March 2026 | Advocacy never slows down. This monthly brief is your window into what ILTA is tracking, influencing, and advancing, so you can stay informed on the issues shaping our industry.
Immediately following a successful Joint Committee Meeting that convened more than 60 terminal professionals for in-depth discussions on regulatory priorities, emerging risks, and operational best practices, ILTA continued its advocacy efforts in the field.
On March 12, ILTA facilitated a tour for Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH-12) at Marathon’s Columbus terminal. As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Chair of the Republican Study Committee’s House Energy Action Team (HEAT), Congressman Balderson is directly engaged in shaping federal energy policy discussions.
The tour provided a firsthand look at terminal operations while highlighting Marathon’s contributions to the local community and the broader energy supply chain. It also created an opportunity to directly engage on priority issues, including concerns related to CERCLA liability associated with PFAS-based firefighting foams.
Why This Matters
As Congress continues to debate potential CERCLA liability exemptions related to PFAS-based firefighting foams, engaging policymakers through site visits is one of the most effective ways to ground those discussions in real-world operations. Experiencing terminal environments firsthand provides critical context that cannot be replicated in a briefing room and helps ensure policy decisions reflect how these issues play out in practice.
If your company is interested in hosting a site visit for a member of Congress, contact James Privette atjprivette@ilta.org.
ILTA Participates in Louisiana Public Service Commission Hearing on Terminal Rate Authority
On March 18, the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) heard from Rosefield Fourchon and Cantium LLC regarding their ongoing dispute over LPSC authority to oversee terminal rate setting. A recording of the two-hour hearing is available here.
In June 2025, the Louisiana legislature passed, and Governor Jeff Landry signed, SB244, which revised the definition of a pipeline to explicitly exclude piping within terminal facilities from being considered part of a transportation network and, therefore, from LPSC oversight. Despite this change, the LPSC continues to pursue authority in this area.
ILTA was represented at the hearing by Ryan French of Taylor Porter LLP, who presented the association’s position that extending LPSC oversight to terminal rate setting could introduce significant risks and unintended consequences for terminal operations. Mr. French was initially expected to deliver a brief statement focused on the LPSC’s lack of authority but was ultimately questioned by the Commission for more than twenty minutes.
Why This Matters
This case, which centers on whether terminals are defined as transportation assets or storage facilities, could have significant implications for how terminals operate in Louisiana. From potential oversight of how terminals negotiate rates with third parties to the possibility of applying transportation pipeline taxes if terminals are classified as transportation entities, the outcome could also set a precedent for similar actions in other states.
On April 15, ILTA will host its monthly Government Affairs Committee (GAC) meeting in person at ILTA’s Washington, DC headquarters (655 15th St, Suite 230). The meeting will provide key legislative and regulatory updates impacting the bulk liquid terminal industry, along with a discussion on strategies to strengthen member engagement and advocacy impact.
The GAC serves as a central forum for shaping ILTA’s advocacy priorities. Government affairs professionals are encouraged to attend. Please RSVP by completing this form or contact James Privette atjprivette@ilta.org for more information.
ILTA, 655 15th Street NW, Suite 230, Washington, DC 20005, USA
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