About ESPA

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Who We Are - Our Goals - Our Executive Officers - Our Action Plan - Our Vital Role


Welcome to ESPA.NET, your one-stop source for the latest consumer information and industry news concerning Oilheat and motor fuels in the New York area. If you're an Oilheat customer (or thinking of becoming one), feel free to explore the many benefits of today's Oilheat ... find a premier Oilheat dealer near you ... discover the reasons why full service companies offer you great value for your energy dollar ... learn quick and easy conservation tips to help you save energy and money, and more!

And if you're a petroleum marketer or industry supplier who is not yet a member of ESPA, this is the place to learn about who we are, what we do and how it can all benefit you when you become a member. We hope you join us soon!

Who We Are

Started in 1941, the Empire State Petroleum Association (ESPA) is a trade association representing 300 petroleum marketers throughout the state of New York. ESPA's members are an important part of New York's economy and they support the state's network of businesses through the storage and distribution of gasoline, diesel, aviation, heating and industrial fuels, generating over $4.5 billion annually in New York State.

The petroleum industry is vital to New York's economy. There are more than 32,000 people employed throughout the industry in both wholesale and retail positions. In addition, there are many thousands more in related operations that support the industry. Petroleum marketers provide heating oil service to more than 2.6 million households - approximately 50% of the state's population - as well as supplying gas and diesel fuel for the 8.4 million registered automobiles and 1.3 million trucks and buses in New York.

Through the years, we've evolved to continually meet the needs of those we represent and serve. And that evolution is still taking place. With the advent of utility deregulation, our members are faced with many challenges and new choices and opportunities. We pledge to hold true to our steadfast commitment to providing key, timely information about developments affecting their marketplace, and to work effectively with government to give our members a unified voice in shaping policies that affect their businesses and industry at large.

Our Goals

1. To promote the interest of the jobber, distributor, reseller, retailer, consignee and commission agent in motor fuels (other than service dealers), heating oils, petroleum products, solid fuels and other related products and services in the State of New York;

(a) to foster trade and commerce;
(b) to discuss common problems;
(c) to promote a more encouraging and friendly intercourse;
(d) to secure and disseminate to its members any and all legal and proper information which may be of interest or value to any member thereof; Sub-sections (a), (b), (c) and (d) above are in the interest of those engaged in the activities as enumerated.

2. Generally, to do all things intended to elevate the standards, dignity and repute of the industry so as to better serve the public.

Our Executive Officers

Richard Spiegel - M. Spiegel & Sons Oil Corp. - Chairman
Carla Romita - Castle Oil Corp. - President
Thomas J. Peters - CEO

ESPA Executive Vice President/CEO Thomas J. Peters has been with the association since 1988. Prior to joining ESPA, Mr. Peters held positions with both independent and major integrated oil companies. His career in the petroleum industry spans more than 25 years and includes extensive experience in heating oil and transportation fuels.

In addition to being the administrator of the association, Mr. Peters serves as chief spokesman for ESPA and represents the interests of petroleum marketers before the Governor's Office, State Legislature and agencies. He also serves as an industry advisor to several State agencies and authorities.

Our Action Plan

Key ESPA Initiatives Include:

• To reduce and phase out the Petroleum Business Tax.
  
• To secure funds for the establishment of an oil heat rebate program benefiting consumers who install high-efficiency oil heat systems.
  
• To provide direct financial incentives for homeowners who voluntarily install new storage tanks.
  
• To curb motor fuel tax evasion.
  
• To ensure that interruptible-gas users maintain minimum pre-season inventories to minimize peak demand period price pressures on oil.
  
• To protect tax-paying businesses by prohibiting tax-free sales by Native Americans.
  
• To ensure that petroleum marketers are afforded a fair and equal opportunity to participate in deregulated energy markets.
  
• To improve the State Navigation Law to allow the application of common sense where parties bear no responsibility for a discharge.
  
• To support the Public Service Commission order requiring storage of an alternate fuel, usually oil, at new electric generating facilities.
  
• To ensure that petroleum marketers are represented fairly in the State Energy Planning process.