FMCSA Extends Regional Emergency Declaration

Effective February 14 – 28, 2025, FMCSA Extends Regional Emergency Declaration for: 

Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

On February 14th, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a Regional Emergency Declaration extending the previous (January 10th and January 27th) declaration and extension, respectively, for fifteen states. The waiver is in response to the severe winter storms, extreme low temperatures, and current emergency conditions. 

The waiver was obtained based on the information provided by the NPGA membership to FMCSA. 

The Emergency Declaration provides emergency relief from hours of service requirements for drivers providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts transporting heating fuel, including propane into the affected states. The declaration is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until the end of the emergency (as defined in 49 CFR § 390.5T) or until 11:59 P.M. (ET), February 28, 2025, whichever is sooner. 

Questions? Contact Benjamin Nussdorf, General Counsel, Vice President Regulatory & Industry Affairs or Kate Gaziano, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Associate General Counsel. 

NPGA State Director Update – Winter 2025

As your elected State Director, I wanted to provide you with an update on the activities at the Winter NPGA Board of Directors & Related Committee Meetings in Clearwater Beach, Florida February 3-5, 2025. Business at the well-attended meeting included Committee and Section meetings; policy discussions especially related to potential tariffs and the White House’s recent Executive Orders; winter weather logistics discussions; a panel on artificial intelligence (AI); and guest speakers presenting on a variety on timely topics. Attendees also enjoyed social events and much more. I encourage you to read my report.

Thank you for the opportunity to represent you.

Sincerely,
Kara Tucker
Koppy’s Propane

See below to read report or Click HERE to read on NPGA’s Member Dashboard.

NPGA Board Meeting
At the Board meeting, NPGA’s President and CEO Steve Kaminski outlined the potential impact of several of President Trump’s Executive Orders.  With limited exceptions, these Executive Orders are a net positive for the propane industry as they provide potential avenues to roll back a number of policies and regulations that disfavor energy choice.  A summary of the orders is available.

 NPGA President and CEO Steve Kaminski outlines new Executive Orders

Marketers Section
Marketers Section Chair Brian Brooks of Brooks Gas welcomed Mayor of Zephyrhills, Florida, and propane industry professional Melonie Monson, for a fireside chat. Mayor Monson highlighted the significant role propane plays in sustaining communities in the wake of natural disasters. The city of Zephyrhills sustained significant damage in the wake of Hurricane Milton, and Mayor Monson shared her unique role as both a public official and an industry professional during the recovery process. Mayor Monson shared how propane sustained critical infrastructure such as hospitals and recovery shelters, providing power and heat to displaced individuals. Mayor Monson also discussed how the propane industry can more effectively work with local officials during times of disaster and the need for propane companies to establish resilience and disaster recovery protocols.

Brian Rolph with the FirstNet Authority—an independent agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce—spoke about this nationwide, high-speed wireless broadband network and a set of specialized innovative tools, technologies, and features specifically built for public safety. First responders, utility companies, and other users critical to supporting emergency response using FirstNet have always-on priority and preemption on cellular network bands. The propane industry continues to be a vital resource during emergencies, and marketers qualify to participate in this program. Contact Brian Rolph via email at br029a@att.com for more information on how your company can benefit from this program 24/7, including during an emergency.

Tucker Perkins, president and CEO of PERC, spoke about propane’s vital role in the recovery efforts in North Carolina and its ability to support first responders during the wildfires in California. Mr. Perkins also discussed the shift in the energy landscape and how propane plays an essential role in reducing carbon via unique applications across markets, including power generation, agriculture, EV charging, and combined heat and power. 

Members met in regional breakout sessions, to discuss regulatory, legislative, and other challenges the propane industry faces. NPGA will email summaries from these meetings to the members of the Marketers Section.

