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Having trouble viewing this email? Click here to view in html.  www.nefi.com  A Service of New England Fuel Institute February 27, 2009 Volume 4 • Issue 8 |
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President Addresses Congress, Releases First Annual Budget NEFI Attends Carbon Trading Conference EPA Withdraws Extension to Deadline For SPCC Compliance Overlooked Tax Credit Might Help Struggling Customers Pay Bills NEFI Webinar March 18: NORA Energy Conservation Seminar: NORA Board Meeting, May 6 at AREE Donate a Generator to Help Sick Children Alert: Phone Calls About NEFI Hotel Rooms Are a Scam NEFI Seeks Professional Engineer for Panel Presentation at Expo NEFI School Help Wanted: Basic Oilheat Technician Instructor, Contract Educators Thank You NEFI Action Center Contributors
33rd North American June 9 & 10, 2009 Nearly 8,000 attendees in 2007 326 booth spaces sold in 2007 302 unique exhibitors in 2007 101 Days Until Expo! Sign up today to get your space at the industry's LARGEST heating & energy exposition. For a complete list of exhibitors, click on the following link See www.nefiexpo.com for Contact tracy@nefi.com for exhibit space, registration and sponsorship information. Tracy Goodwin, VP for Events, tracy@nefi.com New England Fuel Institute (nefi.com), 617-923-5015 direct dial.
Upcoming Courses New! Advanced Oilheat Efficiency Options Electrical Procedures for Heating Techs. New Dates! Rhode Island Basic Oilheat Course Advanced Common Sense Troubleshooting Oilheat Wiring for Electricians NORA Energy Conservation Seminar: Credit & Collections Seminar Management Seminar: George Lanthier Courses: EPA Section 608 Training/Certification Refrigerant Training R-410A Mass. Oil Burner Code 527 CMR 4.00 Basic Oilburner Course New Date! Gas Heat for Oilheat Technicians Email school@nefi.com to register. |
NEFI ENDORSES NOMINEE TO HEAD U.S. FUTURES TRADING AGENCY NEFI and other coalition members were pleasantly surprised with Gensler’s answers to those questions, answers that he reiterated during this week's Senate confirmation hearing. His "Greenspan-esque" turnaround was evident in his calls for tough new market regulation and strong tone in favor of greater oversight, transparency and enforcement. He said his views have "evolved" since the turn of the century, adding that Congress and the CFTC must now "urgently develop a broad regulatory regime for over-the-counter derivatives markets" and other unregulated trading environments. He also laid out specific calls for new limits on the size of positions that traders can take in the market and that those positions apply to all traders, a top NEFI priority. NEFI Vice President for Government Affairs Jim Collura and Rob Underwood, PMAA Manager of Congressional Relations, attended the hearing, and wished Gensler luck as his nomination now awaits a floor vote. He has promised a working dialogue and support for many industry and consumer priorities if confirmed by the Senate, which is expected. This would be a major development and may lead to real transparency and accountability in these markets, a shift in direction from immediate past (Acting) Chairman Walter Lukken's regime. During his brief chairmanship, Lukken publicly denied excessive speculation played any role in the price run-ups seen since 2000, even during last year's spike. It is a point with which Gensler greatly differs from Lukken, which leaves us greatly encouraged. Read the coalition letter endorsing Gensler. Read Bloomberg News coverage of the hearing. Read Gensler's testimony or watch the archived video Congress is in session and working on the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill, along with other important matters. Several committees are holding hearings on the Financial Crisis and also on energy and environmental issues, in preparation for major legislation to come. PRESIDENT ADDRESSES CONGRESS, RELEASES FIRST ANNUAL BUDGET Republicans, especially Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member Judd Gregg (R-NH) have spoken out critically on the President’s request, which raises taxes for higher-income Americans and adds $1.17 trillion to the deficit. It also includes a $250 billion “placeholder” for additional bank bailouts that the President believes may be necessary during the next fiscal year. At first