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In response, TPGA obtained a key waiver from the Texas Department of Public Safety—see the link to the hours waiver in our lead story.
We also bring you an important update on ongoing propane-related discussions with Texas Weights & Measures, ensuring you stay informed on regulatory matters that impact your operations.
Additionally, steel and aluminum tariffs have been reinstated—what does this mean for the propane industry? We break down the potential effects.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars! The TPGA Board & Committee Meetings are set for March 4-5, 2025, in San Antonio—get the latest event details inside.
Plus, don’t miss our Featured Grants section, where we highlight funding opportunities to support fleet transitions, including propane-powered options.
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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Active Waiver for Texas in Effect | |
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At TPGA's request, the Texas DPS has declared a local emergency due to extreme cold and supply point issues, granting temporary exemptions from Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (Parts 390-399). Effective February 20, 2025, at 12:01 a.m., the declaration waives hours-of-service restrictions (49 CFR Part 395.3) for motor carriers delivering propane and home heating oil in Texas.
It remains in effect for the duration of the emergency or five days, ending Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., whichever is shorter.
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Caption: Jeff Nelson, Nelson Propane; Texas Ag Commissioner, Sid Miller; TPGA Sr. Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Director, Jackie Mason; TPGA Executive Director, Bill Van Hoy; and TPGA Legal Counsel, Leonard Smith. | |
TPGA Meets with Texas Department of Agriculture on Cylinder Sales Issue | |
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Last week, the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) met with Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Commissioner Sid Miller and representatives from the Weights & Measures Division to address compliance concerns related to propane cylinder sales.
According to the most recent PERC Propane Sales Report, Texas consumers purchase approximately 37 million gallons of propane in cylinders each year. While most propane retailers charge a flat fee for refilling cylinders, TDA regulations require propane to be sold by the pound, cubic foot, or gallon under the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 130. Similar to how the Railroad Commission (RRC) adopts NFPA 54 and 58, TDA follows the NIST Handbooks for weights and measures standards.
Following a customer complaint, TDA began enforcing Section 2.21 of NIST Handbook 130, giving retailers 45 days to comply with the cylinder sales requirement.
TPGA engaged with TDA leadership and remains optimistic about resolving the issue. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with TDA agreeing to adopt an exemption to Section 2.21, allowing propane retailers to continue selling refilled cylinders as they have been.
TPGA’s legal counsel is currently drafting the exemption, and TPGA will collaborate with TDA throughout the rulemaking process. Once filed, rulemaking can take up to 6 months.
TPGA will keep members informed as developments unfold.
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Ends Gas Stove Pursuit | |
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According to the Washington Free Beacon Newspaper, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has officially ended the “war on gas stoves.”
CPSC Acting Chairman Peter Feldman stated that the federal government should not interfere with consumer choice and confirmed that "the agency has no plans to advance such a rule." His decision represents a major setback for activists pushing to phase out gas appliances in favor of electric alternatives.
The controversy began in 2023 when Biden-appointed Commissioner Richard Trumka Jr. suggested gas stoves were a "hidden hazard" and hinted at a possible ban. This sparked backlash from consumers, the propane and natural gas industries, and lawmakers. While the CPSC later clarified it wasn’t pursuing a ban, the agency has continued reviewing the issue.
The decision aligns with President Trump’s broader energy policy, which prioritizes consumer choice. On his first day in office, he signed an executive order reversing Biden-era regulations on home appliances. Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who previously introduced the Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act, welcomed the move, calling it a victory against government overreach.
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White House Restores Steel, Aluminum, & Derivative Products Tariffs | |
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According to a White House press release this month, President Donald J. Trump signed proclamations to close existing loopholes and exemptions, restore a true tariff on steel, and increase the tariff on aluminum.
These proclamations (10895 and 10896):
• Raised the Section 232 duty on aluminum and certain aluminum-derivative products to 25%.
•Eliminated negotiated country-specific exceptions, effective March 12, 2025. Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, the European Union, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom had received exemptions—those exemptions will now be removed.
• Eliminated the process through which businesses could seek exclusions from the tariffs for certain products and provided for the phase-out of previously granted exclusions.
• Expanded the scope of covered steel-derivative and aluminum-derivative products, including but not limited to “containers for compressed or liquefied gas, of iron or steel.”
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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: Executive Director's Update, Technical & Standards Update, Texas Legislative Update, NPGA Update, Membership Update & More
Special Guests include Karley Bisbano, Alternative Fuel Safety Director of the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC); April Richardson, Program Coordinator for the Oversight & Safety Division of the RRC, NPGA Chairman; Tom Van Buren; and NPGA Legislative Affairs, Rhett Johnson.
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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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