If you cannot see the message, please click here
November 5, 2020
Follow NJGCA:
   

 Inside this issue
  Executive Directors Message  
 
 
VERY PRELIMINARY ELECTION OVERVIEW
TWO GOVERNOR ACTIONS ON BUSINESSES
EDA PPE INITIATIVE
STAGE II DECOMMISSIONING --- WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR MEMBERS PAYING DUES ONLINE
ANNUAL NJGCA TURKEY DRIVE
 

ELECTION OVERVIEW
At the time of this writing, it's too soon to make any final calls on the election, however there are some conclusions we are able to report to you. Unfortunately, a good friend of NJGCA Senator. Tony Bucco is behind. However, votes that have not yet been tallied could still change the outcome. Obviously by next week we should have conclusive results on the election from the president down to local races, but here is what we do know now:
 
We can say with certainty at this time the Congressional representation in New Jersey is going to stay the same as it was before the election. There was hope that the Republicans could pick up a seat with Senator Tom Kean Jr. defeating Congressman Malinowski, but that did not happen. It appears even though it is close, Congressman Van Drew has held his Congressional seat in District 2. The other big change coming to New Jersey is the vote on marijuana. The voters in New Jersey with 60% of the vote have chosen to legalize recreational use of marijuana. NJGCA expects to play a role in how the regulations will be drawn up, especially with regard to employee use of marijuana on the job.
 
Another important vote happened last night that we've had our eye on outside of New Jersey is the Right to Repair issue on telematics. As a recap - telematics is what enables the car manufacturers to contact motorists and direct them to a dealership when a problem is detected through the vehicle's computer system. This process of directing motorists to the dealerships will cut out small business repair shops. You may remember that New Jersey played a significant role in the MOU being signed by the car manufacturers because we were the only state that had passed it through one half of the legislature twice. Once Massachusetts voters voted with an 80% margin that they wanted it, the car manufacturers knew it would happen in New Jersey and for fear of having fifty laws in fifty states, agreed to the Memorandum of Understanding. Luckily, the vote in Massachusetts was a massive landslide despite millions in spending by the car manufacturers to defeat the initiative, which should be a good sign for us to begin a new initiative here in New Jersey.
 
GOVERNOR ACTIONS ON BUSINESSES
Late last week, Governor Murphy released an Administrative Order clarifying restrictions on several businesses, including convenience stores and others that have self-serve items. The fear was that this could target and ban self-serve coffee and drinks in your convenience store but it doesn't, so long as you are regularly sanitizing. Additionally, Executive Order 192 goes into effect today which sets up a way for employees to report employers to the Department of Labor who are not following COVID mandates and send inspectors out to ensure compliance. The employer is also responsible for conducting a daily health check for all employees prior to the start of their shift.
 
We released a Best Practices document earlier this year with specific guidance for gas pumps, auto repair shops, and convenience stores. Many of the items included in Executive Order 192 and the Administrative Order are already outlined as a best practice in our guidance document. We suggest adding checklists by your stations that are frequently visited by customers so customers can see how often your business is cleaned and sanitized. This would be a good opportunity for everyone in the industry to review the guidance we sent to refresh your memories amid a significant uptick in COVID cases in New Jersey. Make sure you go through the document and double check you are doing every item on the list, as now the Department of Labor will be checking as well.  
 
PPE INITIATIVE
The EDA has launched a new program, the Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program, which provides a discount on PPE items from designated vendors who have purchased the PPE in bulk. If you purchase through one of their designated vendors you get 10% off PPE products such as masks and sanitizer. They do plan on rolling out a program for small businesses that will give you 25% off, while no details for small businesses are provided at this time, you can find out if you qualify by visiting the link above.
 
STAGE II DECOMMISSIONING
Over the past few months, we have sent a number of reminders on the pending Stage II vacuum assist vapor recovery decommissioning. You can read the full DEP Advisory by clicking HERE
 
You'll recall that we've discussed that all decommissioning work must be completed by a DEP approved and certified UST contractor. What's more, you have to let DEP know 14 days ahead of time that you're going to decommission your site (see the Advisory link below with the email address you're required to make a submission to). Lastly, don't forget that in decommissioning your Stage II system, you are still required to have an "Air General Permit" (GP 004B), which is still required to operate your Stage I system.
 
With the December 23, 2020 deadline looming, NJGCA has been in contact with State officials on the evolving decommissioning landscape. There are still hundreds of sites that have not been decommissioned and/or have not updated their air permits to coincide with this change. In sharing this information with us, we have learned that many sites will not be decommissioned until after the deadline has lapsed -- and such a delay may invite cumulative, compounded fines for non-compliance.
 
