On Aug. 18, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued an order postponing the new effective date of the “Required Warnings for Cigarette Packages and Advertisements” final rule until Oct. 11, 2022. Pursuant to the court order, any obligation to comply with a deadline tied to the effective date is similarly…
NATO Report: Cigarette Warnings Postponed, Flavor Bans Increase Youth Smoking
On Aug. 18, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued an order further postponing the effective date of the FDA’s graphic cigarette health warning rule by another 90 days from July 13, 2022, to Oct. 11, 2022. In addition, the order also states that “any other obligation to comply with a…
Retailers Must Fight Against UST Regulatory Headwinds
As I pen this column, the dog days of summer are beginning, and 2021 is already half over. Given these past six months, it seems safe to say that the early days of the Obama administration were a cakewalk versus the political headwinds our industry now faces. The latest challenge involves underground storage tanks (USTs)…
Automakers, UAW Respond to Biden Clean Vehicle Efforts
Automakers, the United Autoworkers (UAW) and other climate and industry leaders released statements this week on the Biden administration’s steps to strengthen American leadership on clean cars and trucks. Joint Statement From ‘Big Three’ Ford, General Motors (GM) and Fiat Chrysler owner Stellantis announced their shared aspiration to achieve sales of 40-50% of annual U.S.…
Year-Round E15 Bills in Both Houses of Congress
Representatives in both houses of Congress yesterday introduced companion bills to restore year-round sales of E15 biofuel after a July 2 ruling by the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a 2019 rule by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that lifted outdated restrictions on the summertime sale of E15, a 15% ethanol blended…
How Will Tobacco Tax Increases Affect Convenience Stores?
Tobacco tax increases aren’t going away any time soon, and their effect on convenience stores is substantial — but they’re nothing that resourceful convenience store retailers can’t handle. Tobacco is already among the most heavily regulated categories in the store, and tax rates have gotten out of control as lawmakers in every state use taxation…
NAG Spring Leadership Series Brings Insights for Today’s Evolving Landscape
The National Advisory Group (NAG) Spring Leadership Series concluded its five-week run on June 16, after informative virtual sessions that discussed topics ranging from consumer trends to technology to fuel disruption. Moderated by NAG Executive Director and CStore Decisions Editor-in-Chief John Lofstock, the series dissected some of the most pressing issues facing convenience store retailers…
Growth Energy Applauds Introduction of Biofuel Bill in US House
WASHINGTON – Growth Energy, the nation’s largest ethanol trade association, applauded the House introduction of the H.R. 4254, the “Low Carbon Biofuel Credit Act,” by U.S Reps. Cindy Axne, R-Iowa, and Adrian Smith, R-Neb., that would fast-track consumer access to lower-cost, lower-carbon vehicle fuel blends. “Higher ethanol blends continue to grow in popularity among drivers…
Juul Issues Statement on $40 Million Legal Settlement
E-cigarette maker Juul Labs issued a statement responding to its settlement agreement with the state of North Carolina reached on June 28 in a lawsuit filed by the state Attorney General Josh Stein alleging Juul marketed its products to minors. The company agreed to pay $40 million to North Carolina and the e-cigarette maker will…
Oregon Drivers Can Now Fuel Up With E15
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has signed HB 3051, clarifying the ability of retailers to sell 15% ethanol blended fuel (E15) in the state. Oregon is the 48th state to approve E15. “We applaud the state of Oregon and Gov. Brown on clarifying that E15 is approved for sale and giving drivers across the state access…