MEMBER ONLY NEWS

June 30, 2025

In Brief

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

In our first story, TPGA spotlights an important continuing education opportunity at this year’s Crossroads Expo: the Texas Department of Public Safety’s CDL Division will share regulatory updates relevant to commercial driver employers.

Next, we discuss new congressional legislation that could ease federal propane bulk storage reporting requirements, offering marketers much-needed relief.

Don’t miss your final chance to lock in discounted pricing for the 2025 TPGA Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference—early bird registration ends today.

We also highlight how you can support future industry leaders by participating in TPGA’s annual Silent Auction benefiting our scholarship fund.

Finally, explore our Quick Links section to access the Texas propane job board and PSC’s last day for calendar discounts.

CDL Division of Texas Department of Public Safety Slated for TPGA Convention

The Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will present a special session during the Regulatory Training Forum on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the 2025 Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference. This session qualifies for continuing education (CE) credit through the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC).

For nearly a decade, the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) has proudly partnered with the RRC to provide propane marketers with unique CE opportunities that go beyond traditional coursework offered by the Commission. This year’s CE session brings valuable insights directly from the agency responsible for CDL licensing and compliance in Texas, along with updates from both state and federal regulators.

During the session, DPS will cover recent changes to driver medical certification requirements, including integration with the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME). Attendees will also receive important guidance on FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse regulations and the drug and alcohol testing responsibilities of commercial driver employers.

In addition to the CE session, DPS representatives will be available on the expo floor on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., to answer attendee questions on CDL-related topics, including medical cards, certification renewals, and CDL skills testing appointments.

While we are on the topic of the medical card transition, some of you had questions on this subject. TPGA is following up with representatives of the DPS and FMCSA on those questions and will circle back. As soon as we get those clarifications and answers, we will circle back with you.

Federal Watch: Proposal Would Ease CFATS Reporting Burdens on Propane

A bipartisan bill filed in June—The Propane Accessibility and Regulatory Relief Act (H.R. 3949)—would more than double the threshold that triggers Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) reporting for propane tanks, raising it from 60,000 pounds to 126,000 pounds.

The bill aims to relieve small and mid-sized propane marketers from security planning and paperwork requirements that many in the industry believe overstate the risk posed by propane.

CFATS, administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, was created in 2006 to identify and secure high-risk chemical facilities. However, Congress allowed the program’s authority to lapse on July 28, 2023, rendering it currently unenforceable. If Congress reauthorizes CFATS without changes, the original 60,000-pound threshold would be reinstated. With rising global tensions—particularly in the Middle East—there may be renewed interest in reinstating the program, making this bill a proactive step to address potential regulatory burdens before they return.

Next Steps

The bill has been referred to the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee. NPGA is urging marketers nationwide to voice support, arguing the change will “ease supply chain limitations and bolster energy security in rural America.”

Stay tuned: TPGA will alert members if CFATS reauthorization or this standalone measure moves through Congress.

Catch a Wave of Savings! Register Now!

Registration prices go up tomorrow, July 1, 2025

TPGA is gearing up for the 2025 Crossroads Propane Expo + Conference hosted by the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) on August 7-9, 2025 at Moody Gardens in Galveston! This must-attend event brings the entire Texas propane industry together under one roof.

Conference Location & Host Hotel:

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center

1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554

Schedule

Thursday, August 7, 2025

11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Registration

Noon – 4 p.m.: Regulatory Training (Lunch)

5 p.m. – 6 p.m.: Welcome Reception

6 p.m.: Dinner On Your Own / Supplier Dinners

Friday, August 8, 2025

6 a.m.: Fishing Tournament

7 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Registration

8 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Truck Move-In

8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Golf Tournament

8 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Propane Technical Workshops

8 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Propane Technology Workshops

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.: Exhibitor Move-In

5 p.m. – 6 p.m.: President’s Happy Hour

6 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Dinner

7:00 p.m.: Casino Party & Music

Saturday, August 9, 2025

8 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Registration

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Expo (lunch provided)

Reservation Rates:

$219/night (single or double occupancy)

NO RESORT FEE | HOTEL WILL SELL OUT

5 FREE WRISTBANDS FOR PALM BEACH WITH EACH HOTEL RESERVATION

Parking:

FREE Self-Parking | $25 Valet Garage Parking

Who's Coming to the Expo?

Attendees of the 2025 Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference can expect a diverse range of vendors and service providers that support all aspects of the propane industry.

Everything a Propane Provider Needs Under One Roof

Here’s a snapshot of the types of companies you'll find on the expo floor:

Software & Route Management Providers – From back-office operations to mobile delivery management, inventory tracking, and driver routing systems.
Payment & Credit Card Processing Solutions – Showcasing secure platforms for customer billing, payments, and route-based POS systems.
Insurance & Risk Management Providers – Offering specialized insurance products tailored to propane retailers, transporters, and equipment providers.
Federal and state Regulatory Agencies—representatives from the Railroad Commission's Alternative Fuels Division and Damage Prevention, Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Texas Department of Public Safety, and other agencies will be on hand to answer questions.
Tank Monitoring & Telemetry Companies – Featuring remote tank level monitoring, asset tracking, and real-time data solutions to optimize delivery efficiency.
Propane Equipment Manufacturers – Displaying regulators, valves, piping, fittings, meters, dispensers, and other critical hardware.
Marketing & Business Development Consultants – Offering websites, social media, SEO, and marketing to propane companies.
Cylinder & Tank Manufacturers and Fabricators – Including suppliers of ASME tanks, DOT cylinders, and custom tank systems for retail and wholesale use.
Truck & Bobtail Builders and Rebuilders – Featuring propane delivery trucks, tank trucks, refurbishing services, and custom vehicle solutions.
Education, Training & Certification Providers – Promoting workforce development, compliance training, and safety programs for propane professionals.
Outdoor & Lifestyle Products – Showcasing propane-powered amenities like grills, outdoor heating, and recreational appliances.
Wholesalers & Terminal Operators – Representing the upstream supply chain, including marketers and suppliers of bulk propane and logistics solutions.

Learn More & Register

Questions? Contact our Meetings Manager, Christie Shook at 1-800-325-7427 ext 6 or at cshook@txpropane.com.

Support the Expo Silent Auction

Benefiting the TPGA Scholarship Silent Auction

One of our most impactful annual fundraisers—the Silent Auction at the Expo—directly benefits the TPGA Scholarship Foundation. Thanks to your incredible generosity, we've awarded over $200,000 in scholarships over the past 25+ years. And we're not slowing down: in 2025, we’ll be awarding seven scholarships 🎓 of $4,000 each! Winners will be announced this July.

Whether you contribute by donating an item or placing a bid, your support makes a lasting difference. Join us for the auction on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM—and help us continue empowering the next generation.

Silent Auction Donation Wishlist

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