ILTA 2023 Conference to Feature Four Tracks of Fantastic Panels, Presentations, and Conversations
The day-and-a-half long Conference portion of ILTA’s 2023 Operating Conference & Trade Show, May 22-24 in Houston, Texas, will feature four tracks along the topics of Environment; Operations & Engineering; Health, Safety, & Security; and Leadership.
Read More
Register for Terminals 101 Post-Conference Training
Looking to expand your knowledge and enhance your career in the dynamic terminals industry? Then look no further than Terminals 101 - the ultimate two-day program that covers all the fundamentals of liquid terminal operations and facility components.
Our industry experts will guide you through a comprehensive overview of the terminals industry, from the vital role of terminals in the supply chain to operational safety, product handling, tank design and maintenance, marine terminal operations, regulatory compliance, and industry standards.
Read More
ILTA Meets with Terminal Members in San Antonio
ILTA President Dr. Kathryn Clay and VP of Marketing and Member Experience Leakhena Swett recently traveled to San Antonio to visit two of ILTA's terminal members, NuStar Energy and Howard Energy Terminal. Both ILTA staff members were eager to learn more about the companies' operations and have a listening session on how ILTA can better serve their members.
During the visit, Dr. Clay and Ms. Swett were warmly welcomed by the staff at both terminals, who took them on tours and shared insights into the challenges and successes of their operations. In addition, the ILTA representatives had an open and honest discussion with the members on how ILTA can be a better partner to them, listening to their feedback and suggestions.
The visit to San Antonio was an excellent opportunity for ILTA to strengthen its relationships with its members and gain insight into their challenges. By actively listening to the members, ILTA can better understand their needs and tailor its services to better support them. Dr. Clay and Ms. Swett expressed their gratitude to the members for their engagement and emphasized ILTA's commitment to supporting the industry.
As they departed San Antonio, Dr. Clay and Ms. Swett felt energized and motivated by the trip. They recognized that their representation of the members was making a significant impact. They looked forward to the future, eager to continue their work and strengthen relationships with their members. ILTA remains committed to providing value to its members and creating a community of like-minded professionals who can work together to overcome industry challenges.
ILTA Represented at Stakeholder Conference on PFAS Legislation
On April 17, ILTA attended a conference convened by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), International Association of Fire Fighters, and the United States Chamber of Commerce to discuss aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), commonly referred to as PFAS-based firefighting foams. Additional stakeholders in attendance included the firefighting communities, airports, petrochemical industries, farming stakeholders, chemical producers, and liquid storage and terminal industry.
Read More
EPA’s New Proposed Powerplant Rules to Drive Increased Hydrogen Demand
According to reports by the New York Times and Bloomberg, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is close to releasing draft rules that will regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. Given power plants currently account for approximately 25% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, the proposal should lead to a significant reduction in the national carbon footprint. Specifically, the rules will likely require power plants remove or capture nearly all their carbon dioxide emissions by 2040. While there appears to be no restriction on the type of technology used to abate the emissions, the proposed limits would force power plants relying on fossil fuels to incorporate carbon capture or switch to clean fuels. Of the clean fuels currently available, hydrogen is generally considered the most viable option.
Although the proposal is specific to power plants, it does have important implications for the liquid terminal industry. By accelerating the transition from traditional fossil fuels to low carbon fuels, the rules would result in increased storage demand for new liquid fuels like hydrogen and renewable diesel, while reducing storage demand for traditional fossil fuels. The initiative is also a sign of the Federal Government’s willingness to implement sectoral restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions; a trend that will likely impact the speed and dimension of the energy transition. For the liquid terminal industry, these changes represent an opportunity to focus on the future and capitalize on the business opportunity behind the growing demand for low carbon fuels, especially hydrogen.
Minnesota on Track to Join Maine in Ban on PFAS Despite Industry Objection
On April 17, the Minnesota House of Representatives approved HF 2310, an environmental funding bill which includes a ban on the use of PFAS in many products. The legislation would prohibit the sale, use or distribution of certain products that contain “intentionally added” PFAS by January 2025, with a broader ban going into effect by January 2030. This would include firefighting foams containing PFAS. With the state Senate expected to also approve the bill, Minnesota is on the path to becoming the second state to impose such sweeping restrictions on PFAS, after Maine.
However, Maine’s legislature is currently considering a suite of bills that would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to overhaul its pending rule to ban PFAS in products. During a hearing on April 26, Maine’s environment committee considered proposals that would redefine the types of PFAS covered by the law, exempt businesses of 10 employees or less, and extend the reporting deadline for manufacturers and user of PFAS by one year. The bills complicate a rule that is already months behind a deadline to require companies to begin reporting their PFAS uses, with DEP already granting hundreds of extensions for companies and organizations. These bills reflect the growing complexity between environmentalists and industries to ensure a timely phaseout while protecting essential uses of PFAS for companies.
