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Could Tariffs Trigger Turmoil ?
President-elect Donald Trump announced that he plans to impose 25 % tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico . Canada is responsible for about 25 % of U . S . refined petroleum product imports , including heating oil , diesel fuel , gasoline , and propane utilized in the Northeast , according to NEFI Energy Online News ( NEON ), the newsletter for members of the National Energy & Fuels Institute .
STEPHEN BENNETT
“ The proposed tariffs have raised questions about potential impacts on U . S . energy markets , particularly after Reuters confirmed the tariffs would apply to crude oil and petroleum products with no planned exceptions ,” the newsletter reported .
The American Petroleum Institute and American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers suggested that petroleum products be excluded from the tariff plan .
“ While this situation bears watching , it ’ s important to remember that there are many steps between a proposed policy and its implementation ,” NEFI President and CEO Jim Collura said in the newsletter . NEFI will advocate for policies that ensure that its fuel marketer members “ continue to have access to stable and affordable fuel supplies ,” Collura said .
Campaigns to promote “ Energy Choice ” have been launched by state trade associations in Maine and Pennsylvania .
The Pennsylvania Petroleum Association announced the launch of “ Energy Choice PA ” a campaign to educate consumers about energy policy and regulation issues . “ We need our customers – and those who use other energy sources – to understand what electrification really means ,” PPA said in a December email announcing the new campaign . “ To understand the economic impact of EV mandates and carbon taxes . And to recognize the strides that our industry has made in achieving broad carbon reduction .”
A bipartisan coalition launched “ Maine Energy Choice ,” a campaign advocating for Mainers ’ right to choose their heating options for homes and businesses . State Senators Joe Baldacci ( D ) and Trey Stewart ( R ), alongside Maine Energy Marketers Association President Charlie Summers , announced the initiative . The coalition formed in response to potential state and federal legislation that could limit the use of heating oil , natural gas , and other energy sources . Polling shows that 87 % of Maine voters oppose legislation that restricts their heating choices , the coalition said . Senator Stewart questioned if limiting energy options serves a broader agenda rather than the interests of Maine residents , while Senator Baldacci emphasized that Maine can support renewable energy incentives without mandating costly choices that may not be affordable for everyone , especially given current inflation concerns . For more on the Energy Choice campaigns , turn to the News section , beginning on page 6 .
Also in Maine , the Attorney general filed suit in state court against Exxon , Shell , Chevron , BP , Sunoco , and the American Petroleum Institute , accusing them of deceiving Mainers for decades about the role of their fossil fuel products in causing climate change . More than 20 states , tribes , cities , and counties have filed so-called “ climate deception ” lawsuits , Maine ’ s attorney general said . For more on the lawsuit turn to the News section , beginning on page 6 . l FON
4 JANUARY 2025 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www . fueloilnews . com
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