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Next, we follow the flow of funding in a legislative proposal that could modernize long-awaited critical systems for the Railroad Commission and the propane industry.
On the national stage, we update you on the latest tariff developments.
Closer to home, we’re pleased to introduce someone new to the TPGA team — someone you’ll be hearing from soon, especially as we gear up for the May board meeting and open Convention registration later this month.
Speaking of events, registration and the room block are open for the May board & committee meetings in Austin. Do not miss out on securing your room and seat at the meetings.
Also, check out our newly updated calendar section for upcoming dates — we’ve posted the full year’s calendar on our website at www.txpropane.com.
Finally, don’t miss our always-useful Quick Links section, featuring monthly propane price updates, access to the Propane Service Corporation store, the Texas propane industry job board, and details on the now-open TPGA Scholarship Program application round.
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| TPGA Refines Texas Chemical Storage Bill, Secures Propane Industry Exemption | | |
Following last summer’s Permian Basin Container (PBC) fire in Ector County, which smoldered for weeks and contaminated local groundwater, Texas State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) filed House Bill 3866 to prevent similar incidents in unincorporated areas of Texas.
Initial Concerns: Broad Language Raised Alarm
Initially drafted with broad language, HB 3866 raised concerns for the propane industry. The bill sought to restrict commercial facilities from storing outdoor containers of regulated chemicals within 2,000 feet of existing homes. Given that the definition of “regulated substances” includes petroleum products, there was potential for unintended consequences impacting propane and petroleum storage — especially with cities expanding into formerly rural areas.
Propane Exemption Secured
However, during the recent House Environmental Regulation Committee hearing, Chairman Landgraf presented a committee substitute that clarifies the bill’s intent. Crucially, the substitute version explicitly exempts propane tanks regulated by the Railroad Commission of Texas and permanent above-ground fuel storage tanks commonly found on farms and ranches. Landgraf emphasized that the bill is narrowly focused on portable chemical containers — specifically, facilities storing more than 50 portable tanks of at least 275 gallons that previously contained regulated chemicals, like certain oilfield chemicals.
Next Steps
Landgraf noted his close work with stakeholders, including TPGA and other affected industries, to avoid unintended impacts. He also committed to further refining the bill before advancing it, stating, “I will not ask my colleagues on this committee to vote for something until it’s in the appropriate form.”
The bill remains pending in committee as Landgraf collaborates with industry groups to finalize language.
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Texas House Bill Proposes
$6.2M for RRC Portals
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Texas House Bill 500, introduced by Rep. Greg Bonnen, includes a $6.2 million appropriation to modernize the Railroad Commission of Texas’ regulatory technology systems. The funds, allocated for a two-year period, are designated to upgrade the Alternative Fuels Safety (AFS) portal and develop a new online system for gas utilities’ audits and market oversight.
Focus on Alternative Fuels and Gas Utilities
The AFOS portal, which has been in development for the past couple of years, is designed to improve transparency and make it easier for licensees to track the status of licenses, certifications, bobtail & transport renewals, and more.
Legislative Progress
The measure has passed out of the House Appropriations Committee and is scheduled for a vote on the House floor this week. If approved, the funding would significantly advance the Commission’s digital infrastructure, particularly the aging AFS system relied upon by the propane industry and other alternative fuels sectors.
The Railroad Commission’s efforts to update its systems reflect ongoing priorities to streamline regulatory processes and ensure the safe delivery of energy resources across Texas. TPGA is closely watching the bill's progress as it moves through the legislative process.
| | Tariff Talk: New Reciprocal Tariffs | | |
Last week, President Trump announced new “reciprocal tariffs” during a Rose Garden address.
Canada & Mexico:
Tariffs remain unchanged: 10% on Canadian energy, 25% on other Canadian goods, and 25% on Mexican goods. However, USMCA exemptions still apply. Propane from Canada qualifies under USMCA, so no tariffs are expected on Canadian propane imports.
Other Countries:
Most countries will face a new baseline 10% tariff starting April 5, 2025, with higher, country-specific rates (e.g., 20% on EU goods, 10% on UK goods) taking effect April 9, 2025.
A full rate list is available here.
The U.S. may adjust rates based on retaliation or cooperation on trade and national security. These tariffs do not stack with Section 232 tariffs (steel/aluminum, autos) but do stack with base and Section 301 tariffs.
NPGA trade counsel has publish its own fact sheet linked below.
| | Welcome New TPGA Staff Member | |
Christie Shook
Meetings, Membership
& PSC Manager
We’re pleased to welcome Christie Shook to the Texas Propane Gas Association team! Christie officially starts today, April 7, 2025, and brings with her more than 27 years of invaluable experience in the events and hospitality industry. Since 1998, she has served in leadership roles as both an assistant general manager and general manager within the hotel and hospitality sector, where she honed her skills in event planning, operations, and customer service.
Christie will be your primary point of contact for all things related to TPGA meetings, including the upcoming Crossroads Expo & Conference (registration opens in just a few weeks!), membership services, and the Propane Service Corporation (PSC). Whether you need assistance with meetings or the convention, have questions about membership, or have items to order through PSC, Christie is here to help.
On a personal note, Christie’s family life keeps her just as busy and fulfilled. Her husband owns an AC and appliance repair business, and she’s a proud grandmother of four. Originally from Florence, TX, she loves the Aggies and is a die-hard KC Chiefs fan.
Please join us in welcoming Christie to the team! You can reach her
at P: (800)325-7427 ext 6 | E: cshook@txpropane.com
| | May 2025 TPGA Board & Committee Meetings Registration is Open | | |
You are invited to attend the upcoming meetings on May 20-21, 2025.
Meeting Location & Host Hotel:
Holiday Inn Austin-Town Lake
20 North IH-35
Austin, TX 78701
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Schedule
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
- 9:00am - 10:00am - Scholarship Board Meeting
- 10:00am - 12:00pm -Legislative Affairs | T & S Committee Meeting
- 12:00pm - 1:00pm -Networking Lunch
- 1:30pm-2:30pm - Finance Committee
- 2:30pm - 3:30pm - Executive Committee
- 3:30pm - 4:30pm - Supplier Board Elections
- 5:00pm - Happy Hour
- 6:00pm - Dinner
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
- 9:00am – 11:00am Board Meeting
Agenda: Financials, Legislative Affairs/Technical & Standards Update, RRC Update, Executive Director’s Report, Scholarship Update, Old and New Business
Thank you to our sponsors
Coffee Break Day 1 - McDowell Engineering
Coffee Break Day 2 - Targa Resources
Sponsorship Opportunities
(2) Lunch Sponsor - $650
(2) Dinner Sponsor - $800
Attendance
The TPGA Board & Committee Meetings are OPEN TO ALL TPGA MEMBERS.
An RSVP IS REQUIRED so we can accommodate adequate seating and space.
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Reservations
Holiday Inn Austin-Town Lake
Hotel Main: 512-472-8211
Room rate: $145.00 Group Code: TPG
Hotel group cut-off date: April 19, 2025
| | Questions? Contact our Meetings Manager, Christie Shook at 1-800-325-7427 ext 6 or at cshook@txpropane.com. | | April 2, 2025 Propane Prices | | TPGA members save up to 30% | | Post jobs or search candidates now | | Apply for a TPGA Scholarship | | TEXAS PROPANE GAS ASSOCIATION |
8408 North IH 35
Austin, TX 78753
Email: info@txpropane.com
Tel: 800-325-7427
Fax: 1-512-834-0758
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HOURS OF OPERATION:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday - Friday
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