Western Petroleum Marketers Association - WPMA

Hard to believe this red state could get any redder, but the post election post mortem in Idaho shows just that. GOP swept all statewide offices by historic margins, and Governor Otter ?trounced? his ?independent? democrat opponent, Keith Allred. The legislature became more conservative, gaining 5 House seats. Although the Senate numbers were unchanged, the GOP caucus shifted to the right with a handful of new members who unseated moderates in the Primary. Of 105 legislators, now only 20 are democrats. Idaho?s Blue Dog Congressman Walt Minnick was upset by a Tea Party favorite and two-term legislator, Raul Labrador, who survived two come-from-behind elections to ride the national wave that rolled across Idaho. Read More...

UST Rules approved by 2008 legislature: IPM&CSA worked closely with DEQ to develop rules implementing the new state UST program that was created by the 2007 legislature. IPM&CSA participated in both statue and negotiated rule-makings to ensure practical implication of the new state UST program.

Tribal Fuel Tax Agreements approved by 2008 legislature: Finally settling a multi-year battle over fuel taxes, the Idaho legislature approved agreements between four tribes and the state of Idaho by passing SCR125. IPM&CSA can take credit for resolving many years of legal and legislative battles to bring tax fairness to distributors by requiring tribal fuels to include the state cent fuel tax in the price of the sale.

Stage One Vapor Recovery in the Treasure Valley will increase costs to marketers doing business in Ada and Canyon Counties. This negotiated rule-making is underway at DEQ and marketers are participating. This rule is scheduled to go before the 2009 legislature, but new EPA rules on the subject and lack of funding have complicated the status of the rule-making and thrown significant uncertainty into the process and outcome.

Risk Based Corrective Action rules could increase clean up costs for fuel tanks statewide. DEQ is working with the industry and the PSTF to revisit the current guidance document. A small work group will develop an initial proposal to be followed by negotiated rulemaking. DEQ intends to take these rules to the 2009 legislature, assuming issues of concern can be resolved.

Register and get your room now for the IPM&CSA 2008 Convention – Coeur d’Alene Resort, July 28-30.

Rooms will go fast, so make sure you get your reservations at the Coeur d’Alene Resort for our 2008 Convention and Trade Show.