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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 March 13, 2009 Volume 4 • Issue 10 |
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Cap & Trade Webinar NEFI Webinar March 18: Congress Passes $410 Billion Omnibus Appropriations Bill U.S. EPA Makes First Step Towards National Cap and Trade Program Need to Access Archived NEFI Compliance Documents and Information? NORA Energy Conservation Seminar: NORA Board Meeting, May 6 at AREE Donate a Generator to Help Sick Children 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 94 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 Employment Webinar Mass. Oil Burner Code 527 CMR 4.00 Management Seminar: Cap & Trade Webinar Hazmat Evening Course Electrical Procedures for Heating Techs. Rhode Island Basic Oilheat Course Advanced Common Sense Troubleshooting NORA Energy Conservation Seminar: Credit & Collections Seminar
George Lanthier Courses: EPA Section 608 Training/Certification Refrigerant Training R-410A Basic Oilburner Course Email school@nefi.com to register. |
UTILITIES BACK CAP AND TRADE; ASK CONGRESS FOR RATEPAYER SUBSIDY The subcommittee hearing was called by Chairman Markey in order to explore ways to provide consumer relief to low and moderate income Americans in the event that a national cap & trade program is introduced and causes anticipated price increases on all energy sources. The utility request was made in testimony by Steve Kline, Vice President for Corporate Environmental & Federal Affairs at PG&E, and was endorsed by nearly the entire utility industry. The utility proposal is not new. NEFI discovered and voiced opposition when a cap & trade program was considered in the U.S. Senate late last year which would have provided $911 billion in handouts to the utility industry to provide "relief" to ratepayers for increased costs as a result of the bill. The bill failed last year, but a new cap and trade bill is expected in Congress within weeks, to be debated and voted on this summer, according to Democratic leaders. Its chances of passage are much greater than last year. At Thursday’s hearing, one witness delivered a very compelling argument against the measure. Robert Greenstein, Executive Director of the Center on Budget Policies and Priorities argued that a cap & trade program should not give "free handouts" to private companies, including utilities, as it defeats the purpose of the cap & trade program in the first place--and helps one industry at the expense of all others. Greenstein repeated an argument made by NEFI and its allies last year that the utilities' handout would not address other direct energy consumers, including gasoline, heating oil and propane, and indirect increases on costs of consumer goods and services. Of course, NEFI opposes the utility provision. Next week, industry groups will be meeting for a monthly call to discuss national policy strategy coordination. Stay tuned. Complete hearing details and written testimony. Audio recording of the hearing (video unavailable). NEFI "CAP AND TRADE" ONLINE SEMINAR PLANNED FOR APRIL!!! The NEFI Action Center is working with the cap and trade experts at Robinson & Cole on a webinar that will provide an overview of a possible national cap & trade program, how it would work, what the political realities are and most importantly, how it might impact your business. The webinar is scheduled for April 16th at 2pm EST. Save the date in your calendar! A registration form will be circulated within the coming week. If you need any more information email dave@nefi.com. CONGRESS PASSES $410 BILLION OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS BILL Eight Republicans broke ranks and supported the measure, which nearly didn’t pass after the insertion of a controversial provision that would begin to re-establish relations with Cuba. The provision drew opposition from Cuban-American Senators, including some Democrats. But President Obama broke through the stalemate by promising to use a special executive authority that would allow him to ignore that specific provision when signing the bill. Last week, we published a list of key provisions for NEFI members, here is a brief recap: • LIHEAP None necessary, Congress fully funded LIHEAP with $5.1 billion for FY09 in September’s continuing resolution. • Futures Oversight $146 million for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, $34.7 million above 2008. • Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve $9.8 million, essentially doubling its annual funding. • Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) $205 million funding cut, freezing a plan begun under Bush that would have doubled the SPR. • Grants for Retrofitting Diesel Vehicles $60 million for grants to retrofit diesel engine vehicles and equipment for cleaner emissions, on top of the $300 million in the stimulus (apply for funds under EPA's Clean Diesel Campaign here). • Biofuels $217 million for grants to improve production of alternative fuels, including cellulosic biofuels and biodiesel. • Weatherization An additional $200 million for the Federal Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) on top of the $5 billion provided in the stimulus. • Small Business Programs $110 million for Small Business Development Centers, a $13 million increase; and a 25% increase for the SBA microloan program (on top of what was provided in the stimulus). • Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Program $112.5 million, including $77 million state LUST funding (over the $200 million provided in the stimulus). • National GHG Database $6.5 million for a national database of greenhouse gas emissions by industry and business sectors, laying the groundwork for a national cap & trade program (see Regulatory Updates section below). Complete list of summaries and bill text available at House Appropriations Committee website.
