Last week, the Northeastern Weights and Measures Association (NEWMA) voted to oppose both mandatory and permissive automatic temperature compensation (ATC) for retail fuel dispensers. Additionally, NEWMA circulated a proposal to ban ATC, and is planning on submitting its proposal to the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM).

NATSO told NEWMA during its open hearings discussion of ATC that the American Trucking Associations (ATA), which collectively represents the largest consumer group of diesel, has asked that NCWM consider banning ATC. NATSO cited a May 4, 2009 letter from ATA to the NCWM, which expressed opposition to both permissive and mandatory ATC, noting that the costs of the technology are high, and that a year-long study by the California Energy Commission found no consumer benefits.

The NCWM has scheduled a vote on proposals to either mandate or allow ATC at its annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas, scheduled for July 12-16. For more information on the upcoming meeting, go to http://www.ncwm.net/.