WASHINGTON, April 30,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The right policy framework and
incentive structure will advance the market for alternative fuels,
including electricity, while lowering carbon emissions for
transportation energy, a representative of the truck stop, travel
plaza and fuel retailing industry testified today before the House
Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
Kim Okafor, General Manager of
Zero Emission Solutions for Love's Travel Stops and Trillium
Energy, testified that a consumer-oriented approach is the best way
to encourage the market to gravitate to lower carbon fuel options
while also enhancing fueling options for consumers.
"The refueling experience for alternative fuels should be as
similar as possible to today's refueling experience and offer the
services and amenities that consumers have come to expect alongside
such a network, including 24-hour access, foodservice, security,
restrooms, and lighting," Okafor testified. "Fuel retailers are
best positioned to provide alternative sources of transportation
energy because we have a keen understanding of on-the-go refueling
preferences based on decades of studying them. This fact is
essential when it comes to adoption of EVs or other alternative
fuel vehicles."
"For any solution to work, it must promote competitive market
dynamics and work with consumers' existing behavior and the
business infrastructure we have," Okafor said. "If policy does that
and ensures a functioning private market, then private dollars will
make sure infrastructure is there to meet consumers' needs. If that
is not done, it is likely that any public dollars spent will be
stranded and wasted in ways that do not serve an appreciable number
of consumers and cost far more than any benefit they produce."
Okafor testified on behalf of NATSO, representing truck stops
and travel plazas, and SIGMA: America's Leading Fuel Marketers, at
the House Subcommittee hearing examining fleet electrification
policies. NATSO and SIGMA, which represent approximately 80 percent
of fuel sold at retail, support policies that incentivize fuel
retailers to invest in alternative fuels.
Fuel retailers are at the forefront of investments in new
refueling technologies and their required infrastructure. The
industry is actively participating in the National Electric Vehicle
Infrastructure (NEVI) grant program in almost every state, and more
than half of all EV charging stations under the NEVI grant program
are set to be constructed at truck stops, travel centers, and other
fuel retailers. Incentivizing fuel retailers and their nationwide
network to offer more alternative fuels while providing consumers
with the ongoing, positive refueling experience they expect will
facilitate a faster, more widespread transition to electric vehicle
charging.
Changes to the transportation energy market must work for the
American consumer to be viable, Okafor testified. Electric vehicle
drivers expect a seamless and predictable experience like their
current refueling experience, which includes safe, accessible
amenities and affordable, competitive prices.
Okafor also testified that hydrogen represents a more compelling
emissions reduction technology than electricity for heavy-duty
trucking. Hydrogen can leverage the existing refueling
infrastructure and energy supply chain while providing the same
refueling experience as liquid fuels.
Okafor cautioned that market challenges continue to undermine
the private sector's ability to profitably invest in electric
vehicle charging stations. Specifically, Okafor underscored the
need for competitive, transparent electricity pricing to ensure
that every business pays the same electricity rate to supply their
EV charging stations. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
also must harmonize state application standards under the NEVI
grant program to ensure that consumers' charging experiences are
consistent from state to state.
About NATSO and SIGMA
NATSO is the trade association of America's travel
plaza and truck stop industry. Founded in 1960, NATSO represents
the industry on legislative and regulatory matters; serves as the
official source of information on the diverse travel plaza and
truck stop industry; provides education to its members; conducts an
annual convention and trade show; and supports efforts to generally
improve the business climate in which its members operate. Contact:
Tiffany Wlazlowski Neuman, Vice
President, Public Affairs. 202-365-9459
SIGMA is the national trade association representing
the most successful, progressive, and innovative fuel marketers and
chain retailers in the United
States and Canada. Founded
in 1958 as the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America
(SIGMA), SIGMA has become a fixture in the motor fuel marketing
industry. Representing a diverse membership of approximately 250
independent chain retailers and marketers of motor fuel, the
association serves to further the interests of both the branded and
unbranded segment of the industry while providing information and
services to members. For more information visit SIGMA.org.
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SOURCE NATSO, Inc.