced the selection of Ryan McNutt as its Chief Executive Officer. McNutt has a rich history with SIGMA, having previously served on the association's Legislative Committee and Board of Directors. McNutt spent ten years with Midwest Petroleum, a Saint Louis-based convenience store operator. As its Vice President of Operations, he was responsible for all aspects of store operations, marketing, merchandising, human resources, and risk management. He has most recently served as a senior director in national retail sales for Anheuser-Busch in the convenience store channel. "It is a great honor to be leading SIGMA at a time of so much poten- tial and growth for the industry," said McNutt about his selection. "I am look- ing forward to the opportunity to create long-term value for the association and its members in the years to come." McNutt will assume the role on April 20 and will work closely with SIGMA's Board of Directors, staff and members to ensure the association con- tinues its role as a leading voice for the fuel marketing community and that its events, programs, and services remain relevant and further advance the inter- ests of the industry for the future. "Ryan's reputation for engaging members and his dynamic leadership style are going to be a great asset for our association," said Gresham. "With SIGMA's outstanding staff that has been nothing short of exemplary during this time of transition, we are extremely excited for the future." Calendar of Events MAY, 2015 AREE Tradeshow May 12-14 Trump Taj Mahal Atlantic City, NJ 973-467-1400 info@areetradeshow.com OESP Convention and Trade Show May 17-21 Hershey Lodge & Convention Center Hershey, PA jgarber@thinkoesp.org OESP Ride to Care Fundraiser May 18 Hershey Lodge & Convention Center Hershey, PA jgarber@thinkoesp.org JUNE, 2015 UNYEA Annual Meeting/Golf Outing June 1 Verona New York Contact Tom Peters, Executive Secretary 518-280-6645 NEFI Energy Expo June 10-11 DCU Center Worcester, MA 617-924-1000 christine@nefi.com RI OESP Trade Show & Outing June 23 Francis Farm, Rehobeth, MA. Contact Don Borrzuto, Event Manager 401-641-6817 DATELINE BREAKING NEWS 4 MAY 2015 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www.fueloilnews.com McNutt spent ten years with Midwest Petroleum, a Saint Louis- based convenience store operator.