The reasons for this delay is varying depending on the location and circumstances.  Some sites had no idea that the decommissioning was coming and started the process late. Others have had trouble lining up a qualified contract to complete the decommissioning on time. Others still have closed their doors due to the pandemic, and will not meet the requirement on time due to capital outlay and other operational factors. Whatever the reason, such delays can only invite costly fines. Though we cannot decipher Members vs. Non-Members among these remaining sites, this news is concerning enough to warrant touching on the topic again in our weekly Road Warrior message.
 
With this in mind, we've got some homework for you. We need to hear from NJGCA Members who have a Stage II vacuum assist vapor recovery systems currently in place, and will not meet the December 23rd mandate to decommission their system.  Furthermore, we need to know why you won't meet the deadline and your personal circumstances.
 
Why do we need to know this?  Because if you have a "valid" reason as to not getting this wrapped up on time, NJGCA may be able to help you avoid burdensome fines. Though we cannot make any guarantees or promises, we believe there is a possibility of "pre-negotiating" some kind of dispensation on your behalf. That is to say, if an NJGCA Member has a "valid" reason as to why they will not meet the deadline, going to DEP with an explanation ahead of time may help to diminish the accumulation of fines for non-compliance. However, in order to work out such logistics on your behalf, we must have detailed information.
 
Please keep in mind that there are no promises or guarantees of any outcome or final fine-amount. If you cannot meet the deadline, you will be out of compliance and all we can do is help mitigate your possible liability and exposure. Though "self-disclosure", you're notifying DEP that a problem is on the horizon, and being up front about a coming obstacle. That will not only help garner some "good will" with regulators, but also allow you to avoid overbearing fines once you eclipse the deadline.
 
If you will miss the December 23, 2020 decommissioning deadline (or, alternatively, need help to find a qualified DEP-approved contractor to perform this work), please contact Nick at nick@njgca.org as soon as possible! Don't delay and act now! 
 
ONLINE BANKING MEMBERS
An important notice for our members that use on-line banking to pay your association dues. Please change our address to the following:
 
NJGCA
4900 Rt. 35 W.
Suite 100
Neptune, NJ 07753 
 
This is because the online banking 3rd party vendor automatically changes the zip code to 07727. If you do not change the city to Neptune your check will never get delivered. Again, this is only for online banking, members who do not use online banking to pay their association dues may disregard this message.
 
TURKEY DRIVE
This year has been a particularly challenging one for families around New Jersey and the country. We are approaching the season of giving; now more than ever it is important we give to those in need. We are especially mindful of those who are hungry and food insecure throughout the state, and may not necessarily have a holiday meal to put on the table for their families. The NJGCA Young Professionals group will be continuing their annual turkey drive this year and collecting donations entirely virtually in order to slow the spread of the virus. This year, donations will be sent to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, which serves the entire state. Please CLICK HERE to visit our team page and contribute to our goal. If you have any questions regarding the turkey drive or are interested in learning more about the Young Professionals group, please contact michelle@njgca.org.
 
Be Well -  
Sal Risalvato
Executive Director

 

 
 

Top

  Training Class Schedule  
 

All classes held at NJGCA HQ -- 4900 Route 33 West, Wall Township, NJ 07753

Two-Day Emissions Inspector Training Class
November 17th & 18th, 2020
December 16th & 17th, 2020

If you, a colleague, or an employee technician wishes to become a NJ Emissions Inspector, now is your chance! NJGCA will offer two upcoming two-day classes with all the information and training you need to become a NJ Emissions Inspector.
 
On day one you will receive in-class instruction from NJGCA's instructor.  We will break for lunch (provided), and the State will administer the written test in the afternoon.
 
On day two will go over the hands-on test at an emission inspection location to fully prepare you for the hands-on test.

We are offering the class: 
Tuesday November 17th, 7:00am to 4:00pm & Wednesday, November 18th, 12:30
Click HERE for the November registration form. 

Wednesday December 16th, 7:00am to 4:00pm & Thursday, December 17th, 12:30
Click HERE for the December registration form. 

Contact Nick De Palma at Nick@njgca.org to inquire on additional class dates

 

Top

  News Around The State  
 

11/5/20
Japan's Seven & I To Sell Up To 300 Gas Stations After Buying Speedway -sources
Japan's Seven & i Holdings Co Ltd , parent of the 7-Eleven convenience store chain, is aiming to sell as many as 300 gas stations following its deal to acquire Marathon Petroleum Corp for $21 billion, according to people familiar with the matter. Seven & i is working with investment bank Nomura Holdings Inc to solicit buyers, the sources said. Seven & i said in August it expected net proceeds of $1 billion, without disclosing how many stations it would sell.


11/4/20
Pandemic Tightens Retailer Restrictions as Demand Rises
As coronavirus cases rise rapidly across most of the United States, retailers and restaurants are once again wrestling with tighter restrictions and staff shortages, the Wall Street Journal reports. Unlike in the spring, this surge corresponds with an increase in demand for in-store shopping and dining. Large chains said they have put safety measures and takeout/pickup options in place to handle COVID-19 regulations.

