Government Affairs Brief

As the hydrogen economy races ahead, with substantial national and local incentives in place for developing both upstream and downstream technologies, there is a growing awareness of the need to develop the storage and distribution, or “midstream”, infrastructure required by the industry. California has reacted to this need by announcing that it will be creating and implementing a California Hydrogen Market Development Strategy, using an all-of-government approach to build out the hydrogen market. Complemented by the recent creation of California’s “infrastructure strike team”, this initiative includes provisions that help develop hydrogen storage and distribution that can support the growth in production and demand.

Last week, the International Liquid Terminals Association (ILTA) filed comments with the Environmental Protection Agency on a proposal to regulate PFAS-containing aqueous-film forming foam (AFFF) under the under the nation’s Superfund law (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation & Liability Act of 1980).

Meridith Wilson, Vice President, Sustainability for Buckeye, has spent her career in the oil and gas industry, including having touchpoints with terminal operations as part of oil and gas midstream operations.

In her current role, Wilson enjoys many aspects of her job, but especially the interactions she has with the various functions across the organization in evaluating climate-change risks and opportunities.

“A close second would be simply supporting and watching Buckeye’s business strategy unfold,” Wilson said. “I’m excited about what the future holds for us at Buckeye.”

Over the course of her career, Wilson has seen a variety of constant changes, emphasizing that the industry is always evolving, whether it’s changes in technology, policy changes, or market conditions that spur different business strategies.

As the energy transition continues on a global scale, the demand for new and increased storage and transportation of liquid fuels in North America is likely to both grow and shift. Energy and fuel demand are projected to increase through 2050 and, due to the nature of biofuels, hydrogen and other low-carbon fuels, there is a predicted change in global markets with new trade dynamics and roles for different regions.

On July 21, ILTA and a team of terminal industry representatives met with Brenda Shine and Michael Cantoni of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Durham, North Carolina to discuss pending rulemaking regarding the Gasoline Distribution Industry package of air regulations that EPA proposed last year and the NSPS Subpart Kb storage tank standard that EPA is currently reviewing.  In addition to the 5-person delegation representing ILTA, over fifty additional members called into the meeting.