Governmental Affairs Committee
The Governmental Affairs Committee received updates from NPGA staff and discussed pressing advocacy issues impacting the propane industry. Steve Kaminski provided the full Committee with a detailed report on the current status of the Trump Administration’s efforts to enact tariffs on Mexico, Canada, China, and potentially the European Union. Steve provided a detailed timeline of events over the last three months regarding the steps the administration has taken so far to implement these tariffs. Additionally, Steve recapped what NPGA has done to counteract these efforts, including:

  • the establishment of an initial strategy document with the full Executive Committee,
  • the hiring of experienced outside trade counsel,
  • surveys sent to NPGA members on liquid fuels and manufacturing parts that would be most impacted from the tariffs, and
  • collaboration with other trade associations and stakeholders in order to educate key members of the government on the total impact.

While the Administration placed a 30-day pause on the Mexico/Canada tariffs, NPGA is closely tracking sector-level tariffs, will continue to closely track country-level developments on tariff policy, and is poised to seek exclusions.

As is customary, the Committee broke into three task force sessions – federal legislative, federal regulatory, and state.

Federal Legislative Breakout: Members met with NPGA staff to discuss a number of legislative matters. Of primary importance was updating the Task Force on the budget reconciliation process within Congress. NPGA staff provided updates on the current status of FY25 appropriations and upcoming FY26 appropriations. Staff also spoke on the recent introduction in the House and Senate of Congressional Review Act legislation that would nullify last-minute Biden Administration rulemaking that would, if implemented, effectively ban gas-fired water heaters from the marketplace.

Federal Regulatory Breakout: Regulatory session attendees discussed recent developments on issues of concern to the propane industry. These include updates to the rules from the Department of Energy and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The Task Force also discussed recent Executive Orders and their impact on various rules. Finally, the Task Force discussed guidance and interpretive documents pending across agencies, as well as goals and objectives for the coming six months.

State Breakout: During the state breakout session, NPGA staff provided highlights from the 2024 state legislative session, which included the enactment of energy choice in Nebraska and Washington State, and the passage of gas appliance protection laws in multiple new states. The group discussed new resources made available to state executives as they push for legislation to increase commercial production and consumption of renewable propane. Members of the task force also talked about state and local efforts to incentivize fuel-switching, penalize the use of conventional thermal fuels, and move forward with various state decarbonization efforts, such as cap-and-invest.

Propane Supply & Logistics Committee

In addition to a briefing from Kristen Holmquist of RBN Energy, the Committee engaged in a robust discussion regarding winter weather, and engagement with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in pursuit of hours-of-service waivers. Having secured a 21 day, 48 state waiver on January 10th, and a 15-day extension for 39 states (later modified to 43 states), the Committee discussed lessons learned, communications plans, and what materials were of particular interest to the government. Follow up efforts included NPGA data collection on a possible waiver extension, and a standardized form for reporting data in order to assist both members and the association.

Technology Standards & Safety Committee (TS&S)
TS&S advanced a single proposal to the NPGA Board of Directors for continued investment and development in the renewable and low carbon fuels area.  The Committee’s proposal centered on creating specific fuel quality standards and testing requirements for blends of DME and Propane within the D7901 Fuel Standard.  The scope of D7901 the “Standard Specification for Dimethyl Ether for Fuel Purposes”, covers dimethyl ether (DME) for use as a fuel in engines specifically designed or modified for DME and for blending with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This specification is for use by manufacturers of dimethyl ether, by engine developers of purpose-built engines, in contracts for the purchase of DME for fuel purposes, and for the guidance of consumers of this type of fuel.

Based on the limitation in scope established by ASTM, DME / Propane blends would be improper within the D1835 Standard Specification for Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gases even if the majority component of the mixture is Propane.  It is for this reason that TS&S believes that a proposal should be made within the DME fuel standard for any and all blends containing DME and Propane regardless of the major component of the mixture.

