APMA Moderates Panel on Organized Retail Theft Last week, APMA Executive Director Amanda Gray moderated a panel on organized retail theft at the annual Arizona League of Cities conference in Glendale. Panelists included Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, Kristin Reif with Philip Morris International and Michael Powell with Kroger, Inc.
UST Training Renews Contract with ADEQ to Provide No Cost Training UST Training is pleased to announce it has renewed its contract with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to continue to provide high quality and –more importantly –no cost training to Arizona’s Class A/B and C UST operators. Since October 2020 we have certified almost 800 Class A/B operators and nearly 2000 class C operators. We offer the … Read More
Industry News for July 19, 2022 APMA 2022 Legislative Wrap Up The 2022 state legislative session lasted 166 days and resulted in the passage of 388 new laws. Linked here please find APMA’s 2022 Legislative Session Wrap Up document that summarizes bills the association supported, monitored and opposed this session. APMA earned a victory with the passage of a new law to clarify the status of electric vehicle charging sites. … Read More
Arizona Retailers Experiencing Fuel Theft Using Pulsar Manipulation Devices Arizona retailers have been hit by criminal groups stealing fuel (especially diesel) by installing a pulsar manipulation device into the fuel pump. This trend started in Florida last year and has spread to several other states. It is my understanding that arrests have been made in several cases across the country and in the state.
Industry News for June 9, 2022 · Why Relief at the Pump is Nowhere in Sight (NACS) · Proposed Budget Angers Boyer, Concerns Other Lawmakers (AZ Capitol Times) · Couche-Tart to Roll Out EV Chargers in 200 Circle K and Couche-Tard Stores (NACS) · Experts Say Combating Illegal Trade Requires Collaboration between Law Enforcement, Private Sector (Chamber Business News) · Arizona’s Minimum Wage Rises with Inflation. That Could Mean … Read More
FDA Introduces Rule to Ban Menthol and Flavored Cigars Last week the federal Food and Drug Administration released its proposed rule to ban the use of menthol and other flavors in cigarettes and cigars. Last month, APMA participated in a meeting with the federal Office of Management and Budget to voice concerns about the rule. As of May 4th, there will be an open comment period (the 6th of 9 … Read More
WMSD to Hold Workshop on Proposed Rule Changes including E15 in the CBG-Covered Area The Arizona Department of Agriculture’s Weights and Measures Services Division (WMSD) announced plans for a Rulemaking Workshop that includes changes to allow for sale of E15 in the CBG-covered area. Other rule changes are extensive – the summary document is 17 pages long. APMA is reviewing the rules package and the Board will determine the association’s position. If … Read More
National, State Gas Prices Hit Record Highs The media coverage surrounding gas prices is intense following President Biden’s announcement that the U.S. will ban of Russian crude oil, natural gas and energy imports. The national average price is up by $1.30 per gallon over the past year – and 45 cents over the past week. Read more here: When Were Gas Prices Low? (NACS), Fuel Prices – In Context, Not … Read More
APMA Supports Public Education Initiative to Combat Black Market Trade and Human Trafficking Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association (APMA) last week joined United to Safeguard America from Illegal Trade (USA-IT), a public education initiative designed to provide local officials, law enforcement, and thought leaders with information and training programs to help tackle illegal trade and raise public awareness of the depth of the problem as well as the severe consequences inflicted … Read More
Arizona Legislative Session Underway Legislative activities are bustling at the state capitol complex. APMA has been working on a number of association priorities already including tobacco and vapor regulation, electric vehicle infrastructure issues and more. On January 10, Governor Ducey gave his 8th and final state of the state address. He laid out a wide range of priority items including an investment of $1 Billion over three years towards securing … Read More
JUUL Settlement with Arizona AG’s Office On November 23, e-cig giant JUUL Labs entered a settlement agreement with the state of Arizona over claims that it fueled the vape epidemic by marketing its products to minors. Arizona is the second state to settle with JUUL with another 2,000+ lawsuits still pending. One component of the settlement will require retailers of JUUL products to adopt age-verification compliance systems including a strict … Read More
OSHA Releases New Vaccine or Test Requirement Yesterday, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued its COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). By January 4, 2022, covered employers must implement a policy either: • requiring workers to be vaccinated (other than exempt workers or those who have a medical or religious accomodation); or • allowing workers to choose either to be vaccinated or get tested for COVID-19 … Read More
Industry News for October 21, 2021 • The Arizona Department of Agriculture and its Weights and Measures Services Division will be relocating into the State Natural Resources Building (formerly known as the ADEQ building) at 1100 W. Washington St. The move is slated for June 2022. • Utilities Regulator Justin Olson Enters GOP Senate Race, Slams Dems’ Spending Proposal (AZ Central) • How Redistricting Could Reshape Arizona’s Political Landscape (AZ … Read More
Industry News for September 22, 2021 State and Industry News • Federal Tobacco Tax in Reconciliation Bill Will Have Unintended Consequences (Amanda Gray op ed in Convenience Store Decisions) • FDA Says More than 5 Million E-Cigarettes Must be Taken Off the Market (Politico) • Governor Ducey’s Statement on Biden’s Dictatorial COVID 19 Mandates (AZ Governor) • Biden Mandates Vaccine for Over 80 Million Americans (NACS) • ENDS Decision Deadline … Read More
Association Launches Media Campaign Calling on Congress to Oppose Tobacco Tax Increase APMA, an organization representing convenience stores and small retailers across Arizona, launched a digital and television advertisement campaign urging Arizona’s congressional delegation to oppose any federal excise tax increase on tobacco products from being included in the upcoming budget reconciliation package: