As Transportation Infrastructure Deadline Approaches, Critical Fuel Industry Meets with Legislators

SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 27, 2017 -- Last week, the members of California Independent Oil Marketers Association (CIOMA) held a successful Day at the Capitol. CIOMA members, comprised of small, family- and minority-owned businesses met with over two-thirds of the legislators in the Capitol to discuss important issues that will have an impact on the lives of every Californian.

"It is important for CIOMA's members to be engaged with our elected officials in Sacramento and in their districts, as we live or operate in every Assembly and Senate district in California," said Mike Downs, President of CIOMA's Board of Directors. "CIOMA's members want to be a resource to our regulating agencies and elected officials when we try to address the issues facing our state. This was a very constructive and successful day of meetings spent highlighting important issues, not just to our industry but everyone that lives and drives in California."

Legislative leaders discussed the components and details of the proposed transportation infrastructure plan – Assembly Bill 1 (Frazier) and Senate Bill 1 (Beall) – with over 30 companies that specialize in the transportation and distribution of fuel in California. CIOMA member companies are the integral component that collect and remit the gas and diesel taxes to the state to build and repair our roads. Simplifying the current fuel tax structure is a positive step to help ensure that the taxes Californians pay for our roads are tracked and used to alleviate traffic congestion and improve the commutes for the hard-working families in our state.

Other issues that were discussed covered the negative impacts on the local convenience store should SB 300 (Monning), AB 319 (Stone), and Assembly Constitutional Amendment 2 (Garcia, C.) and AB 274 (Garcia, C.) become law in California. All of these bills will place an undue burden on mom-and-pop, minority-owned businesses throughout California; from frivolous law suits to applying a "snack tax" on food that the people of California have already overwhelmingly rejected.

Two issues that were highlighted that will require an ongoing effort from legislators, regulators, and industry partners are the Underground Storage Tank (UST) regulations and California's Cap-and-Trade Program. CIOMA members focused on being fully engaged when conversations surrounding the continuation and implementation of California's Cap-and-Trade Program occur in the Capitol.

CIOMA is the industry's statewide trade association representing the needs of independent wholesale and retail marketers of gasoline, diesel, lubricating oils and other petroleum products; transporters of those products; and convenience store owners and operators.

SOURCE California Independent Oil Marketers Association (CIOMA)

CONTACT: Holly Gamboa, (916) 646-5999, gamboa@cioma.com