Member Services Committee
The NPGA Member Services Committee hosted a panel on artificial intelligence (AI). The panel’s goal was to provide an overview of how AI is being used by propane marketers and within the state/regional associations to support their industry work. The panel was moderated by NPGA Manager, State Government Affairs Austin Wicker. The panelists were:

  • Christine Armentano, Paraco
  • Tom Clark, State Association Executive (CO, NM, Rocky Mountain)
  • Meg Sharp, Ferrellgas

The panel discussed a variety of topics including the definition of AI, operation efficiency and safety, enhancing the customer experience, workforce integration, strategic growth and sustainability, and the future trends. The panelists provided real life examples of AI use, and fielded questions from the audience on privacy and data protection.

Manufacturer’s Section
NPGA was alerted by an industry manufacturing partner of an alleged large scale attempted theft of hazardous materials containers.  The investigation identified multiple other manufacturers and distributers that also may have identified similar attempted nefarious acts.  In each case a successful credit application was submitted in support of the sale, but upon investigation the applying company reported not completing the application and the material delivery site was not a recognized address utilized by the supposed purchaser of the materials.  NPGA urges all industry professionals to remain vigilant in their organizational and sales security and due diligence.  NPGA stands ready to support you should your business be impacted, including contact escalation within appropriate State and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies.  

PropanePAC
PropanePAC was pleased to share that it surpasses its 2023-2024 election cycle fundraising goals, giving the PropanePAC its most successful cycle in NPGA history. The PropanePAC Steering Committee met to discuss 2025 fundraising goals, prior authorization efforts, and peer-to-peer engagement, with a focus on engaging new donors at the upcoming 2025 Southeastern & International Propane Expo. Pictured here, PropanePAC Steering Committee Chair, Andrew Vogl (Ray Murray Inc.) recognizes PropanePAC donors.

PropanePAC hosted its signature Propane, Politics & Coffee event. NPGA Senior Manager of Legislative Affairs, Rhett Johnson, hosted a fireside chat with Sam Wilson, District Director for Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13). Mr. Wilson discussed propane’s critical role in aiding disaster relief and shared best practices for visiting and securing meetings with government officials. From left to right: Olivia Carson (Congresswoman Luna’s office), Rhett Johnson (NPGA), Meg Sharp (Ferrellgas), and Sam Wilson (Congresswoman Luna’s office).

Women in Propane
The Women in Propane (WIP) Council introduced the 2025 Committee Chairs and welcomed new groups, such as the Webinar and Sponsorship Committees. Current WIP Chair Whitney O’Toole of AmeriGas (right) presented Past Chair Jennifer Jackson also of AmeriGas (left) with the 2024 Women in Propane Distinguished Service Award. WIP also held its ever-popular luncheon, where meeting attendees networked and discussed upcoming WIP initiatives.

WIP events planned for the NPGA Southeastern & International Propane Expo in Charlotte, NC include:

  • WIP Leadership Forum with leadership expert Angela Morrill
  • WIP Educational Session on best practices for marketing & social media
  • WIP Roundtable with Through the Leadership Lens PODCAST LIVE! immediately followed by the annual Networking Reception.

 

 

NPGA Staff Members Retiring

This was the last official Board of Directors meeting for retiring NPGA staff members Bruce Swiecicki, Vice President & Chief Technical Officer with 31 years of service, and Brett Gold, Executive Assistant to President & CEO Steve Kaminski with 7 years of service. Both officially retire at the end of February, although we expect to see both of them here and there.

Bruce and Brett teamed up for a cutthroat game of corn hole at Crabby’s Bar & Grill, winning by a narrow margin against Brian Dunlap, NPGA Vice President, Finance & Administration and CFO, and Maril Olson, Senior Manager, Communications & NPGF Scholarship Program.  Incoming Executive Assistant Nancy Padilla pinch hit (tossed) when needed. We wish Bruce and Brett a very happy and healthy retirement with lots of time spent with their grandchildren!

