SHENKER RUSSO & CLARK LLP for NEW ENGLAND FUEL INSTITUTE

Transportation TRA

Expressed general concerns regarding FMCSA regulations that affect ability to hire, train and retain qualified and HAZMAT-endorsed commercial vehicle drivers. Supported proposals to allow 18 to 21-year-olds with a CDL to drive across state-lines, including the Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy (DRIVE) Safe Act (H.R.5358) and the Waiving Hindrances to Economic Enterprise and Labor (WHEEL) Act (H.R.3889). Supported the Responsible and Effective Standards for Truckers (REST) Act (H.R.5417). Requested a Jones Act waiver for shipments of heating fuels and biodiesel into the Northeast during the winter.

Contacted: Administration for Children & Families (ACF); Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC); SENATE; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS)

Bills named: H.R. 5417 (115th), H.R. 5358 (115th), H.R. 3889 (115th)

Budget/Appropriations BUD

Advocated sustained funding for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP in draft Health & Human Services appropriations bills. Opposed the administration's Fiscal Year 2019 budget request that the LIHEAP program be eliminated.

Contacted: Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC); SENATE; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Administration for Children & Families (ACF); Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Fuel/Gas/Oil FUE

Communicated general support for the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) as it relates to biodiesel and other policies that provide an incentive to produce, store, distribute and use biodiesel and other advanced biofuels in the heating oil market. Advocated an extension of the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA), included as Section 12627 of the Senate version of the Agriculture Improvement Act (H.R.2).

Contacted: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Administration for Children & Families (ACF); SENATE; Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Bills named: H.R. 2 (115th)

Taxation/Internal Revenue Code TAX

Supported a multi-year retroactive extension of the biodiesel and renewable diesel tax credit.

Contacted: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Administration for Children & Families (ACF); SENATE; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC); Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration