EMA Requesting Member Input on Fuel Delivery Challenges

EMA is working closely with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and other federal partners regarding ongoing fuel replenishment efforts, particularly for distillate fuel deliveries to dual-fuel power plants that have temporarily shifted from natural gas to distillate.

While regional Hours-of-Service waivers are already in place, DOE leadership has asked EMA whether there are additional actions the federal government could take to help increase tanker truck capacity or improve fuel delivery efficiency in impacted regions.

At this time, EMA has advised DOE that, beyond the existing HOS waivers, the most significant challenges remain:

• Road conditions and access barriers
• Utility outages
• Limited ice-breaking access at certain critical waterways and terminals

EMA has also reiterated the importance of early and clear communication regarding the continuation of HOS waivers to allow marketers and carriers to plan effectively. DOE has confirmed that:

• All previous EMA feedback and recommendations have been received and reviewed
• Identified issues have been flagged to the U.S. Coast Guard, including coordination with Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay to prioritize critical energy facilities for ice-breaking
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is assisting with navigation challenges, including work currently underway in the Massachusetts Canal
• DOE leadership has specifically asked whether there are any additional challenges or creative, practical ideas the industry can share

Member Input Requested

EMA has asked IFFA to reach out to members to gather any additional insights related to current fuel delivery challenges, including:

• Operational barriers limiting fuel deliveries
• Regulatory or logistical constraints that could be temporarily eased
• Practical, short-term solutions that could improve fuel movement or tanker capacity

If you have observations or recommendations based on current operations, please share them with Cathy Melton at cmelton@infoodandfuel.org as soon as possible so IFFA can provide EMA with an updated summary to relay to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Thank you for your continued efforts during these challenging conditions and for supporting critical fuel supply needs.