NEFI remains committed to the competitiveness of the heating fuel industry and the health and safety of its constituent businesses and their employees and customers. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have remained in frequent contact with federal officials, state association partners, and health officials to ensure our members and supporters have what they need to weather this storm.
On this webpage, you will find recommended business practices, helpful resources, important contact points, and the latest NEFI communications on the coronavirus pandemic. It is our hope this information will aid your business as it continues to provide essential heating, energy, and fuel services. This page will continue to be updated as additional information and resources become available.
Small Business Administration COVID-19 Guidance & Loan Resources
U.S. Treasury Assistance for Small Businesses
NFIB Small Business Resources in Response to Coronavirus
Face Mask Suppliers
FMCSA Face Mask Distributions
How to Properly Put On and Remove Face Masks
Face Mask With Filter Pocket And Adjustable Wire Sewing Tutorial
How to Sew a Face Mask
Printable Face Mask Sewing Pattern
Connecticut
Connecticut Energy Marketers Association
Contact 860-615-4130
Industry Resources: https://www.ctema.com/coronavirus
State Portal: https://portal.ct.gov/coronavirus
Vaccine Information: https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/COVID-19-Vaccination---Phases
Delaware
Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Distributors Association
Contact (410) 349-0808
State Portal: https://coronavirus.delaware.gov
Vaccine Information: https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/vaccine
District of Columbia
Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Distributors Association
Contact (410) 349-0808
District Portal: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-resources
Vaccine Information: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/vaccine
Maine
Maine Energy Marketers Association
Contact 207-729-5298
Industry Resources: https://maineenergymarketers.com/coronavirus-resources
State Portal: https://www.maine.gov/covid19
Vaccine Information: https://www.maine.gov/covid19/vaccines
Maryland
Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Distributors Association
Contact (410) 349-0808
State Portal: https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/business-resources
Vaccine Information: https://covidlink.maryland.gov/content/vaccine
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association
Contact 855-876-2682
State Portal: https://www.mass.gov/coronavirus
Vaccine Information: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-covid-19-vaccine-information
New Hampshire
Energy Marketers Association of New Hampshire
Contact 603-415-8330
State Portal: https://www.nh.gov/covid19
Vaccine Information: https://www.nh.gov/covid19/resources-guidance/vaccination-planning.htm
New Jersey
Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey
Contact 973-467-1400
Industry Resources: https://www.fmanj.org/covid-19
State Portal: https://covid19.nj.gov
Vaccine Information: https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/vaccine
New York
Empire State Energy Association
Contact 518-280-6645
New York State Energy Coalition
Contact: 212-695-1380
Industry Resources: https://eseany.org/esea-members/covid
State Portal: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov
Vaccine Information: https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Petroleum Association
Contact 717-939-1781
Industry Resources: https://www.papetroleum.org/coronavirus
State Portal: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19
Vaccine Information: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Vaccine.aspx
Rhode Island
Energy Marketers Association of Rhode Island
Contact 401-619-4553
Industry Resources: https://warmth4ri.com/covid-19-impact-fuel-delivery
State Portal: http://bit.ly/RI_CovidPortal
Vaccine Information: https://covid.ri.gov/vaccination
Vermont
Vermont Fuel Dealers Association
Contact 802-223-7750
Industry Resources: https://www.vermontfuel.com/news/index.html
State Portal: https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19
Vaccine Information: https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/vermont-covid-19-vaccine-planning
SBA Launches Second Round of PPP Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for forgivable loans to new borrowers and “second draw” loans to certain existing PPP borrowers,… Read More»
Small Businesses Encouraged to Prepare for Second Round of PPP Loans
Businesses that plan to seek a new PPP loan are being encouraged to talk with lenders in advance of the program’s official re-launch. Businesses are eligible if they have fewer than 300 employees and… Read More»
SBA Extends COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program through 2021
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has extended the application deadline for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). To date, SBA has approved $197 billion in low-interest loans,… Read More»
TSA Discontinues Authority To Extend HME Validity For CDL Drivers
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has confirmed that after December 31, 2020, the agency did not extend its authorization for State Driver Licensing Agencies to extend the validity of… Read More»
Paid Sick & Family Leave Mandate Expires Today, Tax Credit Available Thru March 31
As NEFI has reported, last Sunday President Trump signed into law H.R.133. This $2.3 trillion bill funds the federal government through September 30, 2021, provides financial relief for small… Read More»
Trump Signs Coronavirus Bill Despite Concerns
Despite strong concerns, President Trump signed the $2.3 trillion year-end appropriations and coronavirus relief bill into law yesterday. In a signing statement, the president reiterated his call on… Read More»
