MEMBER ONLY NEWS

February 18, 2025

In Brief

Welcome to this week’s Members-Only Tuesday Telegraph from the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA).

In our first story of the morning, we cover recent updates to the Railroad Commission's LPG Form 22, which now includes additional details to improve reporting to the Texas Railroad Commission.

Calendars

February 20-21, 2025

2025 National Propane Education & Training Conference

February 26, 2025

LPG Charity Fund Texas Hold'Em Poker Tournament

March 4, 2025

Texas Natural Gas Vehicle Grant Program (TNGVGP) Deadline

March 4-5, 2025

TPGA March Board & Committee Meetings

more dates>

In our second story of the morning, we highlight key takeaways from the NPGA Winter Board of Directors Meeting, including updates on the presidential administration, regulatory changes, and other federal news.

In our third story of the morning, we provide details on the upcoming TPGA Board & Committee Meetings in San Antonio on March 4-5, 2025.

Lastly, we highlight a propane employee safety tip of the month, especially given the winter temperatures, winter wear, and other contributors to static electricity.

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.

LPG 22 Form Changes

LPG Form 22 is used to report unsafe or non-compliant LP-gas activities to the Texas Railroad Commission's Alternative Fuels Safety (AFS) division and has recently undergone revisions.

Previously, the form only allowed for the reporting individual's and the alleged violator's names and addresses. Recognizing the need for more precise information, the RRC has added a field for the installation address of the reported violation.

This change is significant because it allows AFS to more efficiently investigate complaints. The form is required when a licensee connects an LP gas container or cylinder to piping installed by an unlicensed individual. Before connecting, the licensee must:

Verify the piping's integrity and compliance with safety rules.
File the completed LPG Form 22, identifying the unlicensed installer.

However, the form is not required if no new piping is installed, the system is in good working order, and the installer cannot be determined.

The updated form also includes:

A link to the relevant LP Gas Safety Rules (§9.38 and §9.134) for easy reference.
A button to initiate an email with the completed form (usable only in Adobe Reader/Acrobat).

New Form 22

Winter 2025 NPGA State Directors Report

The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) held its Winter Board of Directors & Related Committee Meetings in February. The event covered critical industry issues, including regulatory updates, winter logistics, policy discussions on tariffs, and propane’s role in emergency response. Key discussions focused on recent Executive Orders, trade policies, and legislative efforts impacting the propane industry.

Key Highlights:

Policy & Advocacy: NPGA President & CEO Steve Kaminski provided an overview of recent Executive Orders that benefit the propane industry by reducing regulatory burdens and supporting energy choice. The Governmental Affairs Committee addressed ongoing tariff concerns and NPGA’s efforts to secure policy exemptions.
Marketers Section: A fireside chat with the Florida Mayor emphasized propane’s crucial role in disaster response. Discussions included best practices for propane companies working with local officials to improve emergency preparedness and resilience.
Supply & Logistics: The committee reviewed winter supply chain challenges, including propane availability, transportation bottlenecks, and NPGA’s successful efforts in securing hours-of-service waivers from FMCSA. Strategies for improving communication with federal agencies during supply disruptions were discussed.
Technology & Safety: The Technology Standards & Safety Committee advanced a proposal for establishing fuel quality standards for DME/propane blends to support the growth of renewable and low-carbon fuel options.
Retirements: NPGA recognized the contributions of long-time staff members Bruce Swiecicki and Brett Gold, who officially will retire at the end of February.

Read Full Report

NPGA representatives, including NPGA Chairman Tom Van Buren of Pico Propane & Fuels and NPGA Legislative Affairs Manager, Rhett Johnson, will provide a more detailed update at the TPGA March Board Meeting.

Upcoming Events

March TPGA Board & Committee Meeting

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
Agenda: Executive Director's Update, Technical & Standards Update, Texas Legislative Update, NPGA Update, Membership Update & More