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EPA GRANTS CALIFORNIA GHG WAIVER
EPA is granting California’s waiver request enabling the state to enforce its greenhouse gas emissions standards for new motor vehicles, beginning with the current model year. EPA found that California continues to have a need for its motor vehicle emissions program, including the greenhouse gas standards. EPA also found that the California program meets legal requirements regarding the protectiveness of public health and welfare as well as technological feasibility. According to EPA, its decision was based on an extensive record of scientific and technical evidence. As part of the reconsideration, EPA revisited the prior decision documents and record. The agency also opened a new comment period, including public hearings. The Clean Air Act gives EPA the authority to allow California to adopt its own emission standards for new motor vehicles due to the seriousness of the state’s air pollution challenges. There is a long-standing history of EPA granting waivers to the state of California.
RFS 2 COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced this week that it would extend the public comment period for the proposed rule on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2). The comment period has been extended an additional 60 days to September 25. It is unclear how the EPA plans to reconcile the comment period extension with the urgent need to implement the RFS2, which is now almost two years behind schedule. A memorandum prepared by SIGMA counsel, Steptoe & Johnson, provides an overview of the changes to the current renewable fuels standard (RFS1), summarizes new requirements under the proposed renewable fuels standard (RFS2), and highlights provisions upon which SIGMA members may want to comment. You can view the memo at www.sigma.org. We would like your input. Please carefully read the provisions and e-mail Tim Columbus (tcolumbus@steptoe.com) with your concerns.
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EPA PROPOSES STRONGER AIR QUALITY STANDARD FOR NO2
EPA has proposed to strengthen the nation’s nitrogen dioxide (NO2) air quality standard that protects public health. EPA’s proposed revisions apply to the primary NO2 standard and would: 1) establish, for the first time, a one-hour NO2 standard at a level between 80 – 100 parts per billion (ppb); 2) retain the current annual average NO2 standard of 53 ppb; 3) add NO2 monitoring within 50 meters of major roads in cities with at least 350,000 residents; and 4) continue monitoring “area-wide” NO2 concentrations in cities with at least 1 million residents. EPA will accept public comments for 60 days after the proposal is published in the Federal Register. EPA must issue a final decision on the NO2 standard by Jan. 22, 2010. This initiative continues the Obama administration's activism on Clean Air Act issues. SIGMA counsel is reviewing the proposal.
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CSP OUTLOOK LEADERSHIP
In one of the greatest gatherings of economic and fiscal forecasters, CSP Outlook Leadership 2009 promises to illuminate, placing a spotlight on the global economy and energy and what it means for our industry’s petroleum marketers and retailers. Scheduled for Sept. 20-22 at the luxurious new Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes, CA, Outlook Leadership “New Horizons” will feature bold and independent thinkers who will challenge our long-held theories on branding and energy consumption. Joe Petrowski, CEO at Gulf Oil, two years ago risked his reputation when he predicted that retail gasoline prices would cross $4 a gallon in 2008. At the time, people scoffed and snickered. Unfortunately for them, Petrowski was right. What does Petrowski think is in store for 2010 and beyond? Register today at www.outlookconference.com to find out and stand among the cutting-edge operators to keep ahead of your competition.
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HR Share Group October 7-8 in St. Louis
Jump start your team for 2010 and register for the HR Share Group. We will cover: recruiting, incentives, all aspects of training, work/life balance, leadership transitions and HR's role, and the ever-present compensation and accountability discussions. Agenda and registration form are attached. Contact Ken Gunn at 206-542-1549 with any questions.
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WE NEED YOU IN WASHINGTON
If you are concerned with regulatory issues that will affect your business (and you should be), then please come to Washington, DC, on July 21-22 for SIGMA’s Summer Legislative Meeting and Day on the Hill. You are your best advocate – this is your chance to talk face-to-face with legislators that represent you in Congress who will continue to make energy policy decisions that will impact your business in some way. Register today at www.sigma.org. Have a happy and safe Independence Day!.
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SIGMA Weekly Report July 2, 2009 © Copyright SIGMA, 2010
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