glance, here are some highlights of interest to NEFI members. • $3.2 billion for federal LIHEAP, which is $2 billion less than appropriated by Congress last year but twice the amount requested for FY2009 by then-President Bush. Obama would also like to see a new mechanism that would increase funding whenever there are sharp increases in energy prices. It is not yet clear how this will work. NEFI has joined LIHEAP advocates and asked for $5.1 billion in LIHEAP funding. • Increasing taxes on upper-income Americans by capping the rate for itemized deductions at 28 percent and letting the Bush tax cuts for high income taxpayers expire (636.7 billion worth over 10 years). • Making permanent the “Making Work Pay” tax cut included in the stimulus bill, which provides 6.2 percent of earned incomes up to $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers), for up to a $400 credit for working individuals and $800 for working families; and making permanent the expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, primarily helping low income families. • A national cap and trade program by 2012, to raise $650 billion through 2019 and help fund $150 billion worth of renewable energy projects over ten years, as well as other programs such as weatherization programs and a national smart grid. • Eliminating an array of tax cuts for major oil and gas companies • Support for Carbon Capture and Sequestration programs. • $17.5 billion in 7(a) guaranteed loan program. • $7.5 billion for Section 504 Guaranteed loan program. • $25 million for the microloan program. NEFI ATTENDS CARBON TRADING CONFERENCE
Contact: Mark Morgan, Esq. NEFI Regulatory Counsel (mark@nefi.com) EPA WITHDRAWS EXTENSION TO DEADLINE FOR SPCC COMPLIANCE OVERLOOKED TAX CREDIT MIGHT HELP STRUGGLING CUSTOMERS PAY BILLS NEFI SEEKS PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER FOR SPCC PRESENTATION AT EXPO
General News • CONGRESS TAKES UP FINAL FISCAL YEAR 2009 APPROPRIATIONS BILL • HEADS OF COMMODITY EXCHANGES MEET WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS • OBAMA PROMISES REGULATORY REFORM OF FINANCIAL MARKETS • EPA POISED TO REGULATE CARBON IN LANDMARK DECISION
Heating Fuels • NY OIL HEATING ASSOCIATION EXEC TESTIFIES ON BIOHEAT® MANDATE • LOCAL NY CITY AREA BOARD VOTES DOWN BIOHEAT® MANDATE • NATURAL GAS LEAK CAUSES DEADLY MASSACHUSETTS HOME EXPLOSION
• DONATE A GENERATOR TO HELP SICK CHILDREN:
• Government Affairs Committee held its monthly conference call on Tuesday, February 24 at 3pm EST, moderated by Chairman Tom Devine (Devine Bioheat, Norwalk, CT). The call, which also included participation by several state associations, the Petroleum Marketers Association of America (PMAA) and the National Association for Oilheat Research and Education (NAORE), focused on discussion of a 2009 public policy agenda and several immediate NEFI priority issues, including the low sulfur phase-in, heating efficiency tax credits, federal LIHEAP funding, and more. For more information contact Tom Devine at tdevine@devinebioheat.com or Jim Collura at jimcollura@nefi.com. • NEFI Vice President for Government Affairs Jim Collura, now based out of Washington, DC, provides an update: this week he met with Senate Northeast Midwest Coalition staff regarding support for NEFI member priorities, participated in the Government Affairs Committee call on Tuesday, was present at the Gensler hearing (see article under This Week in Congress), and attended a meeting with Chicago and New York Commodity Exchange heads in New York City on Thursday (see bullet under Industry News Briefs). He can be reached at jimcollura@nefi.com. • EMPLOYMENT WEBINAR: On March 18 @ 2pm EST, NEFI will be holding a webinar in conjunction with Robinson & Cole (a law firm and NEFI-member). Among the many important topics to be discussed include: Overtime lawsuits, payment for all hours worked and incentive pay. If you are interested in attending, contact: Dave Rocco at dave@nefi.com or visit www.nefiactioncenter.com and click the link entitled: “Employers & The Law.” More info. • PHONE CALLS ABOUT NEFI HOTEL ROOMS ARE A SCAM • PMAA DAY ON THE HILL: The Petroleum Marketers Association of America will be holding its annual Day on the Hill and Washington Conference on May 13-15, 2009 in Washington, DC. Contact your state association about participation or click here for more information.