Contact: Mark Morgan, Esq. NEFI Regulatory Counsel (mark@nefi.com) U.S. EPA MAKES FIRST STEP TOWARDS NATIONAL CAP AND TRADE PROGRAM Under the proposed rule, the EPA would require all sources emitting 25,000 metric tons or more per year of greenhouse gas (including refineries) to report emissions levels to the EPA. Reporting would begin in 2011 for the 2010 emissions year. Petroleum marketers would not be subject to reporting. The EPA will use the data collected to measure the amount of greenhouse gas emitted each year. The data will help the EPA determine whether greenhouse gas emissions "endanger human health" -- a necessary finding under the Clean Air Act before the agency has authority to regulate an air pollutant. If the EPA makes such a determination, then establishment of a cap and trade program that will limit annual emissions from identified sources and allow trading of emission credits between sources to exceed those limits is likely to follow. The credits are expected to be expensive, particularly if the EPA imposes strict emission limits and could add significantly to the cost of all petroleum products. The EPA is expected to learn from the errors of the European Union cap and trade program that established greenhouse gas emission limits too high after grossly overestimating baseline emissions from existing sources. The error essentially made trading credits worthless and led to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. The failure of the European Union program could lead the EPA to adopt stricter emissions limits from the outset. According to the EPA, coal fired electric plants are responsible for 33% of all greenhouse gas emissions, followed by the transportation sector with a 28% share while refiners and other manufacturing industries make up the rest. The fiscal year 2008 omnibus appropriations bill (Pub. L. No. 110-161), approved by Congress in December 2007, requires the agency to issue a final rule by June 26, 2009, though the agency is not expected to have a reporting program ready until the end of 2009. NEED TO ACCESS ARCHIVED NEFI COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION???
General News • TOP DEM – HIGHER FEDERAL MOTOR FUEL TAXES ARE ON THE WAY: Rep. Oberstar (D-MN) who is drafting the 2009 Transportation bill said that motor fuel tax increases will be included as part of an effort to overcome revenue shortfalls for the highway fund, according to the New York Times. This could mean an increase from 18.4 cpg to 28.4 cpg for gasoline, and an increase from 24.4 cpg to 39.4 cpg for diesel fuel. He also said he is considering a national mileage tax to ultimately replace motor fuel taxes. Read more. • FUTURES REFORM ADVOCATE TO CHAIR ENERGY TRADING ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Commissioner Bart Chilton (D), who has long been a lead voice for reform at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, has been appointed by Acting-CFTC Chairman Dunn to serve as Chair of the Energy Markets Advisory Committee, or EMAC. The committee was established at the urging of NEFI and its coalition allies, and Sean Cota (Cota & Cota, Bellows Falls, VT) has a seat on the committee representing NEFI and PMAA. Read more. • UNIONIZATION RIGHTS NOW A TOP ISSUE IN CONGRESS: This week, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Rep. George Millar (D-CA) introduced “card check” legislation that would make it easier for employees to unionize. This legislation is controversial and is fiercely opposed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Read more. • MORE AMERICANS THINK GLOBAL WARMING THREAT EXAGGERATED: An increased number of Americans think that the global warming threat is exaggerated, up from 30 percent in 2006 to 41 percent in 2009, according to a recent Gallup Poll. Read more. • REPUBLICANS FOCUS ON OIL DRILLING IN THEIR OWN STIMULUS: House and Senate Republicans have outlined plans for their own stimulus bill, which will never be considered but is being used as an example of how they would run Congress and stimulate the economy. The plan includes opening in Alaska an off-shore oil recovery and “streamlining” regulations for oil shale recovery, nuclear energy and environmental policies. • NEW TREASURY SECRETARY ATTACKS OIL AND GAS TAX BREAKS: Says they are not warranted because these industries contribute to Global Warming. Read more. • PMAA SBC PAC FUNDRAISING COOKBOOK COMING: PMAA has announced that, as a fundraiser for their Small Business Committee’s Political Action Committee ( or PAC) they will soon publishing an official PMAA cookbook, assembled by Ann Hines (Arkansas Oil Marketers Association) and Jay McKeeman (California Independent Oil Marketers Association). The book will cost $25 each. Ordering details to follow.