From left to right:  Bruce, Brian, Nancy, Brett, Maril

 

 

 

New Directors (as of February 5, 2025)
NPGA announced the following new Directors at last week’s Board meeting:

  • Alan Dorr of Dead River Company was appointed a Director-at-Large.
  • Luis Echauri of INGUSA is now the Mexico Director, replacing Ricardo Schondube who recently retired.
  • Trey Whitson of Parker Oil is now the Virginia State Director, replacing John Fields.

 

 

Hours of Service Waivers

Pennsylvania has issued an Hours of Service Waiver effective though January 25, 2025This is for intrastate travel only and does not apply to operators traveling outside Pennsylvania borders. Please make sure to keep a copy of the waiver in your vehicles.
 
 
 
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a Regional Declaration of Emergency covering interstate transportation of heating fuels in Pennsylvania, and other states through January 31, 2025.  This is a separate action from the intrastate waiver Pennsylvania has issued.

The federal waiver including complete details can be found HERE. 

 
The Emergency Declaration provides emergency relief from hours-of-service requirements for drivers providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts transporting heating fuel, including propane into the affected states. The declaration is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until the end of the emergency (as defined in 49 CFR § 390.5T) or until 11:59 P.M. (ET), January 31, 2025, whichever is sooner. The waiver covers the entire continental United States.  Please make sure to keep a copy of this new waiver in your vehicles.
 
PAPGA thanks everyone who has helped provide information through this process.
 

NPGA State Director Update – Fall 2024

As your elected State Director, I wanted to provide you with an update on the activities at the Fall NPGA Board of Directors & Related Committee Meetings in San Antonio, Texas, October 7-9 2024. Business included Committee and Section meetings; policy discussions; a data & analytics panel discussion; a cybersecurity presentation, a PropanePAC event; and much more. I encourage you to read my report.

Thank you for the opportunity to represent you.

Sincerely,
Kara Tucker
Koppy’s Propane

See below to read report or Click HERE to read on NPGA’s Member Dashboard.

Here are some of the key updates from the meetings:

Featured Guest Speaker
Special guest speaker Adrian Calcaneo, VP of Energy and Feedstocks/LPG, NGL, & Naphtha, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS, provided attendees an in-depth look from a liquid fuels data scientist’s perspective into how propane drives the energy transition forward worldwide.  He described how U.S. propane production is facilitating the move to decreased pollution to 2 billion people worldwide who still cook with wood, charcoal, and dung.  He also explained how the cost of LPG overseas is directly tied to regular transitions back-and-forth between usage of propane and wood among households in much of Africa, Asia, and Central America.

Marketers Section
Marketers Section Vice Chair, Ray Galan, Ferrellgas, opened the meeting and introduced the speaker, George Reeves, Supervisory Advisor for Region VI of the Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency (CISA). Mr. Reeves spoke about the evolution of cyber threats and how malign actors specifically target the oil and natural gas sector. Mr. Reeves discussed what small and medium businesses can do to better protect their data and safeguard their assets. CISA is an agency ready to help you and your business. Marketers can reach out to their local CISA office to take advantage of their free services to protect their employees, their data, and their networks.

Tucker Perkins, President and CEO of PERC, spoke about the opportunities and challenges the propane industry faces, reviewed the marketing PERC did during the Olympics broadcast, and provided a brief update on autogas engines. The Marketers Section held in-person regional district breakout meetings grouped together by geography and similarities in legislative and regulatory challenges. District 8 Director, Tom Manson, provided a highlight summary of the breakout sessions.

Governmental Affairs Committee
The Governmental Affairs Committee convened to receive updates from NPGA staff and discuss pressing advocacy issues impacting the propane industry. As is customary, the Committee broke into three task force sessions – federal legislative, federal regulatory, and state. 

In the legislative session, NPGA staff discussed the Presidential race and potential outcomes and implications for key Congressional races. They also discussed relevant tax policies, propane-related provisions included in the Farm Bill, the National Defense Authorization Act, rail safety legislation, and FY24 appropriations bills.

