Amended Wetlines Bill Approved By House Committee

Petroleum Marketers Association of America has reported that because of substantial industry opposition to legislation requiring gasoline transport trucks to use wetlines purging equipment, Representative James Oberstar (D-MN), chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, proposed compromise language that was revised and amended during markup.

Originally Oberstar proposed language that would respond to PMAA’s request to allow the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to have the final say on wetlines regulation through rulemaking. Unfortunately, Oberstar was only giving DOT full jurisdiction over “retrofits” and would force DOT to act within three years or retrofits would be required in 2020. In working with several members of the committee, PMAA had asked for a date later than 2020. Ultimately, the retrofit date was moved to 2025; however, the rulemaking provision was not included.

When approved, the wetlines language passed on a voice (non-recorded) vote, therefore we cannot report who voted for and against the measure. PMAA plans to pursue some floor amendments with Rep. Oberstar and will begin proactive lobbying efforts in the Senate.