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:
Industry News for September 3, 2021 Conference and Golf Recap Webpage Photos of the events and stunning Sedona views are available now. Thank you to the attendees, sponsors and volunteers that made this event such a huge success.
Industry News for July 22, 2021 UST TSIP 2021 Updates Announced Under the provisions of the new UST law, ADEQ has announced the TSIP application categories, prioritization process and periods, roll over options and extended work completion deadline. TSIP applications will be accepted by ADEQ starting Monday, August 23 through Friday, October 8, 2021. It is recommended that site owners submit applications as early as possible in the prioritization period.
Industry News for July 13, 2021 UST RF Continuation Bill Signed into Law Over the weekend, Governor Ducey signed HB2671 (UST Program Continuation) into law. We are working with ADEQ on the next steps to activate the Tank Site Improvement Program for the current fiscal year. The agency plans to post updated TSIP applications on their website in the next week and then begin accepting applications in August. There will … Read More
Industry News for June 15, 2021 EMA and Patriot Capital Announce New Partnership Patriot Capital and the Energy Marketers of America (EMA) have partnered to help marketers and their dealers across the United States achieve EMV compliance. The partnership will ensure that capital is available, competitively priced, and easy to access for marketers and their dealers.
Industry News for June 3, 2021 • Governor Ducey Wants Budget, Vetoes Bills to Make Point (AP) • Three Republican Women Enter Race for Arizona Governor’s Seat • Kari Lake announces run • Treasurer Kimberly Yee announces run • Board of Regents member Karrin Taylor Robson announces run • Secretary of State Katie Hobbs Enters Governor’s Race (Fox10) • NACS Debuts TruAge with Live Demo (NACS) • Can Employers Require … Read More