The CEMA announcement noted,“ In particular, Canadian distilled petroleum exports to New England and New York are critical to our local economies and to marketers. Mexico is a significant exporter of crude to the U. S. which impacts downstream supply and pricing nationwide. So, it is a breakthrough that these national governments will be addressing issues of importance to us at an industry conference, especially in these volatile times.” CEMA will be celebrating its 75th anniversary, and MEMA its 70th anniversary at the conference. For more information about the conference, and to register, visit www. sneec. weebly. com.
Organizers also announced that Clean Fuels Alliance America and Advanced Fuel Solutions will be hosting a welcome reception under the tent at Regatta Place— Newport’ s harborside venue. Set against the backdrop of Newport’ s worldfamous marina, Regatta Place offers panoramic views of yachts, sailboats, and Narragansett Bay. The reception will be the kick-off for the Southern New England Energy Conference, creating a moment to gather and celebrate collective progress in transforming the liquid fuels sector. The evening is a celebration of that progress— and a rallying point for what comes next, organizers said.
Paul Nazzaro, a long-time advocate for low-carbon liquid fuels and advisor to Clean Fuels, will offer a few remarks during the evening about the latest industry breakthroughs and market-building momentum. Space is limited. Organizers recommend registering for the reception when registering for the conference.
� LIBERTY OIL & PROPANE WELCOMES NEW GENERATION OF OUELLETTES
Liberty Oil & Propane Equipment Co. announced that a new generation of the Ouellette family has joined the company. Cody Ouellette and Connor Ouellette— sons of current owner Chris Ouellette and grandsons of Gregory Ouellette— are continuing the family legacy, launching a new chapter in a tradition that began decades
The Ouellettes, from left: Connor, Gregory, Chris and Cody. Courtesy of Liberty Oil & Propane Equipment Co.
ago and“ has always been rooted in hard work, community values, and a commitment to keeping families warm and safe,” the company said.
Established in 1963, Liberty Oil & Propane Equipment,( www. libertytruckequipment. com) East Hartford, Connecticut, specializes in upfitting bobtail and refined-fuel trucks.
� LIHEAP FUNDING INCREASED TO $ 4.045 BILLION IN SENATE APPROPRIATIONS BILL
The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services Committee marked up its version of the FY 26 appropriations bill and it not only maintained funding for LIHEAP but increased it by $ 20 million to $ 4.045 billion, according to an appropriations update issued by the National Energy Assistance Directors Association.
“ The Senate is clearly rejecting the President’ s budget to zero out LIHEAP for FY 26,” NEADA said in its update, which also reported:
“ The bill … includes language to ensure LIHEAP receives 90 percent of its funding at the beginning of the year so that states have sufficient funds to start their programs and support households that need assistance in winter months.”
“ This is only the first step of the process,” NEADA noted in its update, issued July 31.“ The full Senate still has to vote. The House will propose its own funding level for LIHEAP, which is not scheduled until
September. But it’ s an excellent first step.”
NEADA also noted,“ There is a lot to be concerned about in the next few months. It is unlikely Congress will pass a final budget for LIHEAP before the end of September. We will likely be under a continuing resolution for some period of time. There may also be delays in releasing funds. So we have a lot of work ahead.” The association said it considered the Senate subcommittee’ s action“ an important step in protecting LIHEAP”.
� MCKINNEY JOINS MAINE EMA
Samantha McKinney joined the Maine Energy Marketers Association as an administrative assistant, bringing over 15 years of experience in administration
Samantha McKinney. Courtesy Maine EMA
and management. McKinney has experience in multiple industries, including healthcare and childcare. She has deep roots in the heating industry, MEMA said:“ The scent of propane and heating oil feels like home to her.”
� SPOTLIGHT: OTODATA TANK MONITORING
Otodata offers affordable, reliable remote tank monitoring. The Montreal-based company’ s monitors feature GPS, dual SIM connectivity, and a battery life of more than 15 years. Designed for easy installation and for compatibility with any tank or software, Otodata’ s tank monitoring helps eliminate run-outs, automate drops, and reduce costs. Fuel dealers can transition will-call customers to automatic delivery with Otodata’ s smart monitors, free portal, and Nee-Vo App, where users can see realtime tank levels and usage data anytime. Learn more or request a free demo kit at www. otodata. com. l FON
8 SEPTEMBER 2025 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www. fueloilnews. com