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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.

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)

Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association is accepting registrations for the 2024 Training Classes.

Click HERE to download the schedule and printable registration form. Click HERE for class descriptions and information.

Online registration is encouraged and can be done through PApropane.com under the Training Tab on the home page.

Reminder: We will no longer be printing and distributing hard copies of CETP materials other than codebooks. Students will be provided an iPad during class to access materials & test through their own account on the Learning Center. Students are welcome to bring their own laptop or tablet.

Important – All students MUST be registered with access to the Learning Center prior to class and know their login credentials to sign in at class. Each student is required to register individually and create their own account. New registrations require a three-day wait before access is granted. Please sign up at least 7 working days prior to class and confirm you can successfully sign into the Learning Center before the start of class. Need assistance? Please call 1-800-757-1554 (Monday-Friday 8am to 5pm) or click HERE for online assistance.  

Remember to register within 14 days of each class to avoid paying the late registration fee.

There is no invoicing – payment is expected when registering, however if a student signs up without payment, it is assumed they will attend. An invoice will be sent, and payment is expected even if the student is a no show .

Registration fees are nonrefundable. No refund after registration is received | substitutions are allowed.

Classes fill quickly so register early!

For questions regarding registration or invoices, contact Tiffany Carpenter at tcarpenter@wannerassoc.com or 717.441.6040. All other questions, please contact me.

As your elected State Director, I wanted to provide you with an update on the activities at the most recent NPGA Board of Directors meeting held February 6 – 8 in Monterey, California.

The week’s business included Committee and Section meetings, a fireside chat about gas bans legislation, a presentation on artificial intelligence, a forklift panel discussion, and much more. The PropanePAC hosted an event and NPGA recognized Jeff Stewart’s service as Chair at the Board of Directors reception on Wednesday evening. 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’s Board of Directors met in Monterey, California February 6 – 8, 2024. The week’s business included Committee and Section meetings; a fireside chat about gas bans legislation with attorney Sarah Jorgensen; a Propane, Politics, & Coffee presentation on artificial intelligence by tech expert Dylan Hoffman; a forklift panel discussion; and much more. The PropanePAC hosted an event and NPGA recognized Jeff Stewart’s service as Chair at the Board of Directors reception on Wednesday evening. Here are some of the key policy discussions and updates from NPGA:

Young Professionals Council
The NPGA Board of Directors formally approved a new business council within NPGA: the Young Professionals Council (YPC).  The primary goals of the YPC are to support the professional development of emerging leaders in the propane industry through education sessions and webinars, to facilitate direct access of young professionals to NPGA leadership, and to create a pipeline of voluntary association leaders.  The YPC is aligned with Women in Propane (WIP) and Young Gassers.  The 30-under-30 program will be housed within the YPC.  The YPC is a formal business council, has a dues structure similar to WIP, a 5-person steering committee with a dedicated NPGA staff liaison, and has membership limited to those 40 and under working for an NPGA member company.  The YPC will launch at the 2024 Southeastern Expo in Charlotte.

Gas Bans Litigation Fireside Chat
NPGA President Steve Kaminski hosted a fireside chat with Sarah Jorgensen, lead legal counsel representing energy choice proponents in the Berkeley gas bans litigation and NPGA, NYPGA, and others challenging the New York state energy law in federal court.  The two discussed the impact the 9th Circuit decision has on the state and municipal gas bans landscape and the current state of the lawsuit in New York.

Legal Action Committee
NPGA’s legal action committee held its first in-person meeting.  The committee discussed updates to seven ongoing lawsuits that NPGA is directly involved in or indirectly playing a role.  The committee approved a motion to finance a second round of funding for the ongoing lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Energy in the District of Columbia Federal Circuit Court regarding the Commercial Water Heater Rule, the Furnace Rule, and the Interpretive Rule. The committee also discussed Washington state’s litigation funding request and reported out to the full Board.

