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Dear PEI Member:

The “hot fuel” debate took center stage at the 92nd annual meeting of the National Conference on Weights & Measures (NCWM) last week in Utah. Delegates from 40 U.S. states narrowly rejected a proposal to amend Handbook 130 by adding guidelines for the permissive implementation of Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) on retail fuel dispensers. The vote was preceded by national media attention and vigorous debate.

Upon arrival, attendees were greeted with registration packets that included letters of support for temperature compensation from consumer advocates and members of Congress. Throughout the week attendees listened to technical presentations and open hearings, sometimes punctuated with heated discussion. The amendment that was considered in Utah is available on the PEI web site in its entirety — here is the gist of the proposed language:

Fuel may be sold on the basis of a temperature-compensated volume.
The calculation must be automatic.
The compensation must be based on 60°F (15°C).
Receipts and signage must indicate the unit price is temperature compensated.
ATC must be implemented on all dispensers year-round.
Test mode must display net and gross volume.

Many different issues were brought up during the open hearing. A good deal of the comments advocated not voting on the issue at all, and returning it to “informational item” status. Several delegates pointed out their state laws prohibit selling motor fuel any way other than gross gallons. Another comment often heard pertained to the permissive aspect of the amendment and the confusion it might cause in the marketplace. Some delegates even considered the measure moot since ATC is not currently prohibited by NCWM regulations.

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The final vote brought more drama as motions to postpone or amend the proposal kept the chairman busy. But in the end, concerns over conversion factors, implementation details, fuel tax issues and whether ATC would be mandatory prevented passage of the proposal. The vote fell only three short of the required 27 majority— even though only 40 states were represented.

Other issues at NCWM relevant to our industry were less controversial and passed easily. The full text of these specifications and amendments can be downloaded from our web site:

Standardized labeling for ethanol blends.
Standardized labeling for biodiesel blends.
Running total display for aviation fuel dispensers.

While the NCWM meeting has concluded, the “hot fuel” debate is far from over. Several state legislatures around the country have either proposed or are contemplating temperature compensation legislation. A July 25 hearing has been scheduled by Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), chairman of the Domestic Policy Subcommittee. “It seems that the National Conference on Weights & Measures could be incapable of fulfilling its role of ensuring accurate measurements, and that would send a clear signal to Washington that it might require Congress to take action,” Kucinich complained. The NCWM has appointed a steering committee to address technical issues raised last week. Look for “hot fuel” to once again be on the agenda at their 93rd annual meeting in Vermont.

BRIEFLY NOTED
Liquid Automation and Metal Products have entered into a marketing partnership whereby Chris Combs of Metal Products and Jeff Smith of Liquid Automation will jointly represent Simplex and Omntec throughout Florida.
Eastern States Associates, Inc., Palmer, Massachusetts, has promoted Ken Neal to vice president and relocated him to 2513 Seabird Drive, Midlothian, Virginia 23112. Phone: (804) 363-9020. He will be responsible for the Mid-Atlantic territory.
Blackmer, Grand Rapids, Michigan, has named John Pepper vice president of sales and marketing, North America & Asia-Pacific. Pepper appointed James Priester to Asia-Pacific zone manager.
Oil Equipment Company Inc., headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, will move its Green Bay office July 27 to a larger facility at 2357 Pamperin Road, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54313. Phone: (920) 434-6400. Fax: (920) 434-6464.

DEATHS
John F. Risewick, Des Moines, Iowa, a longtime veteran of the petroleum equipment industry, died June 27. He served as district manager for OPW from 1961 to 1992. After his retirement from OPW, he worked part time for Seneca Companies and Seneca Tank of Des Moines. John is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen; sons Christopher and Steven; and three grandsons.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS
Florida service specialist. Petroleum Recovery Systems Inc., 100 South Jackson Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32220, has applied for affiliate division membership. Brenda Brinson is operations manager for the company, which was established in 1990. The firm cleans contaminated groundwater. Sponsored for PEI membership by Donald K. Stine, StinePetro, Plant City, FL.
South Carolina installation and service company. Carolina Petroleum Services, LLC, P. O. Box 654, Lexington, South Carolina 29071, has applied for affiliate division membership. L. Zane Morris is owner of the firm, which was established in 2002. Sponsored for PEI membership by F. Jeff Futrelle, MecoAgusta, Augusta, GA.

ADMITTED TO PEI

• Innovative Petroleum Equipment LLC, Syracuse, NY (dis)

TRANSFERS APPROVED

• Arkansas Testing Services Inc., Austin, Arkansas, from affiliate division to distributor division

 

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©2007
Petroleum Equipment Institute
P. O. Box 2380
Tulsa, OK 74101-2380

The TulsaLetter (ISSN 0193-9467) is published two or three times each month by the Petroleum Equipment Institute. Robert N. Renkes, Executive Vice President, Editor. Opinions expressed are the opinions of the Editor. Basic circulation confined to PEI members.