The regulatory session discussed various agency updates, including an update on the Department of Energy’s Consumer Water Heater Final Rule, Guidance from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Process Safety Management Enforcement, Guidance from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration on Remote Power Shut Off Regulations, the Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Proposed Rule from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and ongoing work on cylinder markings from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

The state session provided highlights from the 2024 state legislative session, which included the enactment of energy choice in Nebraska and the passage of gas appliance protection laws in multiple new states. The group discussed industry efforts to lower the age at which a CDL holder can obtain an HME, as well as legislative initiatives to eliminate state PERC programs. Members of the task force also talked about state and local efforts to incentivize fuel-switching and penalize the use of conventional thermal fuels. 

PropanePAC 
The PropanePAC Steering Committee met and discussed current fundraising efforts, PAC events, disbursements, peer-to-peer engagement, and continued efforts to increase corporate engagement and fundraising.  

PropanePAC was pleased to welcome as a featured speaker at its Propane, Politics, and Coffee event Congressman Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23), who represents much of the greater San Antonio area. 

Congressman Gonzales spoke about his life story, from overcoming hardship to serving 20 years in the United States Navy and eventually his election to Congress in 2020. Rep. Gonzales spoke about the importance of propane and conventional fuels as part of the makeup of America’s energy portfolio and provided his thoughts on what he is seeing and hearing from constituents leading up to Election Day in November. After his talk, NPGA members had a chance to meet the Congressman.

PropanePAC exceeded its contribution goals at its well-attended fundraiser held at the historic Buckhorn Saloon. Attendees enjoyed live music and appetizers while exploring the Texas Ranger Museum.

Member Services Committee
The Member Services Committee hosted a panel discussion on the critical importance of data and analytics. Moderated by Danny Silverman of Angus Energy, panel members shared examples of data and analytics that can lead to a more efficient and profitable business. Panelists were Kelly Engel – FuelMor Propane Software; Marty Kirshner – Gray, Gray & Gray, LLP; Tiffany Robertson – A.R.M. Solutions; and Michelle Wilson – P3 Propane Safety.

Attendees learned about the importance of reviewing their general office expenses; how to use KPIs to manage employee retention; filtering and analyzing data from their BOS; monitoring A/R in parallel with marketing and customer retention; and managing and accessing safety documentation and data. The interactive panel format was a first for the Committee and was developed based on feedback from members requesting a more collaborative approach to the meeting. Another thoughtful session is being planned for the February 2025 Winter Board of Directors meeting.

Scholarship Committee
The NPGF Scholarship Committee met to discuss the upcoming application cycle which opens on December 15 and fundraising efforts.  James Devens of Superior Plus announced plans for the next Golf Tournament on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at the Springfield Golf Club.

Young Professionals Council
The newly established Young Professionals Council (YPC) held its first and very well-attended in-person meeting in San Antonio. To date, the Council has 87 members, comprising 39 individual members, 48 individuals under corporate memberships, and seven corporate members. Since its inception, the YPC has:

  • Hosted three educational sessions, with plans for a bi-monthly calendar of educational offerings.
  • Conducted a Day of Service, with council members working alongside Operation BBQ Relief to serve and deliver meals to hundreds of first responders in Minnesota and Missouri. The YPC intends to conduct a day of service annually moving forward.
  • Hosted a lively “Nightcaps & Networking” social event in San Antonio. 

Women in Propane Council
The Women in Propane (WIP) Council attendees heard the treasurer’s report and various committee updates. The following events are upcoming at the NPGA Southeast Expo, April 4-6, 2025 in Charlotte, NC:

  • WIP Leadership Forum with Speaker Angela Morrill on Master Leadership and Life
  • WIP Educational Session with Speaker Kirsten McAlpin on Propane Success Stories in Marketing & Social Media: Best Practices You can Utilize for your Business
  • WIP Roundtable, bringing back the very popular Through the Leadership Lens PODCAST LIVE! with the annual WIP Networking Reception immediately following the Roundtable.

