MEMBERS ONLY NEWS January 26, 2026

In Brief

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

Hope everyone is faring well amid this winter storm system.

Speaking of the storm, in the first story of the morning, we flag important developments tied to emergency relief and operating flexibility that propane marketers need to be aware of as winter conditions continue to evolve.

In the second story of the morning, we take a look ahead at a federal discussion that could reshape how long emergency relief lasts during future weather and disaster events.

In our third story this morning, we want to alert you to a new scam involving individuals posing as the U.S. DOT Clearinghouse.

Fourthly, we spotlight a long-standing industry event that brings colleagues together for networking, friendly competition, and a great cause.

In the last story of the morning, we share a reminder about an upcoming deadline tied to educational opportunities for families within the propane industry.

And in the Quick Links, you’ll find timely market updates, compliance and workforce resources, safety outreach tools, and easy access to TPGA member services and partners.

Reminder: RRC Case by Case Waivers

Following the Governor's State of Disaster, the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) is granting case-by-case regulatory waivers for propane and alternative fuels operations impacted by severe winter weather.

Key points

Waivers are not automatic and must be requested by any RRC-regulated propane, CNG, or LNG licensee or certified individual
Waivers may apply to recently expired or processing licenses, delayed Form 4 filings, or other compliance issues that prevent you from operating during the storm.
Transport drivers certified in AR, LA, or NM may request temporary relief under existing reciprocal agreements

Who to contact

Submit waiver requests to Karley Rudynski, Director,
Alternative Fuels Safety – RRC

📧 Karley.Rudynski@rrc.texas.gov

General licensing questions: lplicense@rrc.texas.gov

Even More Details Here

Reminder: 14 Day Federal Waiver Covering Texas is Active | Hours Waived

In case you did not see the waivers last week, the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) wanted to alert you that there is an active federal waiver, in addition to the DPS waiver issued on January 22, 2026.

Additionally, on Friday, January 23, 2026, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a 14 day emergency declaration.

This federal waiver covers 40 states including Texas.

Download FMCSA Waiver

FMCSA Considering Lengthening
Allowable Hours Exemption Period

Speaking of waivers, while it would not have an immediate impact this winter, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is seeking input on whether to extend hours-of-service (HOS) relief period during regional emergency declarations.

FMCSA’s proposal would restore emergency hours-of-service exemptions to 30 days, reversing the 14-day limit adopted under a December 2023 final rule. Before that change, exemptions lasted up to 30 days and applied across 49 CFR Parts 390–399.

FMCSA cites uncertainty around the duration of emergencies, pointing to recent events such as wildfires in the western United States and successive hurricanes in North Carolina in fall 2024, where relief extended beyond the existing 14-day window.

Although FMCSA’s request for feedback is largely directed at state governments, we wanted to flag for members that the agency is actively considering a return to a 30-day emergency waiver. Currently, the only mechanism for a 30-day exemption is through a White House declaration.

⚠️ Fraudulent Online Activity
Targeting CDL Drivers

Fraudulent online activity is on the rise. According to a recent DOT notice, certain malicious actors are targeting users of FMCSA systems like the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. Scams like these are resulting in compromised CDL information for drivers, incorrect data in the Clearinghouse, and negative impacts to safety.

What’s Happening

Scammers are convincing commercial drivers to share sensitive personal information, including:

· Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) number

· Date of birth

· First and last name

These requests are often made under false pretenses, such as:

· A Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) claiming they can resolve an open violation

· An individual posing as an employer offering to report a negative Return-to-Duty (RTD) or follow-up test result

Once a scammer obtains a driver’s CDL or CLP information, they may initially enter false information into the Clearinghouse to “improve” the driver’s record in exchange for payment. The scam then escalates, with the scammer demanding additional payment under threat of entering fraudulent drug or alcohol violations into the driver’s Clearinghouse record.

What You Should Do

· Do not seek out third parties to enter information into your Clearinghouse record unless you have completed all required Return-to-Duty and follow-up testing.

· Do not respond to unsolicited messages requesting your CDL information.

· Notify the FMCSA Clearinghouse Team immediately if you are contacted by a suspected scammer.

· If possible, take a screenshot of the message or communication for documentation.

Protect Your PII

CDL information is considered personally identifiable information (PII). Do NOT share your PII unless you are absolutely certain of the individual’s identity and the request is for legitimate business purposes.

Complete Your Return-to-Duty (RTD) Process Legally and Safely

The Return-to-Duty process exists to protect everyone’s safety—including the CDL driver—by ensuring drivers receive the appropriate evaluation, treatment, and testing before operating a commercial motor vehicle again.

Drivers undergoing the RTD process are responsible for vetting their Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). Before providing personal information or making any payment, confirm that the SAP:

· Is properly credentialed

· Meets all requirements outlined in 49 CFR §40.281

Do not look for shortcuts. If you have a drug or alcohol program violation, follow the required process to resolve it legally and safely.

Important Reminder

Engaging in fraudulent Clearinghouse activity can cost you your CDL and your livelihood. If you believe your information has been compromised or you are a victim of fraud, contact the FMCSA Clearinghouse Team immediately.

LPG Charity Fund Houston, Texas
Hold’em Poker Tournament

Event Date: Thursday, February 12th, 2026

Event Address: Dave & Buster’s - Katy Freeway Houston, TX

Join the industry at the Annual John L. Hinsey Memorial Texas Hold'em Tournament, sponsored for over 10 years by the LPG Charity Fund.

Lunch and registration will be at 11:30am with the poker tournament starting at 1:00pm.

If poker is not your game, join us for lunch and network with your colleagues. Enjoy a cocktail and have some fun hanging out and purchase some raffle tickets for some great prizes, including a trip for (2) to Las Vegas!

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