Marketers Section
District 3 Director Stephanie Hennen provided highlights from the district breakouts.  Director Hennen noted that propane provides a clean, cost-effective fuel that can be used to help states achieve their environmental goals and decarbonization targets. Stuart Weidie, Immediate Past Chair of PERC, gave an update on PERC activities. Mr. Weidie noted that CETP is now accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). This accreditation is important as PERC continues to discuss the CETP program with community colleges and vocational schools. The Council is also sponsoring research to better understand the butane content of renewable propane.

Forklifts Panel
The Marketers Section hosted a forklift panel discussion featuring industry experts Brian Feehan of the Industrial Truck Association, Jim Rushing of Energy Distribution Partners, and Colin Sueyres of the Western Propane Gas Association. Mr. Feehan highlighted trends in the electric and internal combustion (IC) lift truck marketplace, including the impact that state regulations have on consumer demand. Colin Sueyres provided an overview of California’s forklift rulemaking and the negative impact it would have on the marketers who serve forklift accounts, as well as the businesses that rely on propane-powered forklifts for their operational needs. The panel urged industry members to engage with state associations and legislators to safeguard against similar restrictive forklift regulations that could be pursued in their state. Marketers are encouraged to share propane’s positive attributes and use various communication channels to counter harmful proposals. The overall message stressed the importance of industry vigilance and proactive communication with customers, legislators, and regulators to preserve propane as a crucial energy resource across the states.

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 provided updates on the challenges newly-elected Speaker Mike Johnson faces in passing full-year funding bills and other key pieces of legislation.
• The federal regulatory team discussed recent rulemakings from the Department of Energy (Furnace, Water Heater, Boiler), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Federal Trade Commission, and guidance from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.
• The state breakout discussed the enactment of energy choice laws in four new states and the extension of legal protections to cover propane appliances, such as fireplaces and cooktops.

PropanePAC 
The PropanePAC Steering Committee met to discuss current fundraising efforts, disbursements, and possible events for the upcoming Propane Days in Washington, D.C., and Board of Directors meeting in San Antonio, TX, later this year. The Committee proposed new ideas for branding and overall PropanePAC marketing to current and potential contributors and expressed interest in gift ideas for PAC contributors. An additional focus of the committee was to develop a more robust peer-to-peer engagement strategy and to expand prior authorization efforts. The committee stressed the PAC’s importance to supporting the industry at both the State and Federal levels.

Propane, Politics, and Coffee
The PAC hosted a lively Propane, Politics, & Coffee event with Dylan Hoffman, Executive Director of TechNet.  Hoffman presented an engaging overview about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impacts on the propane industry. Hoffman reviewed the basic principles of using AI as a tool and covered common concerns around potential job loss and multiple regulatory updates. While efficiency and data mapping are some of the benefits AI promises to bring the industry, Hoffman expressed that navigating ongoing regulations is top of mind for the immediate future of this developing technology.

Propane Supply and Logistics Committee
The Propane Supply and Logistics (PSL) Committee discussed a range of pertinent issues. NPGA’s Ben Nussdorf provided crucial updates on the FMCSA’s proposed rulemaking and the logistical challenges faced in Alaska, especially regarding propane transportation. Eric Sears offered insights into the PLAN app rebranding, emphasizing utility during peak times and emergencies. Updates from RBN were also significant, with Twana Aiken and Todd Root discussing the infrastructure map update and current market trends, respectively. The session concluded with an open forum for regional discussions and a call for questions for the upcoming committee meeting with the American Trucking Association.

Renewable Fuels Committee
The NPGA Renewable Fuels Committee (RFC) reviewed the progress made since the October 2023 meeting. The Federal Legislative, Federal Regulatory, State Advocacy, and Codes and Standards subcommittees provided detailed reports on their respective advocacy activities with a spotlight on significant achievements and current priorities in the realm of advocacy for renewable fuels. Jeff Stewart, the RFC Chair, motivated attendees with a forward-looking perspective and an emphasis on the importance of continued effort to advance the development and adoption of renewable propane and its associated blends.