Bill to battle 'hot fuel' in the US tabled in the Senate
GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. -- A bill introduced in the U.S. that would require fuel retailers to install temperature control devices on pumps is being applauded by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. According to OOIDA's official publication, Land Line magazine, Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-MO, has introduced the Future Accountability in Retail Fuel Act which would establish a computerized solution to the so-called "hot fuel" issue in the U.S. "Hot fuel" refers to expanded diesel fuel or gasoline that is sold at retail pumps at temperatures higher than the government standard of 60 degrees, which is also the benchmark used by refiners. But in warmer climates in the southern states, the fuel heats up, lessening the measurable energy (Btu) and, hence, giving fewer miles to the gallon a vehicle will receive. There is no compensation for the temperature and energy lost at the retail level, and so far fuel retailers have refused to voluntarily install them, despite calls to do so from groups like OOIDA and ordinary truckers. The volume adjustment devices are standard in much of Canada, although here they were demanded by oil companies to offset energy lost to colder temperatures. If approved by the Senate, the FAIR Fuel Act would require automatic temperature compensating equipment on all retail fuel pumps within six years. Retailers found to be in violation more than once would be fined $5,000 for each pump out of compliance. OOIDA Executive Vice President Todd Spencer said the senator "deserves high marks for standing up for consumers and small businesses." OOIDA recently launched a new website, turndownhotfuel.com, dedicated to informing truckers and the public about hot fuel.