New Directors (as of October 9, 2024)
The following new Directors were announced at last week’s Board meeting:

  • Jared Wallace of TRIARC TANK, is a Manufacturer Section Director.
  • Freddie Ridler of Rural Computer Consultants, Inc. is a Services Section Director.

NPGA State Director Update – Summer 2024

As your elected State Director, I wanted to provide you with an update on the activities at the most recent NPGA Annual Meeting, Summer Board of Directors Meeting, and Propane Days in Washington, DC, June 2-5, 2024. Business included Committee and Section meetings; policy discussions; a presentation on the upcoming election year; a propane bus panel discussion; a PropanePAC event; and much more. Jeff Stewart passed the gavel to Tom Van Buren, the new Chair of the Board of Directors. I encourage you to read my report.

Thank you for the opportunity to represent you.

Sincerely,
Kara Tucker
Koppy’s Propane

See below to read report or Click HERE to read on NPGA’s Member Dashboard

Here are some of the key updates from the meetings: 

Marketers Section
Marketers Section Chair Daniel Dixon welcomed the incoming Chair, Brian Brooks, of Brooks Gas and Vice Chair Ray Galan of Ferrellgas to their new positions. Tucker Perkins, President and CEO of PERC, spoke about the opportunities and challenges the propane industry faces and emphasized the importance of safety and training. The Marketers Section held in-person regional district breakout meetings grouped together by geography as well as similarities in legislative and regulatory challenges. District 5 Director, Tom Jaenicke, provided a highlight summary of the breakout sessions.

Director of Regulatory Affairs and Associate General Counsel Kate Gaziano moderated a lively panel discussion on propane buses and Autogas. Kate highlighted several key federal grant opportunities, including the EPA Clean School Bus Program, the FTA program, and the DERA Program. She also shared propane’s success in the most recent round of the EPA’s Clean School Bus funding. The four panelists provided additional information:

  • Todd Mouw, EVP of Roush CleanTech, shared resources on supplying propane buses;
  • Scott Underwood of Altogas, Michigan Autogas Chairman and MPGA President, discussed Autogas and working with localities in Michigan;
  • John Philips, President of Phillips Energy, discussed Autogas infrastructure and customer relationships; and
  • Brad Blair of the Illinois PGA shared how Township, IL successfully converted a substantial portion of their municipal diesel fleet to propane.

Propane Days – Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill
Before heading to Capitol Hill NPGA staffers Michael Baker and Rhett Johnson reviewed NPGA’s top federal legislative policy initiatives and Tyler Levins, a Congressional staffer for Rep. Julia Letlow (R-LA), provided general guidance on holding successful meetings with Members of Congress. NPGA members and staff met with over 220 offices across the House and Senate.  The successful day concluded with a reception on Capitol Hill with Members of Congress and their staff in attendance.

PropanePAC
PropanePAC hosted a well-attended reception honoring its donors at President Lincoln’s Cottage where guests enjoyed a tour of the President’s historic summer home.

The PropanePAC also hosted an engaging Propane, Politics, & Coffee event with Scott Tranter, Director of Data Science at Decision Desk HQ. Tranter presented an engaging overview of the upcoming Presidential election and other key races using information from real-time race calls and polling data. Tranter offered potential scenarios of election results and then discussed the possible effects on the propane industry, citing which outcomes would be most favorable.  By studying the Presidential, House, and Senate races, Decision Desk HQ election forecasting allows marketers a look into how regulatory standards and the legislative landscape may change after this year’s election.

Outgoing PAC Steering Committee Chair Stephanie Hennen of Lakes Gas welcomed Andrew Vogl of Ray Murray Inc. as the new Steering Committee Chair for the upcoming year. 