EPA Seeking Comment on Designating Seven More PFAS as CERCLA Hazardous Substances
EPA has published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to designate seven additional PFAS beyond PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA. The ANPRM is seeking public comment and data on the seven additional PFAS, further input on whether precursors to PFOA and PFOS should be designated as hazardous substances and is considering whether there is adequate information to allow the designation of PFAS as a class or subclass.
The seven additional PFAS contemplated in the rule include PFBS, PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA or GenX, PFBA, PFHxA, and PFDA, most of which have been found in legacy and more recent mixtures of AFFF. The ANPRM is likely to deepen industry concerns that a PFAS CERCLA designation could ensnare passive receivers of PFAS in liability litigation over contamination, especially given similar comments expressed in recent public hearings regarding CERCLA designation.
Comments in response to the ANRPM are due June 12, 2023, and EPA plans to finalize its proposal in August.
EPA Preparing to Propose Rules to Subject PFAS to RCRA Corrective Action Mandates
EPA is preparing to propose a pair of rules that would allow regulators to subject PFOA and PFOS to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act’s (RCRA) corrective action program. The proposed rule triggers corrective action by listing PFOA, PFOS, and other PFAS as “hazardous constituents” under RCRA, giving EPA and delegated states the ability to require investigation, cleanup, and other actions for hazardous constituents that may be released at a RCRA facility.
Hazardous constituent listing could open the door to broader actions, as it serves as a step towards listing PFAS as RCRA “hazardous waste,” which then automatically become CERCLA hazardous substances. However, RCRA corrective action only applies to sites that have a RCRA permit, meaning liquid terminals would only be liable at sites where they hold one of these permits. The proposed rules are tentatively dated for release in June, though neither has been submitted to OMB for review yet.
Sign Up by May 5th for the ILTA Golf Tournament and Join Us on the Green on Sunday, May 21st!
A scramble on two courses, the ILTA Golf Tournament is a fun way to strengthen your professional relationships—and even build some new ones—with your peers and colleagues in the terminal industry. Tee off by contacting Meredith DeZemler at mdezemler@ilta.org.
Learn more here: Golf – International Operating Conference & Trade Show (ilta.org)
Nominate a Colleague for the ILTA Distinguished Service Award!
Attention terminal industry professionals! We're calling on all members of the liquid terminal community to nominate deserving colleagues for the International Liquid Terminals Association Award for Distinguished Service to the Industry.
Do you know someone who has made significant contributions to the industry, demonstrated leadership and innovation, and has a long-standing reputation for integrity and professionalism? Then we want to hear from you!
The ILTA annual conference, taking place in Houston on May 22-23, 2023, is the perfect opportunity to recognize and celebrate the achievements of those who have dedicated themselves to advancing our industry. Submit your nominations now and let's come together to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of those who make our industry great!
Don't miss this chance to nominate someone who deserves recognition for their exceptional service to the liquid terminals industry. The deadline to submit your nominations is May 9th.
Please email your nominations to info@ilta.org.
Read More
Nominate a Colleague for the ILTA Outstanding Young Professional Award!
Attention all liquid terminal industry professionals! It's time to recognize and celebrate the next generation of leaders in our field. The International Liquid Terminals Association is seeking nominations for the Award for Outstanding Young Professional Award, to be presented at the May 2023 ILTA annual conference.
To be eligible, nominees must be under the age of 40 and employed by a member in good standing of ILTA, which could be a liquid terminal company or a supplier company. This award is an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements and potential of young professionals who are shaping the future of our industry.
Together, let's celebrate the contributions of these outstanding early career professionals who are driving our industry forward. The deadline to submit your nominations is May 9th.
Please email your nominations to info@ilta.org.
Read More
Be a Thought Leader in the Terminal Industry – Volunteer for the ILTA Professional Development Programming Committee!
Looking to have your voice heard in the terminal industry? Join ILTA's Professional Development Programming Committee and help lead the charge of ensuring that each member reaps maximum benefit from our conferences. During the year, you will be part of a team shaping key topics for monthly calls, webinars, training events, and more! Be at the forefront making sure everyone has access to top-notch educational opportunities geared towards their success.
Read More
Sponsorship Opportunities, Booths Still Available for ILTA 2023
ILTA continues to sell booths and sponsorship opportunities for the 2023 annual trade show in Houston May 22-24. Make sure to stand out in the crowd and buy some visibility with a sponsorship! If you have not filled out your application, please contact Justin Olson at jolson@thewymancompany.com.