Heating Fuels • INDUSTRY LEADERS MEET TO DISCUSS NORA REAUTHORIZATION EFFORTS: Industry leaders who comprise the National Association for Oilheat Research and Education (NAORE) met this week via conference call to discuss the progress and process of advancing a bill that was introduced last year in Congress that would reauthorize and strengthen the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA). More updates as things progress. • NATURAL GAS EYED IN MORE BUILDING FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS: A 13-unit apartment complex in Arkansas, no injuries reported (Read more.) A West Barnstable, Mass. Animal Hospital, killing several animals (Read more.) • DOE ANNOUNCES PLANNED RELEASE OF WEATHERIZATION MONEY: The Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it will release "in days" $780 million of the $5.2 billion recently provided by Congress for the federal Weatherization Assistance Program, and release the rest when the Secretary is certain that states are "using the funding effectively and responsibly." (Read more.) • WAGE MANDATES MAY APPLY TO WEATHERIZATION FUNDS IN STIMULUS BILL: A provision tucked into the massive economic stimulus bill that cleared Congress earlier this year requires certain stimulus spending to adhere to Davis-Bacon Wage Determinations, including possibly the $5 billion included for weatherization. The federal weatherization assistance program (WAP) has typically been exempt from these wage determinations, which requires that prevailing wages be paid to workers in federally funded or assisted construction projects. NEFI is currently looking into the matter. • PROPANE RECALL BY VALERO AND U.S. CPSC: 919,000 barrels of propane made in the U.S. by Valero Marketing & Supply Co. of San Antonio, Texas, have been recalled because it might not have the recommended level of odorant. Failure to detect leaking gas can present a fire, explosion or thermal burn hazard to consumers. No incidents or injuries have been reported. The product was sold to retail propane dealers from January through October last year. Details: by phone at 866-940-8235. • CAN NATURAL GAS BREAK OUR OIL HABIT? U.S. News & World Report article asks the question. Read more. Motor Fuels • PMAA SENDS LETTER TO DOE ON HIGHER ETHANOL BLENDS: PMAA has sent a letter to Energy Secretary Steven Chu regarding a recent public statement in which he says that “the only issue [with E-15 blending] is the damage it could do to engines.” Chu didn’t mention the effect on existing infrastructure, so PMAA wrote to educate him. Read more. • MEANWHILE, ETHANOL INDUSTRY URGES CONGRESS TO BACK HIGHER BLENDS: PMAA has also reported that the House Committee on Small Business has held a hearing in which it heard testimony from the ethanol industry supporting investment in technology to back higher blends of ethanol and gasoline to meet federal renewable fuel requirements. Committee Press Release and Video • OTHER PUSHES FOR HIGHER ETHANOL BLENDS: The ethanol industry sent a formal request to the EPA for higher blending with gasoline, and the U.S. Governors Biofuel Coalition and the US Secretary of Agriculture also requested an immediate boost to E-13 blends, and ultimately E-20 blends. But refiners shot back requesting more information on the possible effects. Read more. • BIODIESEL INDUSTRY ASKS FOR RENEWAL OF $1/PER GALLON BLENDERS CREDIT: This request was made at the same hearing at which the ethanol industry asked Congress for higher blends (above). The credit will expire at the end of the year and is vital for the continued growth and vibrancy of the biodiesel industry.
• DONATE A GENERATOR TO HELP SICK CHILDREN:
• NEFI SEES CONTINUED MEMBERSHIP GROWTH: Since January 1, 2009, 18 companies have joined as members of the New England Fuel Institute (nefi.com). The new additions are both retail & associate members from the Northeast and Canada. NEFI’s new Development Specialist, Jennifer Robie, is thrilled with the amount of new members signing on. "It's great that so many companies are seeing the value of NEFI membership and supporting our organization." If you are not a member and would like more information on becoming a member, please contact Jennifer Robie at 617-923-5025 or jrobie@nefi.com. Regulatory Compliance & Legal Support • PROPER DISPOSAL OF WASTE OIL: In recent months, NEFI has recieved calls inquiring about the proper disposal of waste (from engines, oil burners, etc.). Fuel dealers with questions regarding this matter should seek out an expert, reputable waste management service. There are possibly steep and severe federal and state fines for violations for improper disposal of waste oil; therefore, only experienced individuals who know how to dispose of waste should do so. • CAP & TRADE WEBINAR: Scheduled for April 16th at 2pm EST. See lead story article for details. • 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.” • IRS GUIDANCE ON COBRA COVERAGE: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (a.k.a. the “economic stimulus bill”) established an employer-provided COBRA subsidy for employees who involuntarily lose their jobs. Employers can claim credit for the COBRA medical premiums they pay for their former employees. The IRS had published guidance for employers and employees online. • LOCATING SERVICE TAGS FOR OIL BURNERS: Recently, NEFI was contacted about service tags for oil burners. To find a producer of service tags, contact your state association http://www.nefiactioncenter.com/stateregulations.html.
