In Brief

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

In the first story of the morning, TPGA reminds members to get involved in an important Texas Railroad Commission runoff election and support the candidate the Association believes will help the Texas propane industry the most.

In the second story, the Railroad Commission has issued a new rule change that could affect your certification costs — find out if you qualify for savings.

In the third story, a major federal labor rule just changed overnight — and it could impact how you classify and pay your employees starting now.

Additionally, the Propane Council of Texas drops its summer agenda, and it's packed. See what's coming up and make sure you don't miss a critical deadline.

Lastly, check our host hotel for the convention. Book now before rooms are gone.

Also, check out this week’s Quick Links for fast access to propane industry hiring resources and member savings opportunities.

Important Dates

May 28, 2026

PERC Webinar

Autogas Growth

May 31, 2026

Propane sales reports
are due

May 31, 2026

Badge deadline for
Texas Builder Expo

June 2, 2026

GeneratioNext Webinar

June 2, 2026

Propane Days Webinar

June 7–9, 2026

NPGA Propane Days

REMINDER: Vote for Jim Wright for

Railroad Commissioner TODAY

The Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) is writing to share why this runoff election for the Texas Railroad Commission matters — and why we are supporting Chairman Jim Wright for re-election. He is facing a runoff election against Bo French.

Chairman Wright has spent decades working in and around the oil and gas industry and brings the real-world experience and deep understanding of energy that Texas demands. Under his leadership, the state has reached record levels of oil and natural gas production — supporting jobs, strengthening our economy, funding schools and infrastructure, and helping keep America energy secure. When Texas energy is strong, Texas communities are strong. This is not a role for the inexperienced. The stakes are too high.

That is why TPGA is proud to support Chairman Jim Wright for re-election, and we encourage you to do the same.

Election Day is Today — Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Commissioner Wright is endorsed by the Texas Oil & Gas Association, Texas Association of Builders, Texas Farm Bureau, Governor Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, and Railroad Commissioners Christi Craddick and Wayne Christian, among many others.

Learn more about Commissioner Wright at: wrightfortexas.com

Find Polling Location

New Rulebooks & New Rule Change

The Railroad Commission has updated the rule book to reflect the new Military Fee Exemption. As a result, a new volume has been released.

Military Fee Exemption for Certification Applicants

Military service members, military veterans, and military spouses may qualify for a Military Fee Exemption, which waives certification-related examination registration fees.

To receive the exemption:

Complete and submit Application for Military Fee Exemption (Form 35).
The application must be approved before registering for any examination.

Please note:

The exemption applies only to certification examination registration fees.
The exemption does not apply to:
Examination renewal fees
Exempt registrations
License fees

Additional Information

Requirements for military fee exemptions can be found in:

AFS Safety Rule §9.14(d)

Fee exemption instructions

New Rulebook

Within the next 2 weeks, the new rulebooks will be available to order through PSC. PSC will announce once they are in stock.

DOL Rolls Back Overtime Pay Rules
to 2019 Requirements

The U.S. Department of Labor has reversed its 2024 overtime exemption rule, restoring the salary thresholds that were in place since 2019. The change takes effect immediately.

What changed: The 2024 rule had raised the minimum salary for exempt executive, administrative, and professional employees to $844/week, with a highly compensated employee (HCE) threshold of $132,964/year. Those figures have been scrapped.

What's in effect now: Employees in those roles must earn at least $684/week to be classified as exempt from overtime. The HCE threshold is $107,432/year.

The rollback follows a court ruling that struck down the 2024 rule, prompting the DOL's Wage and Hour Division to formally remove it from federal regulations and reinstate the 2019 language.

Questions? Employers or workers with questions can reach the Wage and Hour Division at 1-866-4-USWAGE. Employers who think they may have compliance issues can also use the DOL's PAID program to self-report potential overtime or minimum wage violations.

ProCOT Releases News on Summer Programs, Projects & Events

The Propane Council of Texas just released its summer agenda. Do not miss out on important deadlines, programs, projects, and events.

Here’s what’s inside this issue of the propane industry newsletter:

June 2, 2026 Webinar: Tools for Hiring Drivers & Service Technicians
Retail Propane Sales Reports Due to PERC by May 31, 2026
Summer Propane Living Sign-Up Deadline: June 17, 2026
School Bus Vendor Show – June 28, 2026
Texas Builder Show – July 22–23, 2026
Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference – August 6–8, 2026
Propane Wall Calendar Ordering Deadline: August 12, 2026
New Propane TV Commercials Now Airing — Plus How to Watch and Share Them

Read Newsletter Now

Convention Spotlight: Stay Where the Action Is. About Our Host Hotel.

Have you booked your room for the 2026 Red River Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference?

The host hotel, The Westin Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, offers scenic canal views, a resort-style pool, and more than 25 restaurants within walking distance. After a day of training, networking, and exhibits, enjoy waterfront dining and all the amenities of a premier Westin property—without ever needing a shuttle or rideshare.

Hotel: The Westin Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas

Address: 400 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, TX 75039