11/2/20
Op-ed: NJ Needs To Rethink Energy Master Plan, Prioritize Affordable Energy
While we were all quarantining at home and keeping our families safe, the state of New Jersey continued to move forward with one of the most impactful policy shifts in state history, implementation of the Energy Master Plan. Even if well-intentioned at the time of its release in February, the EMP was unrealistic then and is even less feasible now, as the COVID-19 pandemic puts our state, our residents and our businesses under financial strain. In fact, a new report from Affordable Energy for New Jersey and energy expert Jonathan Lesser has found that the EMP will cost businesses and residents at least $2 billion per year - and potentially far more. At a time when our state faces unprecedented financial crisis and many residents are struggling to pay their bills, that's a cost New Jersey simply can't afford to pay.

11/2/20
Environmental Groups Press Murphy To Reject Regional Anti-pollution Pact. They Say It's Not Bold Enough
One of the most prominent environmental organizations in New Jersey is opposing a regional cap-and-trade program being pushed by Northeastern states to curb global-warming emissions from motor vehicles. Clean Water Action joined the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance and Ironbound Community Corporation in urging the Murphy administration to reject joining the Transportation & Climate Initiative, a proposal most clean-energy advocates view as a critical step toward reducing the single largest source of greenhouse gas pollution.

11/2/20
NJ Takes More Steps To Fix Driver's Licenses, MVC Amid COVID-19
State officials say they're taking additional steps to fix driver's license services and the Motor Vehicle Commission as long lines remain a problem amid the COVID-19 crisis. After months of long lines, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission moved many of its services online as of Monday as it attempts to change its workflow for safety, speed, and convenience amid the coronavirus pandemic. MVC officials made the announcement during a news conference held by Gov. Phil Murphy.

11/2/20
Have You Heard How To Get Discount On PPE? Eda Is Launching Marketing Campaign To Raise Awareness
The program enables small business owners to get a discount on the necessary - and now mandated - PPE items (masks, sanitizers, etc.) from designated vendors who have purchased the PPE in bulk and are passing along the savings in the form of a 10% discount. The EDA also will have a grant program, which will enable small businesses to potentially get an additional $400 discount.

11/1/20
The Fall Of An Empire
The decline of ExxonMobil has been remarkable in its magnitude and unexpectedness. Why it matters: While all major oil companies are facing troubles, Exxon has fallen the farthest, in large part because it has made the biggest bets on oil and gas - and the smallest bets on renewable energy. While rival BP has recently promised to get to zero net emissions by 2050, Exxon has been doubling down on fossil fuels with moves like a spectacularly ill-timed $41 billion acquisition of XTO energy in 2009 and its major expansion in the Permian Basin in 2017. Exxon reported a loss of $680 million in the third quarter of this year, bringing its losses for 2020 as a whole up to $2.37 billion. (In 2008, by contrast, it made a profit of $46 billion.)

10/31/20
N.J. Refinery Cuts 63% Of Workforce, Cites Downturn From Coronavirus
Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester) on Friday was still trying to come to terms with news he received earlier this week that 250 jobs, about 63% of the workforce, were being cut from a refinery in his South Jersey district because of the economic fallout from the coronavirus. "Simply painful, simply painful," Burzichelli said about a decision from PBF Energy to cut production and layoff workers at its refinery in Paulsboro on the Delaware River waterfront. "It's a sad moment. They are being held hostage by an economy by Washington's failure to manage this pandemic from the start." Burzichelli said 150 workers will remain at the facility and produce motor oil and some other petroleum products but will stop production of gasoline. He said officials from PBF, a Parsippany-based company, told him the downturn in travel because of the pandemic was the reason for the action.

10/28/20
PBF Energy To Shut Fuel-producing Units At Paulsboro, New Jersey Refinery: Letter
PBF Energy PBF.N will shut most refining units at its Paulsboro, New Jersey, refinery, the company's chief executive said in a letter to employees on Wednesday that cited the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on fuel demand. The company will cut 250 jobs at the refinery, which will now only produce partially refined feedstocks that will be sent to PBF's nearby Delaware City, Delaware, refinery, CEO Tom Nimbley said in the letter, which was seen by Reuters.

 

Top

  Energy Information Agency Weekly Retail Gasoline Prices  
 
Each week, the Energy Information Administration publishes a list of average gasoline prices for the previous three weeks. NJGCA will begin including this list with the Weekly Road Warrior. Remember, these prices are reflective of self-serve everywhere except NJ.
 
 

Top

  Member Benefit Partner Message Board  
 
 
    









 

Top

  Classifieds: For Sale and Help Wanted Ads  
 


Parts For Sale: Incon TS-1000 tank monitor works well just taken out of service. Printer is aprox 2 months old. Also, Incon 8, tank probes. System replaced because on an Exxon upgrade. Call John Twin Towers Exxon (201) 224-8444



 

 

Top