MEMBERS ONLY NEWS February 9, 2026

In Brief

Welcome to this week’s Members-Only Monday Morning Messenger from the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA).

In the first story of the morning, we flag a federal update that quietly extends relief many operations are relying on—but only for a limited window.

In the second story, we share an important enforcement development that has already impacted propane companies in multiple states and includes a clear call to action for affected members.

In the third story, we recap key national conversations shaping propane’s regulatory, legislative, and market outlook, with implications that reach well beyond Washington.

Next, we preview TPGA’s upcoming March meetings, including a timely agenda item and a special guest perspective members won’t want to miss.

And finally, we close with a last-chance reminder for the NPGF scholarship administered by the National Propane Gas Association.

In Quick Links, you’ll find updated pricing, workforce tools, compliance resources, and a timely safety reminder to keep on your radar.

Hours Waiver Extended to February 20th

On February 3, 2026, FMCSA extended its 40‑state emergency Hours‑of‑Service waiver—including Texas—through February 20, 2026, due to ongoing winter‑storm impacts. The waiver grants HOS relief for carriers transporting essential supplies like propane.

Declaration(s) Timeline(s):

· Original waiver: January 23, 2026 – February 6, 2026

· Extension period: February 6, 2026 – February 20, 2026

Download Extension

OSHA Process Safety Management Enforcement – Important Notice

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), along with its state-delegated enforcement authorities, has recently attempted to apply process safety management (PSM) requirements to certain propane facilities that should be exempt under the retail facility exemption.

As a result, OSHA has taken enforcement action against multiple propane companies across several states.

NPGA is actively advocating to stop these enforcement actions, which it believes are being taken without proper authority. However, if these efforts are unsuccessful, NPGA may be forced to pursue judicial remedies.

Action Required

If your company is currently under investigation by OSHA related to PSM issues:

Immediately notify NPGA General Counsel, Benjamin Nussdorf

Timely notification is critical — if NPGA is not informed within 60 days of your receiving notice, it may not be able to assist

NPGA’s legal team will evaluate the situation and determine potential legal action on behalf of the association and the propane industry as a whole.

For questions or concerns, please contact Benjamin Nussdorf directly at bnussdorf@npga.org.

NPGA State Director's Report

NPGA hosted its Winter Board of Directors & Related Committee Meetings in Henderson, Nevada January 27-29, 2026.

Marketers Section

Focused on safety, training, power generation, and supply interruption planning, including district breakouts and a marketer-led supply panel.

Producers & Wholesalers / Transportation & Storage Sections

Reviewed tariffs, pipeline fees, refinery closures, rising transportation costs, and potential FMCSA changes to emergency declarations and split-duty rules.

Governmental Affairs Committee

Received updates on federal advocacy priorities, including Hours of Service proposals and the federal funding outlook.

Federal Legislative Task Force

Discussed congressional dynamics ahead of 2026 and the status of the Energy Choice Act, now out of House committee with bipartisan support.

Federal Regulatory Task Force

Covered active regulatory engagement on HOS waivers, the Oil Pipeline Index, and a major proposed railroad merger.

State Task Force

Highlighted recent energy choice wins, eliminated the Clean Heat Standard in some states, and emerging state policies affecting propane growth opportunities.

PropanePAC

Reported strong fundraising momentum and hosted policy-focused events centered on energy choice.

Supply and Logistics Committee

Reviewed market conditions, emergency HOS waivers, and pipeline indexing impacts.

Legal Action Committee

Provided updates on active litigation challenging state and local gas bans.

NPGF Scholarship Committee

Approved the FY27 budget and promoted the April scholarship golf tournament and open application period.

Member Services Committee

Reviewed ongoing member programs and initiatives.

Conventions Committee

Shared updates on planning for the 2026 Southeastern & International Propane Expo™ in Nashville.

Women in Propane Council

Previewed Expo leadership, education, and joint WIP–YPC events.

Click here for the full update, or see the next story of the special guest coming to the TPGA March meetings, which will give a more detailed update.

Planning on Coming to the TPGA March Meetings? Make Your Reservations Before It's Too Late

Q1 TPGA BOARD & COMMITTEE MEETINGS

March 3–4, 2026

Inn of the Hills Hotel & Conference Center

1001 Junction Highway

Kerrville, TX 78028

SCHEDULE

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

9:00a – 10:00a Executive Committee Meeting

10:00a – 11:00a Finance Committee Meeting

11:00a – 12:00p T & S Committee Meeting

12:00p – 1:15p Lunch

1:30p – 2:30p Conference Committee Meeting

2:30p – 3:30p Flood Round Table Panel

3:30p – 4:30p Membership Committee

4:30p – 5:30p Happy Hour

6:00p – 8:00p Dinner

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

9:00a – 11:00a TPGA Board Meeting

Agenda: Financials, RRC update, Meetings/Convention Update, Executive Director's Report, Flood Round Table Update, T&S Update, Old and New Business

Numbers are due to the hotel. RSVP by February 13, 2026 to reserve your seat!

RSVP

Special Guest Speaker
NPGA Chairman, Mike Hopsicker

Mike Hopsicker was named Chair of the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) in June 2025. He serves as President and CEO of Ray Murray Inc., one of the nation’s leading suppliers to the propane industry. Mike joined Ray Murray in 2005 after previously serving as president of Agway Energy Products, a large oil and propane marketer. With decades of experience across both the supplier and retail sides of the energy industry, Mike brings a practical, big-picture perspective on leadership, operations, and the future of propane.

Hotel Reservation Information

Rooms starting at $129.

Deadline to book: February 13, 2026.

Phone Reservations: (830) 895-5000 |

Mention: Texas Propane Gas Association

Online Reservations: www.innofthehills.com |

Group Code: TXGAS3-2026

Thank you to our meeting sponsors!

AV Sponsor - CUI

Day 1 Coffee Break - Enterprise Products

Day 2 Coffee Break - Bergquist

Lunch Sponsor 1 - Crum & Forster

Lunch Sponsor 2 - Available

Dinner Sponsor 1 - Exosent Engineering

Dinner Sponsor 2 - Ray Murray, Inc.

Last Chance!
NPGF Scholarship Deadline Closing In

· Provides financial assistance to help children of propane industry employees pay for college, trade school, or other accredited education programs.

· Awards $1,000 and $2,000 scholarships to more than 100 students nationwide each year.

· Since 1994, has distributed more than $2 million to 1,700+ children of employees at NPGA member companies, state propane associations, and PERC.

Who Can Apply

· Children of full-time employees of NPGA member companies.

Eligibility Requirements

· Minimum GPA requirement of 2.6 (or equivalent).

· Must attend an accredited college, university, or trade school.

· Open to students pursuing any field of study.

· Strongly encourages applicants pursuing careers as commercial truck drivers, electricians, gas fitters, HVAC technicians, pipe fitters, and plumbers.

Scholarship Details

· Award amounts: $1,000 or $2,000 per student.

· More than 100 scholarships awarded each year.

Important Date

· Application deadline: February 15.

Learn More or Apply

· Visit the NPGA website: www.npga.org/news-resources/scholarships

· Questions may be directed to: scholarship@npga.org