• PMAA PAC SILENT AUCTION TO BE HELD AT EXPO • NEFI TO SOUTHERN ITALY: SORRENTO & SARDINIA! NEFI’s Spring Energy Conference goes where it’s never gone before--to the beautiful southern coast of Italy, and the spectacular Mediterranean isle of Sardinia! Breathtaking coastal vistas, the Isle of Capri, Positano, Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius, the Amalfi Coast. Need we say more? Departure date is June 11, 2009 and for those who choose to take the complete trip, return will be June 22nd. If you wish, there are sponsorship opportunities for fantastic exposure for your company! To sponsor a hospitality suite, reception, tour, etc. or to request a full package or trip details, contact Tracy at 617-923-5015 or tracy@nefi.com. You may even tie your sponsorship to NEFI’s Expo for maximum exposure. Inquire with Tracy if interested. • NEFI SCHOOL HELP WANTED WANTED: BASIC OILHEAT TECHNICIAN INSTRUCTOR Send resume and letter of interest to Bob Messia, Principal Instructor, bob@nefi.com, or: Bob Messia, Principal Instructor WANTED: EDUCATORS, SEMINAR OFFERINGS
• VIEW THE LATEST EDITION OF OIL & ENERGY MAGAZINE ONLINE. • HIGHLIGHTS OF MARCH OIL & ENERGY After years of development and planning, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is finally active, with the third "offset" auction coming in March and carbon dioxide reductions beginning in 2015. The March issue of Oil & Energy looks at who is participating in these auctions and what it may mean for the heating oil industry. The issue also takes an in-depth look at the latest Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations and what bulk plant owners will have to do in order to comply. In addition to the regular columns from industry experts, other highlights include: • How Therma-Flow Continues to Innovate in Tough Economic Times • WELCOME NEW NEFI MEMBER: Thomas Doran • UPCOMING REGULATORY DEADLINES February 1: Annual OSHA Illness and Injury Postings March 1: EPCRA reports due July 1: EPA SPCC plan and implementation deadline July 1: US DOT HAZMAT registration renewals • FUEL EVENTS CALENDAR February 26-March 1: New England Home Show, Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, Massachusetts. Phone: 888-254-0882 www.newenglandhomeshows.com March 4: Independent Connecticut Petroleum Association's "Hedging, Finance & Banking" Seminar. Phone: 860-613-2041 www.icpa.org/manage.htm March 10-12: Northeast Sustainable Energy Association's Building Energy '09 Conference, Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, Massachusetts. Phone: 413-774-6051 www.nesea.org March 27: NEFI Seminar "How Fuel Dealers Can Survive and Thrive in These Difficult Times, Friday, 9am - 3pm, NEFI Technical Training Center, Watertown, Mass. Phone: 617-924-1000 Application March 31: MOC's Massachusetts Oilheat Dealer Meeting on Legislative Issues and Industry Activities in Massachusetts, 9am - 12 noon, open to members and non-members, breakfast wil be served. Sturbridge Host Hotel, Sturbridge, Mass. Phone: 800-722-0623 www.massoilheat.org April 1: MOC's Massachusetts Oilheat Dealer Meeting on Legislative Issues and Industry Activities in Massachusetts, 9am - 12 noon, open to members and non-members, breakfast wil be served. Marriott, Peabody, Mass. Phone: 800-722-0623 www.massoilheat.org April 6: MOC's Massachusetts Oilheat Dealer Meeting on Legislative Issues and Industry Activities in Massachusetts, 9am - 12 noon, open to members and non-members, breakfast wil be served. Four Points Hotel, Leominster, Mass. Phone: 800-722-0623 www.massoilheat.org April 7: MOC's Massachusetts Oilheat Dealer Meeting on Legislative Issues and Industry Activities in Massachusetts, 9am - 12 noon, open to members and non-members, breakfast wil be served. Marriott, Quincy, Mass. Phone: 800-722-0623 www.massoilheat.org April 7: Vermont - NORA Energy Conservation Seminar, Vermont Fuel Dealers Association sponsored seminar, FW Webb, Williston, Vermont. Phone: 802-223-7750 Registration April 8: MOC's Massachusetts Oilheat Dealer Meeting on Legislative Issues and Industry Activities in Massachusetts, 9am - 12 noon, open to members and non-members, breakfast wil be served. Radisson Hotel, Hyannis, Mass. Phone: 800-722-0623 www.massoilheat.org April 9: Maine Oil Dealers Association Spring Conference, Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, Maine. Phone: 207-729-5298 www.meoil.com April 14: MOC's Massachusetts Oilheat Dealer Meeting on Legislative Issues and Industry Activities in Massachusetts, 9am - 12 noon, open to members and non-members, breakfast wil be served. Crowne Plaza, Pittsfield, Mass. Phone: 800-722-0623 www.massoilheat.org April 14-16: NAOHSM's Train the Trainer Seminar, ICPA's Technical Education Center, Cromwell, CT. Phone: 888-552-0900 April 15-16: Propane Gas Association of New England Spring Meeting, The Renaissance Hotel, Providence, Rhode Island. Phone: 603-544-2226 www.pgane.org April 16: Massachusetts - NORA Energy Conservation Seminar, NEFI Technical Training Center, Watertown, MA. Phone: 617-924-1000 Application April 17: NEFI Seminar "Creative Credit & Collections for Oilheat & Propane Companies," Friday, 9am - 3pm, NEFI Technical Training Center, Watertown, Massachusetts. Phone: 617-924-1000 Application April 22: NORA Gold Seminar and Exam, FW Webb, Williston, Vermont. Presented by Vermont Fuel Dealers Asociation Phone: 802-223-7750 Registration May 5-7: Atlantic Region Energy Expo AREE09, Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey. Phone: 973-467-1400 www.areetradeshow.com May 6: NORA Board Meeting, in conjunction with AREE, Atlantic City, NJ. tlross@nora-oilheat.org May 11: Independent Connecticut Petroleum Assn. (ICPA) Golf Classic, Wallingford Country Club, Wallingford, CT. Phone: 860-613-2041 www.icpa.org May 13-15: PMAA Washington Conference and Day on the Hill, Washington, DC. Phone: 703-351-8000 www.pmaa.org May 17-21: National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers 56th Annual Convention, Hershey, PA. Phone: 888-552-0900 www.naohsm.org May 28-29: Vermont Fuel Dealers Association's Annual Conference, Stratton Mountain Resort, Stratton Mountain, Vermont. Phone: 802-223-7750 www.vermontfuel.com June 9-10: NEFI Expo and Business Convention, Boston, Massachusetts www.nefiexpo.com
NEFI Member Benefit Spotlight NO RATE INCREASE!!
