May 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.

ILTA PAC Hosts Rep. Thompson and Supports Rep. Jeffries

On April 29, the ILTA PAC hosted a fundraiser for Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS-2). Thompson, ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee, has been a long-time ally of the terminals industry and even visited an Ergon terminal with ILTA last August. Thompson is championing H.R. 5061, a bill that would provide greater protection for critical infrastructure sites, such as terminals, from unauthorized third-party drone activity.

On May 21, the ILTA PAC attended a fundraiser in support of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-8). The event provided an opportunity for the ILTA PAC to strengthen relationships with his office and elevate issues critical to the terminals industry with House leadership ahead of the November elections.

Why This Matters

The ILTA PAC is one of the strongest tools the industry has to support offices that are advancing the sector's interests. If Democrats win the House of Representatives in November, as most polls currently predict, having strong connections to two key Democratic offices will help ensure the industry's voice is heard at the House leadership level.

ILTA Joins Drone Coalition to Respond to Federal Rulemaking

On May 6, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility. This regulation would establish the process for certain fixed-site critical infrastructure facilities to apply for an Unmanned Aerial Flight Restriction (UAFR), offering stronger protection for critical infrastructure against unidentified drones and other unmanned aircraft.

In response to the rulemaking, ILTA met with other critical infrastructure associations on May 14 to coordinate a unified industry response. ILTA plans to participate in a joint comment submission alongside peer associations while also filing its own comments on behalf of the terminals industry.

Why This Matters

Coalition building gives associations the opportunity to combine their collective expertise and influence to develop impactful comments that reflect broad industry consensus on shared priorities and concerns.

At the same time, ILTA’s submission of individual comments allows for more targeted responses on issues directly affecting the bulk liquid terminal industry, helping ensure the industry’s specific priorities and perspectives are fully represented.

ILTA encourages member input as the association develops its comments on the proposed rulemaking. Please send any feedback or comments to James Privette at jprivette@ilta.org or Matthew Ponticiello at mponticiello@ilta.org no later than June 6.

ILTA Joins New Cross-Sector MTSA Coalition

As the industry prepares to comply with the MTSA Rule by the June 2027 deadline, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) is reportedly drafting a new policy letter that would provide a framework for the cybersecurity assessment process. The draft letter, not yet released to the public, was shown to several security experts who operate MTSA-regulated facilities and is expected to pose considerable compliance challenges for the industry if released in its current state.

In hopes of steering the guidance letter in a positive direction before it is published, ILTA joined a cross-sector MTSA trade coalition, led by long-time allies of the industry, retired USCG Admiral Roy Nash and Steve Roberts of the Chemical Security Group. The coalition is working to engage with USCG headquarters and key decision-makers in the near future to voice industry concerns.

Why This Matters

Many in the terminal industry believe the draft policy letter, if released in its current form, would create significant compliance and administrative burdens for MTSA-regulated facilities. Additional engagement with the USCG before publication is critical to help ensure the guidance is practical, achievable, and reflective of real-world terminal operations.

Input from terminal operators and security professionals will be especially important as the USCG evaluates the framework and considers revisions. By engaging early in the process, ILTA and the coalition hope to help shape guidance that strengthens cybersecurity without creating unnecessary operational complexity for terminal facilities.

ILTA is developing a distribution list for members who are particularly concerned about or may be impacted by this issue. If you would like to receive future correspondence on this matter and related meeting notices, please contact James Privette at jprivette@ilta.org or Matthew Ponticiello at mponticiello@ilta.org.

Cybersecurity Compliance Is Changing. Is Your Terminal Ready?

Join Lee Scott of Odfjell Terminals US on Tuesday, June 16, from 9:25 – 10:25 AM for The New MTSA Cybersecurity Rule: Key Requirements and Real-World Lessons at the ILTA 2026 Conference & Trade Show.

This session will explore the new MTSA Cybersecurity Rule, including key requirements, compliance timelines, and practical lessons learned from early implementation efforts. Attendees will gain insight into what the new requirements mean for terminal operations and the steps organizations can begin taking now to prepare for compliance in an increasingly complex threat environment.

Attendees can earn 0.1 CEU as part of their professional development experience at ILTA 2026.