Trump Opposes Year-End Spending & COVID Relief Bill
President Trump has announced his opposition to the year-end spending and coronavirus relief legislation approved by Congress on Monday. The announcement was made in a video posted to twitter last… Read More»
Congress Passes Coronavirus Relief and Year-End Spending Bill
This alert is made possible only through generous contributions to our Advocacy Fund. There is still time to donate and be listed as a supporter for 2020. Click here for the online contribution form… Read More»
CDC Vaccine Advisory Panel Votes On Essential Worker Prioritization
An advisory committee at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) voted 13-1 over the weekend to recommend that essential workers be prioritized during Phase 1 of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. The… Read More»
FMCSA Extends Waiver On CDL, CLP, Medical Certificate Validity To February 28
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extended its waiver on the validity of expired CDLs and Commercial Learner's Permits (CLPs) through February 28, 2021. The waiver applies to… Read More»
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Begins
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have formally authorized the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech for emergency use by adults. The first… Read More»
FMCSA Extends, Expands Covid-19 Emergency Declaration Thru Feb. 28
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extended its Emergency Declaration for motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance in support of relief efforts related to the… Read More»
NEFI Seeks Priority COVID-19 Vaccine Access for Delivery Drivers, Service Techs
As successfully tested COVID-19 vaccines near final approval for U.S. distribution, NEFI has brought together a national coalition of energy, HVAC, plumbing, and refrigeration associations in calling… Read More»
COVID Relief Delayed Until After Election
Struggling American businesses will have to wait until well after November 3 for another round of coronavirus relief. White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi indicated… Read More»
TSA Extends Exemption for Expired Hazardous Materials Endorsements
The Transportation Security Administration has extended the exemption from Renewal of the Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) Security Threat Assessment for CDL drivers, which was scheduled to… Read More»
SBA Simplifies Forgiveness for Smaller PPP Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has simplified the forgiveness process for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $50,000 or less. Outlined in an Interim Final Rule, the new process… Read More»
FMCSA Extends Waivers for Commercial Drivers Licenses, Medical Certificates
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has granted a further extension of its waiver of the validity of CDLs, Commercial Learner's Permits and Driver Medical Certificates that expired on or… Read More»
Senate Republicans Offer “Skinny” COVID Bill
Senate Republicans introduced a so-called "skinny" version of their coronavirus relief bill last week. The 169-page draft bill focuses on what the party sees as the most important elements of the… Read More»
FMCSA Considering Extending CDL, Medical Card Waivers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is considering extending the current waivers related to the validity of Commercial Driver Licenses, Commercial Learners Permits and Medical… Read More»
TSA Extends Exemption from Security Threat Assessment for HME Renewal
The Transportation Security Administration has extended for 90 days the exemption from renewal of the Hazardous Materials Endorsement Security Threat Assessment for certain individuals that the agency… Read More»
NEFI Raises Concerns with Bill to Mandate Fuel Delivery
NEFI is raising concerns over proposed legislation (S.4362) that would prevent home energy service providers from disconnecting or interrupting service during the COVID-19 public health emergency -… Read More»
First-Time Borrowers Must Apply for Forgivable PPP Loans by August 8
The deadline for potential borrowers to apply for forgivable loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is Saturday, August 8, 2020. NEFI members and supporters that have not yet pursued PPP… Read More»
NEFI Reviews HEALS Act Provisions
Congressional leaders have formally begun negotiations over the next coronavirus relief and recovery package. Talks between Congressional leaders and White House officials began immediately after… Read More»
FMCSA Extends, Limits Emergency Declaration
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extended its Emergency Declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but has limited the scope of transportation subject to its terms.… Read More»
Trump Administration to Allow Partial PPP Loan Forgiveness
The Trump Administration is promising to overlook a "technical error" in the recently enacted Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Flexibility Act that would have restricted many borrowers from PPP loan… Read More»
Trump Signs PPP Reform Bill, 'Technical Error' Raises Questions
On Friday, President Trump signed into law the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Flexibility Act (H.R.7010). The bill makes important retroactive changes to PPP loans. Of interest to NEFI members, the… Read More»
FMCSA Issues 90-Day Waiver For Pre-Employment Drug Testing
In response to the COVID-19 emergency, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a waiver to allow employers to forgo administration of a pre-employment drug test if the… Read More»
Congress Approves PPP Loan Changes
The U.S. Senate approved a bill to reform the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) late yesterday by voice vote. The PPP Flexibility Act (H.R.7010) passed the House last week by a 417-1 vote. President… Read More»
