Legalities is a feature column offering updates on the latest laws, court decisions, and regulations affecting petroleum marketers in the West. With dozens of government agencies holding jurisdiction, it is virtually impossible to keep on top of everything that is going on that affects the industry without the kind of help Legalities provides. Legalitiestakes the often-incomprehensible regulations and "legal-ese" and turns it into English that can be used as a springboard to action by the small or medium-sized business owner.

Legalities is written by Evelyn Gibson, Esq., principal in Parker Gibson Legal Advocates in Sacramento, California and an expert in the area of petroleum legal and regulatory issues. Gibson has many years of experience in the legislative process, working as a legislative analyst for both the Hawaii Legislature and the Kentucky Legislature. Gibson also spent many years as the government relations director for the California Independent Oil Marketers Association.

Gibson's column for the O&A Marketing News offers a sample of her insight into industry issues. More complete analysis is available by subscription from Parker Gibson Legal Advocates. For more information, contact: egibson@legaladvocates.net.