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Three trade associations representing the United States retail motor fuel community sent a January 27th letter to Biden Administration officials outlining what they believe are “key principles” for the advancement of alternative fuels in the marketplace.
The January 27th letter was co-authored by the following organizations:
- National Association of Convenience Stores
- National Association of Truck Stop Operators
- Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America (collectively “NATSO”)
The letter was addressed to:
- The Honorable Peter Buttigieg, Secretary-Designate, U.S. Department of Transportation
- The Honorable Jennifer Granholm, Secretary-Designate, U.S. Department of Energy
- Michael Regan, Administrator-Designate, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- The Honorable Gina McCarthy, National Climate Advisor, Executive Office of the President
By way of introduction, NATSO states their belief that the:
. . . most expeditious and economical way to achieve environmental advancements in transportation energy technology is through market-oriented, consumer-focused policies that encourage our membership to offer more alternatives.
NATSO further argues:
- Fuel retailers are prepared to invest in transportation energy technologies desired by their customers.
- The private sector is best equipped to facilitate a faster, more widespread, cost effective transition to alternatives (with the right alignment of policy incentives).
The letter outlines principles that NATSO argues would:
- Create new jobs
- Accelerate the deployment of advanced alternative fuel, infrastructure and vehicles
- Benefit customers through a competitive/robust marketplace
- Drive massive economic investment
- Improve air quality
The six principles outlined in the letter include:
- Science should be the foundation for transportation climate policies.
- Establish performance goals without mandating specific technologies to allow for the benefits of innovation and technology development.
- Develop competitive market incentives to ensure a level playing field and provide long-term consumer benefits.
- Harness existing infrastructure to help commercialize new technology, maximize diverse investments, and achieve near-term and long-term emission reduction goals.
- Set consistent, uniform national policy so that (i) the market has certainty to help it invest, and (ii) state policies do not create inconsistent or counterproductive measures.
- Ensure fair treatment so that all households are not forced to subsidize alternative energy users.
A copy of the January 27th letter can be downloaded here.
