Government Affairs Brief

As with every American presidential election cycle, private industry waits with bated breath to see how the next four years will impact the national economy. In 2024, the bulk liquid terminals industry finds itself at a critical crossroads on several key policy matters affecting liquid logistics up and down the supply chain. Regardless of who is in the White House next January, the terminals industry will look for meaningful and bipartisan solutions on these topics.

On September 19, 2024, the European Union (EU) announced new restrictions on the use of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) in consumer products, including some firefighting foam applications. The approved restriction aims to reduce emissions of PFAS, as PFHxA is often used as a substitution for PFOA, the use of which is already restricted in the EU and a common chemical found in AFFF. The rule sets timelines and concentration limits of PFHxA in firefighting foams and foam concentrates for training, testing, public fire services, and civil aviation, with exceptions.

On September 18, ILTA hosted its monthly Energy Evolution webinar featuring Dr. Prem Lobo, the Energy Division Manager at the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Office of Environment and Energy. Prem gave a high-level summary of the FAST-SAF program, outlining how it provided nearly $250 million in grants to support infrastructure projects related to the production, transportation, blending, and storage of SAF.

On September 11, following up on the association’s petition for reconsideration on the gasoline distribution rules, ILTA met with EPA to discuss the results of July field test of vapor combustion (VCU) unit efficiency and offer any further clarification on the petition. 

As a follow-up to our introduction of the newly added Government Affairs Subcommittee (GAS), we would like to highlight its work and the significant role it plays in advancing ILTA’s advocacy agenda. Jake Hinch, who co-chairs GAS, brings valuable experience from his time working in the United States Senate and at Marathon Petroleum, where he focuses on advocating for the bulk terminal industry. 

We had the opportunity to interview Jake and gain his insights on the importance of legislative and regulatory advocacy for ILTA and its members.