Meeting and Event Updates • 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. • NE/SEA: NEFI exhibited at the New England Sustainable Energy (NE/SEA) show at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston, MA. NEFI staffers on hand at the booth were Jennifer Robie, Elizabeth McCarthy, Bob Messia, Andrea Medina, Tracy Goodwin, and Shane Sweet. • PMLI: Tracy Goodwin, NEFI VP & Dir. of Events and Christine Vieira-Trant, NEFI Controller are attending the Petroleum Marketers Leadership Institute (PMLI) in Portland, OR. They will join former PMLI graduates Shane Sweet, NEFI President & CEO and Jim Collura, NEFI VP for Public Policy.
• 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 Seeks: • QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL TO TEACH ITS 160 HOUR BASIC OIL HEAT TECHNICIAN AND INSTALLATION COURSE: This course entails both classroom and hands-on heating instruction using live heating equipment and follows an industry-standard curriculum. We are looking to fill a year-round position teaching adult students from around the region. Full time and part time candidates are urged to apply. All classes are taught in both the classroom and in our state-of-the-art lab at our Watertown, Massachusetts facility. Candidates must have a valid Massachusetts oil burner license. Send resume and letter of interest to Bob Messia, Principal Instructor, bob@nefi.com, or mail Attn: Bob Messia, Principal Instructor, New England Fuel Institute, PO Box 9137, Watertown, MA. 02471-9137 • EDUCATORS FOR NEW SEMINAR OFFERINGS: The New England Fuel Institute (nefi.com) seeks contract educators with training content ready for presentation to fuel marketers and the HVAC sector. We are looking for fuel-related and general business curriculum for integration into our on-going technical and non-technical offerings. Our Education & Training offerings are offered in traditional classroom and laboratory formats as well as Webinar and Webcast formats. Interested parties are urged to contact Shane Sweet, CEO, New England Fuel Institute (nefi.com), at shane@nefi.com or 617-923-5011 or mail Attn: Shane Sweet, CEO, New England Fuel Institute, PO Box 9137 Watertown, MA. 02471-9137 • EXPERIENCED SALES REPRESENTATIVE SEEKING EMPLOYMENT: Mid-Senior Manager seeking a District or Regional opportunity in operations or sales. Experienced in multi-site/territory management holding responsibility for sales, operations and distribution. Extensive experience in coaching, developing employees, improving bottom line and P&L responsibility. Contact Scott Weldon at scott.weldon@comcast.net
• VIEW THE LATEST EDITION OF OIL & ENERGY MAGAZINE ONLINE. • 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 March 18: NEFI/Robinson & Cole "Employers & the Law" Webinar, 2-3pm, EST. Phone: 617-923-5022 dave@nefi.com Application 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: NEFI/Robinson & Cole Cap & Trade Webinar, 2pm. 617-924-1000 dave@nefi.com 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 RHODE ISLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, VERMONT & GROUP RATED DELTA DENTAL INSURANCE PLANS AVAILABLE New England Fuel Institute is pleased to offer members and their employees comprehensive dental plans at a very competitive monthly rate. Please visit www.nefiinsurance.com to review a detailed summary of benefits/rates for each NEFI Group Rated Delta Dental Plan Offer. Please contact Donna Carcerano, Benefits Administrator at New England Fuel Institute (617) 923-5020 Direct Line, (617) 924-1000 ext. 220 or email donna@nefi.com.
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 The National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) will be in attendance at the HVACR & Plumbing Instructor Workshop on Friday, March 13, 2009. This is an industry-driven event that provides instructors and administrators of apprentice and secondary/postsecondary school-based instructional programs with technical information and teaching techniques that will enable them to effectively train the next generation of skilled workers for the HVACR and plumbing industries. Last year the workshop gathered over 250 instructors from all over the United States. This workshop provides instructors and administrators instructional programs to learn about advances in their industry. NORA will be hosting two sessions during the three day workshop. John Huber and Richard Sweetser will be presenting the study on the emissions of greenhouse gases, and the responses by federal, state and local officials and how it affects the heating oil industry. They will be reviewing the activities conducted, to date, dealing with greenhouse gases and emissions. Included in this presentation will be how states are advocating improvements to efficiency standards and conservation measures. Following these three day workshops, several different certification tests will be given at the end of the conference on Friday. Among those certifications is the NORA Silver Certification exam. A NORA proctor will be administering the NORA Silver Certification exam, in room 3.626 North, at the National Conference Center in Lansdowne, VA. These arrangements were made last year because of the overwhelming response. NORA was asked to participate in their exam sessions this year, when educators will take the NORA exam, and ultimately become Proctors for the Silver Exam. 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. 