Policy Discussions
NPGA General Counsel Benjamin Nussdorf conducted a fireside chat with former FMCSA Deputy Administrator and Chief Counsel Earl Adams. The conversation touched on a number of subjects, including regional Hours of Service Waivers and the ELDT Program. Mr. Adams provided insight on how FMCSA evaluates requests for Hours of Service Waivers, and the interplay between the Federal and State governments with respect to waivers. He encouraged feedback from members on the ELDT program and how it has worked in its first two years.

NPGA State Government Affairs Manager Austin Wicker facilitated a fireside chat with Josie Montoney-Crawford, Associate Director of Public Policy  at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), which represents the priorities and interests of state agriculture departments. The fireside chat highlighted the important role that propane plays in the agricultural sector and the deep ties that exist between both industries. Discussion topics included reauthorization of the federal Farm Bill, workforce challenges, decarbonization efforts, and state energy choice initiatives. Across the country, 12 percent of all propane is used for agricultural applications.

Technology, Standards & Safety Updates
The Board of Directors approved two TS&S proposals to modify NFPA 58. The first was under Docket Tbpt-1916 and would scale back the requirements for when a fire safety analysis needs to be performed for a propane installation. The proposal would limit the requirement to only liquid service installations of single containers greater than 4,000 gallons, which is the threshold used to identify bulk and industrial facilities. The proposal would also eliminate the current requirement that includes the aggregation of containers of greater than 4,000 gallons, whether in liquid or vapor service.

The second was under Docket Tef-1935 and it seeks to expand the options for Autogas fuel systems to comply with Chapter 12 of NFPA 58. The code currently requires fuel systems to meet European/UN standard ECE R67.01, which is not always applicable to the modern fuel systems used in heavy duty vehicles. This proposal would continue to allow the use of R67, but it will also expand options for compliance to include documentation submitted by the original equipment manufacturer indicating that the vehicle has been qualified to the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Awards and Citations
At the NPGA annual meeting and Board meeting, Immediate Past Chair Jeff Stewart awarded Chair’s citations to two individuals who exemplify excellence in the propane industry: Dan Binning, Former Executive Director of the Colorado and New Mexico Propane Gas Associations, and Bruce Swiecicki, NPGA Vice President & Chief Technical Officer.

The Scholarship Committee honored Rosie Buschur of McMahan’s Bottle Gas with the 2024 NPGF Outstanding Service Award. This award is presented to a committee member in recognition of extraordinary service and dedication to the Scholarship Foundation and the children of our industry.

NPGA awarded the State Director of the Year Award to Zoe Williams of Hawaii.

Charmin Heimel of the Colorado Propane Marketing Company in Monument, Colorado and Rob Upton of Blue Flame Gas Inc. in Pueblo West, Colorado both received the Safety Award. The Safety Award is conferred in recognition of distinguished service to the cause of safety in the propane industry.

New Directors (as of June 4, 2024)

Lisa GerwitzBarrett Propane Arizona Director
Alex GallardBlue Star Gas California Director
Jim Jung, Central Farm Service Minnesota Director
Jason NasbyPro-Coop Montana Director
Lucas Malicoate4J Energy, LLC Oklahoma Director
Mark GarrisonFred Garrison Oil Texas Director
Phillip ScheelTumbleweed Propane Wyoming Director
Marci BallardChristensen USA Washington Director
Tommy ManionSuperior Plus Canada Director
Gerry GoodyMontana Energy Alliance District 2 Director
Paula SummersCivista Leasing & Finance Services Section Director
Michelle Wilson, P3 Propane Services Section Director
Travis DunhamCHS Inc. Producer & Wholesaler Section Director
Joe Natale, ChemStar, Inc.                         Producer & Wholesaler Section Director
Claudia BonucchiMAKEEN Energy Manufacturer Section Director
Steve FarkasSharp Energy, Inc. Director-at-Large
Bruce LeonardTarga Resources Director-at-Large
Tyler Misel, Georgia Gas Distributors        Director-at-Large
Paige O’Dell, EDP                                       Director-at-Large
Steve WamboldLettermen’s Energy Director-at-Large