b'2020-21 Officers & Directors MONTANA Petroleum Marketers &Convenience Store Association ReportMTIhope this finds you and yours healthy.There are a lot of words to describe 2020 thus far, most not appropriate for publication, but I think one of the most applicable is adaptation. Every facet of TSA exemption is important because it runsour lives has been altered this year and while it has concurrently with the duration of the currentbeen uncomfortable at best, we are witnessing and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrationliving the art of adaptation and resilience. waiver that extends expiring CDL licensesCOVID-19 has forced us to harness technology to and driver medical certificates through stay connected. As much as we all might shudderBrad Longcake Montana Message September 30, 2020. when we hear the word Zoom, it has afforded us aMPMCSA Executive DirectorUnder the exemption, the validity of expiringplatform for advocacy and collaboration. MPMCSA or expired HMEs will be extended throughhas had a number of virtual round table meetings October 29, 2020 provided: with the Montana Congressional Delegation to discuss the struggles facing marketers and C-stores this year. We were ableThe state where the driver is licensedto share concerns related to the corona virus relief plans, as well as liabilityadopts the TSA exemption, and protection for our stores during these unprecedented challenges. We appreci- The drivers hazardous material endorse- ated the opportunity to address the impact of reduced fuel sales across our state and the nation, and its threat to infrastructure funding in general. This ment expired on or after March 1, 2020.allowed us to voice our opposition to proposals regarding commercialization States adopting the extension must notifyof rest stops. The consequences to our C-stores would be a crushing blow in each driver with an expiring or expired haz- an already difficult time. ardous material endorsement that the StateWe have continued to work closely with the collaborative group includ-is extending the expiration date of the HME. ing DEQ, store owners, consultants and Petro Board staff for the ongoing Notification may be made via a State websitelegislative audit into the PTRCB. We are thankful for the opportunity to posting, individually to each HME holder, bycontinue this process virtually biweekly. We are hopeful that the evaluation email or any other method a state selects. Forwill illustrate the value of the fund to not only the members, but all parties more information go to: www.tsa.gov/for- involved in the remediation process. industry/hazmat-endorsement.Our biannual legislative session is scheduled to start in January. We are anticipating legislation related to tobacco, alcohol, local option fuel tax and 3.New FMCSA Drug and a number of other issues pertinent to in-store daily operations. We are likely Alcohol Clearing House facing budget shortfalls and expect to see a lot of new proposed taxes. We Database Requirements are closely monitoring the November election for a number of state Senators and the entire state House of Representatives to better anticipate what may The U.S. Department of Transportationsbe coming in 2021. We are preparing for the possibility of a virtual legisla-Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administra- ture or a hybrid of virtual and in person. tion (FMCSA) online CDL driver drug andOur Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 alcohol Clearinghouse database require- Convention and Trade Show. As much as we value the time together for ments took effect on January 6, 2020. Theeducation and fellowship, the risk outweighs the reward this year. We are Clearinghouse is a secure online, searchablelooking for alternatives this fall to connect with members and will announce electronic database where all CDL driverplans in the coming weeks. drug and alcohol violations are now posted. The Clearinghouse provides employers, CDLAs we anticipate many more months of social distancing and virtual meet-drivers, medical review officers (MRO), sub- ings, we hope you embrace the unexpected opportunities. Whether it is more stance abuse professionals (SAP), state drivertime at home, finding new pastimes, or coming to work with business on the licensing agencies (SDLA) and enforcementtop and pajamas on the bottom, I hope we can all find something positive authorities real-time information about CDLthat comes out of our adaptation to 2020. drivers drug and alcohol program violations. CDL drivers, employers, MROs, SAPs and SDLAs must all register and use the data-base. Employers can assign their Clearing- Brad Longcake house database search and record uploadMPMCSA Executive Directorcontinued on page 60 SWPMA News / Autumn 202037'