Join or renew membership with NEFI today! Click here, or contact Joanne Sharkey, NEFI Membership Coordinator at (617) 924-1000 or joanne@nefi.com. May 6: NORA Board Meeting in Conjunction with AREE, 12:00 noon, Atlantic City, New Jersey. Phone: 703-340-1660 Vermont: NORA Energy Conservation Seminar: April 7, Vermont Fuel Dealers Asssociation sponsored course at FW Webb, Williston, Vermont. Registration Massachusetts: NORA Energy Conservation Seminar: April 16, NEFI Technical Training Center, Watertown, MA. Phone: 617-924-1000 www.nefi.com/training NORA January 2009 National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) was invited to make a presentation at the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) Annual Conference. This is the second year that NORA took part in the annual conference with IBHS. NORA’s presentation, entitled "Reducing Losses Related to Oilheat Systems", was well received. Not only was the presentation a success, there was a significant amount of activity at the NORA booth during the conference. Among several demonstrations done at the conference, many of the participants were enthusiastic about the Certified Company lookup function on the NORA Education website. Many participants also had a special interest in NORA’s Static Test Process for underground storage tanks. Over the past few years NORA and IBHS have worked together on numerous projects, more recently the development of tank inspection procedures and the production of a primer on the Oilheat industry. These materials have been distributed to insurance companies to enable them to understand how the Oilheating industry functions. NORA’s relationship with IBHS has enabled homeowners’ and insurance carriers to have an open dialogue with the Oilheating industry, benefiting companies in both industries and consumers alike. NORA February 2009 Constant fluctuations of energy markets have customers concerned about the future. Because of the long-term relationship as their energy providers, customers are turning to Oilheat companies for solutions. Now more than ever we must be part of their solution, not part of the problem. They must see us as their trusted energy adviser. Mr. Bob Hedden will present a seminar that will allow technicians to knowledgably guide customers to smarter energy solutions. The training will prepare candidates for the NORA written examination in several core areas. Participants will learn how to be sure the heating system is working at maximum efficiency. A critical component of this program will be to learn what advice we can give customers about free or low cost, "do-it-yourself", projects that they can implement to help lower their energy bills. They will also learn to identify potential problems with the building and recognize when it would be advisable for customers to call in building shell and insulation experts. NORA’s goal for this program is to be sure that every oil-heated building is using energy as efficiently as possible without compromising safety, reliability or comfort. Not only will this insure customers are getting the most from the money they spend heating and cooling their buildings, energy conservation is also the best answer for protecting the environment. Upon successful completion of a short test given at the end of the program participants will receive the NORA Energy Conservation Analysis Certification. This national certification is similar to the NORA Tank Certification. The seminar is good for 7 NORA CEUs. For information on NORA please contact Traci Ross at tlross@nora-oilheat.org See the latest NORA news at www.nora-oilheat.org. -TOP- -TOP- |
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NEFI was contacted by Bob Garside of the Oil Heat Council of New Hampshire with regard to low-income families with sick children. There are about a dozen families in the Granite State that have children on a variety of life-supporting systems that do not have electric generators. Needless to say, when power is lost (as it was recently) this poses a life-threatening crisis for these New Hampshire families. If you donate a generator, NEFI will list your company and logo in our weekly newsletter. Contact Bob Garside at 603-895-3808 or 
• NEFI EXPO AND BUSINESS CONFERENCE PLANNING UNDERWAY: The NEFI Expo Planning Committee, co-chaired by Don Craft, Gulf Oil LP, and Craig Snyder, Wesson Energy has begun work on the Business and Technical Programs to be held during the 33rd North American Heating & Energy Expo. 
