Read on to learn about a UST training pause, new Tempe business license requirements, and speed limiter mandates.
ADEQ Pauses UST Training
ADEQ has announced that free UST training for Arizona Class A/B and Class C operators will be unavailable and offline as of August 17. Anyone already registered for the free Arizona-specific training through USTTraining.com must complete the training by midnight on the 16th. The pause doesn’t relieve owners and operators of their obligation to meet all training compliance requirements.
Free training is expected to resume in the window between Sept. 1st – Oct. 1st, and training can still be purchased in the meanwhile. To learn more and purchase new training courses, go HERE.
Municipal Government
The City of Tempe has made some important changes lately that may affect APMA members:
- Tempe has instituted a new requirement for a General Business License, which goes into effect on August 1st. Businesses are encouraged to apply before the end of the year to save on fees. There are some exemptions, such as those with existing regulatory licenses (e.g. tobacco sales). However, APMA encourages all members to learn more and ensure they are prepared to meet licensing requirements. For full details, go HERE.
- The City Council also recently passed an ordinance creating a new definition for “Smoking Establishments” and clarifying the definition of “Tobacco Retailer.” They also updated their land use table and placed new zoning restrictions on both categories of business. To learn more, go HERE and HERE.
Updates from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office
Attorney General Mayes has issued two recent press releases that may be of interest to members:
- She intends to crack down on vape stores that sell products to underage consumers, and enforcement will be stepped up. The focus of the press release in on vape stores per se, but we advise convenience stores who sell tobacco products to also prepare for scrutiny and ensure compliance with the law.
- Indictments have been announced in a major organized retail theft case.
EMA Federal Update
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has officially withdrawn its proposed rule mandating speed limiters on commercial motor vehicles, effective July 24, 2025. EMA opposed the rule and considers this a major win for our industry. The full EMA update on this and other federal matters can be found HERE.
SNAP Survey
Our allies at NACS have teamed up with ASU on an important survey for retailers that currently sell SNAP-eligible foods and beverages. Their goal is to to determine the costs associated with changes to SNAP that aim to restrict purchases to only “nutrient dense” foods. Click HERE to participate.
Global Market
The U.S. and Brazil may be edging toward a trade war, and oil is at the center of the dispute. Learn more from OilPrice.com
Trucking & Immigration
USDOT is warning states that they’re taking a harder look at non-resident CDL compliance. The audit will concentrate on systemic weaknesses rather than isolated clerical errors, but members in the trucking business should be prepared for stricter scrutiny and the potential for workforce challenges.