Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/626797
34 Oil Prophets Legislative Successes 2015 brought many challenges and opportunities for P&CMA and our legislative efforts. In addition to the Regular Legislative Session we also saw two Special Legislative Sessions called to address the state's budget shortfall. Each of these sessions included legislation that could have had a tremendous negative impact on our industry. First, and foremost, both Special Sessions included legislation that would have significantly increased the statewide motor fuels excise tax. P&CMA effectively blocked these bills and prevented the tremendous increase. Additional revenue enhancement bills included a change to the Lube Oil Tax which we also successfully blocked and an increase in the cigarette tax which did pass but not before P&CMA worked to reduce the amount of the increase from 85 cents-per-pack to 25 cents-per-pack. Other issues of interest included: Changes to the Alabama Motor Fuel Marketing Act (below cost sales bill) which helped redefine and strengthen the laws language on the "five day window" used to establish "cost." Passage of a P&CMA sponsored bill dealing with the theft of consigned motor fuel. Passage of a bill offered by the Department of Ag & Industries that will move the collection of the Inspection Fee to the Department of Revenue. Passage of a P&CMA sponsored bill to provide immunity from 3rd party lawsuits to UST trust fund contractors. Regulatory Successes During the summer months, P&CMA worked with the ABC Board to defeat a proposal that would have eliminated the use of portable coolers (ice barrels) in convenience stores and finally, in addition to our work in Montgomery, we were able to partner with Congressman Gary Palmer and Congresswoman Terri Sewell and ADEM's Air Division to convince EPA to remove the lower RVP requirements for Jefferson and Shelby Counties during the summer months. This change will save marketers countless thousands of dollars going forward. For members, one of the most valuable core services provided by P&CMA is a reliable governmental and regulatory affairs strategy. Throughout the years, the association has maintained an effective presence in Montgomery to promote and protect wholesale and retail petroleum marketers and convenience store operators. GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS 34 Oil Prophets