b'2019 Scholarship FoundationCEO MessagecontinuedCompatibility of the UST components such as pipe dope andMeanwhile, PMAA members are concerned with utilities using sealants with E10 plus blends of ethanol is a significant problem.their rate base to pay for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure Typically, components other than the tank itself (piping, joints,expansion which allows utilities an unfair competitive advantage connectors, gaskets, dispensers) are the source of most USTover petroleum marketers who must economically justify at risk leaks. While the owner/operator is not required to demonstrateinvestments in new equipment such as EV charging stations. compatibility for pipe dope, it is still required to be compatible. PMAA opposes granting a de facto monopoly to utilities unfairly The following Q&A is on the EPA website (https://www.epa.gov/ competing in the marketplace which could ultimately put small ust/underground-storage-tank-ust-technical-compendium-about- business petroleum marketers out of business.2015-ust-regulations#compatibility): FEDERAL AND STATEQUESTION: Is pipe dope typically compatible with ethanolTRANSPORTATION POLICIES SHOULD: Forbid public and private sector actors from using their blends greater than E10? (Added: September 2018)monopoly over power generation or supply to impose specific ANSWER: As of 2018, pipe dope that is compatible withtechnologies and unfair costs on consumers.ethanol blends higher than E10 is available, but much of the pipeEliminate subsidies that predominantly benefit thedope on the market is not. Higher-ethanol compatible pipe dope was available beginning around 2007. Despite that, UST systemswealthiest individuals and households at the expenseinstalled then and since to store lower levels of ethanol, such asof lower income consumers.E0 or E10, probably have pipe dope compatible only with lower Ensure that transportation energy can be sold in alevels of ethanol. Storing greater than 10 percent ethanol in those UST systems means the pipe dope is incompatible. Becausevibrant, free market.higher-ethanol compatible pipe dope is more expensive, pipe Create a level playing field, in which no single fuel or dope compatible only with lower levels of ethanol to be storedtechnology is favored over another.in those UST systems may have been used, rather than higher-Require that all vehicle owners and operators, no matter ethanol compatible pipe dope.what fuel type they choose, pay their fair share for roadRetrofit Costs for E15 Compatible Equipment maintenance and repair.The cost to petroleum marketers for UST system retrofit would Ensure that consumers and policymakers can make objective be enormous. PMAA estimates that the average cost to replace the UST system at a retail gasoline station to sell E10 plus blendsdecisions about the lifecycle impacts of electric vehicles, and is likely over $100,000 per site. Such compliance costs would bethat sound science and data are used to determine and accu-staggering for small business retailers and would undoubtedlyrately define key legal and regulatory concepts, such as clean force many, particularly those in rural areas, to close. It is impor- and zero emissions.tant to note that even if the equipment is compatible, modifica-Require energy and national security considerations intions to existing UST systems and dispensers will be needed atdecision-making, recognizing that both may be harmed if many locations to accommodate the sale of E15. we increase our dependence on foreign countries for rawmaterials and equipment.2. UNFAIR EV /Maintain public health, safety and environment by ensuringINFRASTRUCTURE EXPANSION /that citizens and governments can effectively respond to acci-dents, natural disasters and terrorist attacks via a robust energy EV TAX CREDIT BACKGROUND and transportation infrastructure.Currently, the issue of alternative transportationEV TAX CREDITtechnologiesand electric vehicles is being included in thePMAA opposes the extension of the lucrative $7,500 electricdebate on infrastructure and climate change in the House. Thevehicle (EV) tax credit and supports the Fairness for Every Senate is also considering tax incentives and grant programs forDriver Act, (H.R. 1027) and (S. 343):electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. Specifically, the bills would: PMAA believes a balanced approach is needed that considersTerminate and repeal the federal electric vehicle tax credit upall forms of energy and provides for a reasonable transition toto $7,500 per new electric vehicle purchased for use in the U.S.;future energy sources. Liquid fuels play an important role inon alternative fuel vehicles;lowering vehicle emissions. Liquid fuels store well and transportImpose a federal highway user feeeasily in trucks, ships and by pipeline which allows the most Require that all user fees be collected with the users taxcompetitive price for motorists. According to the EPA, betweenreturn; and1970 and 2016, investments in cleaner fuels helped reduce U.S. Ensure the transfer of federal highway user fees into the air pollution by 73 percent, even as total miles driven nearly tripled. Maintaining liquid fuels is integral to the transition toHighway Trust Fund (HTF). future energy sources and the viability of small business petro-leum marketers.continued on page 6058 www.wpma.com / Summer 2019'