Member Feature: Philip Squair, Senior Government Affairs Advisor, Colonial Pipeline Company
With the Government Affairs Subcommittee (GAS) being newly added to the EGHSS Committee, we look to highlight its work and how it can play a major role in promoting ILTA’s advocacy agenda. Philip Squair serves as co-chair for GAS and brings decades of experience in government affairs, working as an advocate in the energy industry before coming to Colonial Pipeline where he has been for almost two years.
We interviewed Philip and got his perspective on how legislative and regulatory advocacy is important to ILTA and its members.
Can you tell us how you got your start in the liquid terminal industry?
I have spent my entire career working in public policy, first as a staffer on Capitol Hill and then working for various industry sectors, including HVAC, propane, electrical, and now a pipeline company.
I first became aware of ILTA in the immediate wake of 9/11, when the propane industry was voicing similar concerns as ILTA on some of the federal policy choices being considered. Fast forward more than 20 years, and here I am working for Colonial Pipeline Company that operates liquid terminals. I now get to work with ILTA again.
What is the highlight of your work?
It’s the people! I got into a government affairs career because I enjoyed meeting and working with people. Every day is an opportunity to learn something new and build my network of contacts. When you think about it, my job is basically sales -- I’m offering a political position on an issue rather than a widget of some kind. As in sales, you need to understand what makes the person you’re talking with tick, so hopefully you can get a “yes.” Rinse and repeat, and before long, you’ve built a coalition of supporters that can get something done.
What advice would you offer to someone just starting their career with a liquid terminal company?
Always keep in mind that the liquid terminal industry helps make our modern society possible. Storage of fuels and other valuable materials allows economic growth to continue. It’s also very rewarding to work in an industry where you can actually see and touch the equipment and facilities.
What would you say to a young person to encourage them to pursue a future career with a liquid terminal company?
I’ll go back to my previous answer -- it’s the people! So many people in the liquid terminal industry remember what it was like starting out and appreciate the advice they received early on in their careers. You can always count on the willingness of others to be there to support you and offer guidance on your career path.
How do you think the industry will continue to change over the next 5, 10, or 20 years?
Despite all the talk about electrification, I firmly believe that liquid fuels will remain at the heart of America’s economic growth far into the future. Frankly, I’m not even sure it’s appropriate to call it an energy transition. We learned during the pandemic that “just in time” delivery had limitations, so storage of critical products like fuels has to be viewed in terms of resilience to hedge against future disruptions. Our role in this work will continue to be important even as our society incorporates new technologies.
What is your level of involvement with ILTA?
Since I joined Colonial Pipeline, I have really enjoyed participating in the EGHSS Committee meetings and also the annual operating conference. I currently serve as co-chair of ILTA’s new Government Affairs Subcommittee and am very much looking forward to increasing ILTA’s influence in the public policy arena. With so many members spread around the country serving so many economic segments, ILTA has an excellent opportunity to become a real heavyweight on Capitol Hill and agencies. That translates into a very strong value proposition for membership in ILTA!
What’s your favorite part of being involved with ILTA?
I always love being part of something new. And since I’m still relatively new to Colonial Pipeline, everything about my participation with ILTA is new. I’m especially excited to help ILTA increase its advocacy program since I’ve been involved with comparable initiatives in other industry associations. I can already tell that ILTA will be in a much stronger position to influence public policy no matter what the 2024 election outcomes are.
Do you belong to any community or civic organizations you’d like to mention?
I’m an active member of Clifton Presbyterian Church where I currently serve as a trustee. I also belong to the Northern Virginia Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
Do you have any hobbies or interests you’d like to mention?
Speaking of Trout Unlimited, I really enjoy fishing, primarily fly fishing, but I’m happy no matter what sort I’m involved in. Even though I only live about 25 miles from the White House, I’m fortunate to live on a small farm where we care for two horses, so most of my free time is spent mowing pastures, fixing fences, and other chores. It’s a pleasant way to clear my head after a long day of policy and politics!