Latest COVID-19 Legislation: What You Need to Know
The controversial HEROES Act (H.R.6800) passed the House late Friday by a vote of 208-199. The 1,815-page bill is estimated to cost around $3 trillion, making it the most expensive piece of… Read More»
Congress Approves Emergency Small-Business Relief Package
Yesterday evening, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 388-5 to give final approval to an additional $370 billion for federal small business loan and grant programs. The Senate cleared the bill… Read More»
Trump Releases Guidelines for Re-opening the Economy
Yesterday, the President released guidance for opening up state and regional economies while minimizing the threat of another outbreak. The plan advises that states only move to reopen their economies… Read More»
FMCSA Extends Emergency Declaration Thru May 15
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended and further expanded Emergency Declaration 2020-002, initially declared on March 13 and first expanded on March 18. The emergency… Read More»
PHMSA Clarifies Shipping Paper Requirements
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued a notice clarifying that parties may comply with the shipping papers requirements of the Hazardous Materials Regulations… Read More»
FMCSA Issues Guidance On Cross-Border Transport
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued guidance stating that the agency's March 24, 2020 waiver on the validity of CDLs that expired on or after March 1, 2020 also applies to… Read More»
FMCSA Expands FAQ On State Driver Licensing Agency Actions For CDL, CLP Testing
The FMCSA has published expanded FAQs page regarding actions State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLA) or commercial driver's license holders may take during the public health emergency related to… Read More»
CDC Issues COVID-19 Guidelines for Essential Workers
While the following guidance from the CDC is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended that fuel dealers implement them for the safety of their employees and customers. NEFI strongly recommends you… Read More»
FMCSA Acting Administrator Addresses COVID-19 Issues
On an April 3 conference call with industry representatives, FMCSA Acting Administrator Jim Mullen listed a number of regulatory relief steps his agency is taking in response to the COVID-19 crisis.… Read More»
TSA Issues Temporary Exemption For Expired Hazmat Endorsements
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a temporary exemption that allows States to grant an extension of up to 180 days for a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) that expired or… Read More»
Further Guidance on COVID-19 Sick & Family Leave Requirements
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has provided additional guidance for paid sick and family medical leave provisions required by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). New federal leave… Read More»
Congress Approves Massive Economic Relief Package
Below is a brief summary of federal legislation, not intended as legal advice. Effective dates and implementation timelines for the different provisions of this bill will vary. NEFI will provide… Read More»
You Must Post or Distribute this Paid Leave Notice If You Employ Fewer than 500 People
Where do I post this notice? Since most of my workforce is teleworking, where do I electronically "post" this notice? Read More»
FMCSA Waives Expired CDLs, DOT Issues Guidance on Drug & Alcohol Testing
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a waiver of Commercial Driver's Licenses, Learner's Permits and commercial motor vehicle medical certifications that expired on or… Read More»
Important Updates from the U.S. Department of Transportation
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released some important updates, below. This includes announcements by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Pipeline & Hazardous… Read More»
Clarification Regarding Essential Businesses
NEFI continues to receive inquiries from members regarding the definition of "essential business" under federal guidance and state orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More»
IRS Moves Tax Filing & Payment Deadlines to July 15
At the direction of President Trump, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is moving its deadline for tax filings from April 15 to July 15, 2020. The IRS said the move is necessary due to the ongoing… Read More»
Letter to Congress members from New England and New York
Today, NEFI sent the following letter to Congress members from New England and New York. Read More»
FMCSA Expands Emergency Declaration For Coronavirus Relief Efforts To Include Fuel Deliveries
On March 18, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued an expanded national emergency declaration to provide hours-of-service and other regulatory relief to commercial vehicle drivers… Read More»
Coronavirus Sick & Family Leave Clears Congress
President Trump is Expected to Sign the Bill. This afternoon the Senate gave final approval to emergency legislation that would, among other things, guarantee sick and family leave for certain workers… Read More»
FMCSA Issues HOS Emergency Declaration For Coronavirus Relief Efforts
On February 13, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a national emergency declaration to provide hours-of-service regulatory relief to commercial vehicle drivers transporting… Read More»
SBA Offering Small Business Disaster Loans
The Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a… Read More»
NEFI Statement On The Coronavirus
Coronavirus cases are appearing throughout the United States and could soon become numerous. I am writing to update you on how NEFI is responding and where you can find information and resources for… Read More»