MEMBER ONLY NEWS

October 20, 2025

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, could a simple timing change help you avoid a costly business interruption? The Railroad Commission is urging licensees to take one key step to stay compliant.

Secondly, find out what big decisions came out of TPGA’s recent board meetings in Rockwall — including important 2026 & 2027 convention annoucements as well as industry relief efforts.

Additionally, TPGA flags a new federal lawsuit against a Texas trucking company accused of age discrimination toward its drivers — could similar hiring practices put your company at risk? Read more in our third story of the morning.

Lastly, are you leaving money on the table? A state program just reopened, offering thousands in incentives for new propane light-duty vehicles — but only for a limited time.

And finally, don’t miss Quick Links for exclusive tools, updates, and opportunities to keep your operation ahead this heating season.

RRC Asks Licensees to Submit
Renewals Early

The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) Alternative Fuels Safety (AFS) Department wants the Texas Propane Gas Association to remind licensees to submit renewal applications well ahead of their expiration dates to avoid any lapse in licensing.

Renewal packets are mailed approximately 2½ months prior to license expiration, and the RRC requests that all renewal submissions be received within 30 days of expiration. Submitting early ensures time to address any deficiencies or missing documentation before the license expires.

According to the RRC, current processing times range from 15 to 30 days, depending on application completeness. Timely submissions help prevent delays that could disrupt business operations.

AFS Website

TPGA Board Meeting Recap

Last week, over three days, the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) Board convened in Rockwall, Texas, for its fourth quarter meetings. Discussions covered the 2026 budget, upcoming conventions, scholarship efforts, flood relief contributions, and key legislative updates shaping regulations.

Financial Report

The board approved the 2026 budget.

Convention Update

Planning is well underway for the 2026 Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference in Las Colinas | Irving. The 2026 Skeet Tournament will take place at Elm Fork Shooting Sports, and Hackberry Creek Country Club has been selected for the 2026 Golf Tournament.

The board also voted to return to San Antonio Riverwalk for the 2027 Crossroads.

Scholarship Update

The board discussed several upcoming fundraisers for the TPGA Scholarship Fund, including plans for another enhanced live auction at the Convention to support future scholarships.

Flood Relief Contribution

The board approved a $50,000 contribution to the Kerrville Flood Relief Fund, with additional pledges helping reach the overall goal to support recovery efforts in the Hill Country. A special thanks was extended to Kris Sanders with the Oklahoma Propane Education & Research Council (Oklahoma PERC) for pledging to donate the remaining balance needed to achieve the goal.

Technical & Standards Update

The board reviewed regulatory matters that could impact propane operations, including the Heaven’s 27 Campground Safety Act and Texas Mobile Food Vendor Freedom Act designed to create uniform statewide safety standards.

The Railroad Commission of Texas was unable to attend due to an agency-wide all-hands meeting.

NPGA Update

The NPGA Director reported on the success of this year’s Propane Days, noting strong momentum behind the national Energy Choice legislation, which has gained 94 co-sponsors on Capitol Hill. It was also confirmed that LIHEAP funding will continue through 2026, ensuring ongoing support for low-income households. In addition, NPGA introduced a new initiative called NPGAid, designed to assist propane industry employees facing hardship due to natural disasters or other unforeseen circumstances.

Annual Business Meeting

New supplier board members were elected to the board to serve a two-year term.

Download 2025 Annual Report

New Business | ProCOT Update

The Propane Council of Texas reported that its fiscal year is closing out. The Texas Duty to Warn Program is in full swing for the heating season, and participation in a national school bus conference is planned for November.

EEOC Sues Texas Trucking Company for Age Discrimination

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a federal lawsuit against El Paso-based trucking company Fat and Broke, Inc., which operates as Gamer Logistics, accusing the company of age discrimination in its hiring and employment practices. The EEOC contends that Gamer Logistics fired a 69-year-old driver and declined to hire a 68-year-old applicant solely because they were over 65, citing a new insurance policy that allegedly excluded older drivers. Both men reportedly held valid commercial driver’s licenses and met all physical qualifications for the job.

The agency further alleges that Gamer Logistics systematically excluded workers aged 65 and older from driving positions and subjected them to age-based medical screening requirements. The EEOC argues these practices violate the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), which protects individuals aged 40 and above from workplace bias related to age. The case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas after efforts to resolve the issue outside of court were unsuccessful.

EEOC officials emphasized that employers cannot deflect responsibility for discriminatory policies by blaming insurance providers or other third parties. “Employers are ultimately accountable for their hiring and firing decisions,” said Dallas District Office Director Travis Nicholson. Acting Regional Attorney Ronald Phillips added that as America’s workforce grows older, companies must value — not exclude — experienced employees who continue to play a vital role in sustaining the economy. The Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) brings this case to members’ attention as they continue their seasonal driver recruitment and hiring efforts for the upcoming heating season.

Read Full Story

Texas Statewide Light Duty Vehicle Incentive Program Open for Limited Time

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will open applications for the Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program (LDPLIP) on October 13, 2025. This program offers Texans financial incentives to choose propane-powered vehicles.

Key Program Details

• Grant Amounts: Up to $5,000 per new propane (LPG) vehicle

• Award Basis: First-come, first-served until funds are exhausted

• Total Grants: No more than 1,000 propane vehicle grants statewide

Eligibility Highlights

• Vehicle purchase or lease must occur on or after September 1, 2025.

• Both the sale/lease and eligible fuel system installation must physically occur in Texas.

• Vehicle must be new, included on TCEQ’s Eligible Vehicles List, and powered by a dedicated or bi-fuel propane system.

• LPG fuel system must be EPA-certified.

• Fuel system must be installed prior to the first sale or within the first 500 miles of operation.

• Vehicle must achieve a minimum driving range of 125 miles.

• Applicants must title, register, and operate the vehicle in Texas for at least one year.

How to Apply

Applications open online via TERP SUNSS beginning October 13 or contact our complimentary grant writer, Heather Ball at 512-484-8535 or at heather@americanenergyinstitute.com.

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