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In our first story of the morning, the Texas Propane Gas Association highlights the plethora of generator-related mandate bills filed this session—a record number.
Secondly, TPGA highlights that this is the last week to apply for the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) Scholarship Application Round for the 2025-2026 school year.
Additionally, read about Trump's new 10 to 1 Deregulation Order in our third story of the morning.
While we are on the subject of the White House, see where newly confirmed U.S. Department of Energy Secretary stands on propane.
Lastly, do not forget to make your reservations by this Friday for the March 2025 board meeting in San Antonio Hill Country. We have a packed schedule with National Propane Gas Association Special Guests.
Be sure to check out the Featured Grants section for funding opportunities to help fleets, including the propane industry's transition to propane.
Finally, don’t miss our Quick Links section, where you’ll find weekly propane price updates, access to the Propane Service Corporation store, the GeneratioNext job board, and details on the upcoming LPG Charity Fund Poker Tournament.
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Under the Dome: Generator Bills Filed During the Texas Legislative Session | |
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The Texas Legislature has been busy filing a flurry of generator mandates for senior living and nursing homes as well as other generator-related bills. Here is a list of bills filed this 89th legislative session.
Backup Power Requirements for Senior Facilities
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SB 732 (Sen. Borris Miles, D-Houston) – Requires certain low-income housing for seniors living independently to have backup power.
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HB 863 (Rep. Suleman Lalani, D-Sugar Land) – Requires that senior independent living communities have a backup generator with at least 72 hours of power.
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HB 1199 (Rep. Christian Manuel, D-Beaumont) – Requires emergency generators in senior facilities with a minimum 72-hour capacity.
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HB 1467 (Rep. Suleman Lalani, D-Sugar Land) – Requires nursing homes, assisted living, and independent senior housing to have generators.
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SB 481 (Sen. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston) – Mandates that emergency plans at nursing homes and assisted living facilities include generators.
Backup Power for Elevators in Senior Facilities
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HB 2218 (Rep. Ana Hernandez, D-Houston) – Requires backup power for elevators in senior facilities for at least 48 hours after a power outage.
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HB 2224 (Rep. Ana Hernandez, D-Houston) – Requires backup power for elevators in senior facilities for at least 48 hours after a power outage.
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SB 1139 (Sen. Borris Miles, D-Houston) – Requires backup power for elevators in senior facilities for at least 48 hours after a power outage.
Generator Safety Regulations
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SB 484 (Sen. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston) – Requires safety warning labels on portable generators. If there is no CO kill switch, the manufacturer must include a label.
Streamlining Home Backup Power Installations
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HB 2304 (Rep. Jay Dean, R-Longview) – Streamlines the process for obtaining approvals and conducting inspections for home backup power installations, reducing regulatory delays.
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NPGA Scholarship Deadline This Week | |
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The National Propane Gas Foundation (NPGF) Scholarship Fund application deadline is this Saturday, February 15, 2025!
Who Can Apply?
Children of employees at NPGA member companies, state propane associations, or PERC are eligible.
Where Can Funds Be Used?
Scholarships can be applied toward:
✔️ Two- or four-year colleges
✔️ Technical, trade, or vocational schools
Students pursuing propane-related careers are especially encouraged to apply!
Scholarship Amounts
Over 100 scholarships of $1,000 or $2,000 are awarded annually.
Since 1994, NPGF has provided $2 million+ in scholarships to 1,700+ students.
📅 Deadline: This Saturday, February 15, 2025
🔗 Apply Now: www.npga.org/news-resources/scholarships
Find FAQs, past recipients, and a list of donors who make this program possible.
📩 Questions? Contact scholarship@npga.org
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Trump Administration Issues
10-for-1 Deregulation Order | |
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On January 31, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order requires that whenever an agency promulgates a new rule, regulation, or guidance, it must identify at least 10 existing rules, regulations, or guidance documents to be repealed.
The order applies to all federal agencies, including the U.S. Departments of Transportation, Labor, and Energy.
It also mandates that for fiscal year 2025, the total cost of new regulations, factoring in repealed ones, must be significantly less than zero. The Office of Management and Budget will oversee enforcement.
The Order states, "Overregulation stops American entrepreneurship, crushes small business, reduces consumer choice, discourages innovation, and infringes on the liberties of American citizens. It also contributes to the high cost of living, including by driving up energy prices."
By cutting red tape, it hopes to stimulate economic growth and enhance competitiveness.
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Department of Energy Secretary Praises Propane at Confirmation Hearing | |
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Chris Wright, the newly confirmed U.S. Secretary of Energy and former CEO of Liberty Energy, has consistently emphasized the critical role of propane in enhancing global energy access and improving quality of life. In his 2024 "Bettering Human Lives" report, Wright highlighted that U.S. propane production has quadrupled, establishing the nation as the leading exporter of this clean energy source solving energy poverty.
During his Senate confirmation hearing on January 15, 2025, Wright reiterated his support for propane, noting, “The thing is most proud of out of the shale revolution is propane.”
Wright's commitment to expanding propane access aligns with his broader energy philosophy, which prioritizes affordable and reliable energy sources to alleviate poverty and promote economic development.
As Secretary of Energy, he is expected to continue advocating for policies that enhance propane production and distribution, both domestically and internationally."
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March TPGA Board & Committee Meeting | |
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Join us in San Antonio, TX, for the TPGA Board & Committee Meetings on Tuesday, March 4, & Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort (9800 Hyatt Resort Dr., San Antonio, TX 78251).
Schedule
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
📌 Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort
- 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Finance Committee Meeting
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Legislative Affairs & T&S Committee Meeting
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch & Learn: Cybersecurity
- 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Convention Planning Committee
- 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Executive Committee
- 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Membership Committee
- 5:00 PM | Happy Hour
- 6:00 PM | Dinner
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
📌 Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort
- 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | TPGA Board Meeting
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Agenda: Texas Legislative Update, NPGA Update & More
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Special Guests: NPGA Chairman Tom Van Buren, Pico Propane
& NPGA Legislative Affairs, Rhett Johnson
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Hotel Information
⚠️ The host hotel is SOLD OUT.
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📌 Overflow Hotel:
Hilton San Antonio Hill Country
9800 Westover Hills Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78251
(Less than a mile walk from the Hyatt)
Room Rate: 1 King or 2 Queens w/ Balcony – $148
Hotel reservation deadline:
Friday, February 14, 2025
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Propane powered bobtails qualify. | |
For large fleets of 75 or more. | |
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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