In brief

August 19, 2024

Welcome to the latest edition of the Monday Morning Messenger.


In our first morning story, TPGA wants to remind members about the increased roadside enforcement this week and what enforcement officials will be looking for.


Dive into our newsletter’s second story to explore the recent ruling by the Railroad Commission (RRC). Find out how TPGA’s advocacy played a pivotal role in this new 501 exemption for select properties.


Thirdly, a popular Texas propane grant round is about to open through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This grant has historically funded propane-powered bobtails, medium-duty vehicles, and school buses. Read more about an upcoming educational webinar on the opening grant round.


Lastly, TPGA wants to thank our Crossroads Sponsors again for making the 2024 Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference a tremendous success.


Be sure to check out our Quick Links section for photos from the TPGA Convention, access to Propane Service Corporation, GeneratioNext Job Board, and the September Pros4Care Golf Tournament.

In this issue

  • In Brief
  • Brake Safety Week Reminder
  • New 501 Exemption
  • Bobtail & School Bus Grant Opening
  • Crossroads Sponsors

Calendar

August 21, 2024

PERC National Propane Day Webinar


August 28, 2024

TCEQ TNGVGP Grant Webinar


August 30, 2024

National Propane Day Pop Up Shop Order Deadline


September 9, 2024

Pros4Care Golf Tournament 

September 9-11, 2024

NPGA Technology, Standards & Safety Committee Meeting

ANNUAL CALENDAR

Just a Reminder: Heightened Enforcement Week

August 21-25, 2024

Brake Safety Week


As a reminder, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has designated August 25-31, 2024, as this year’s Brake Safety Week. During this initiative, CVSA-certified inspectors will thoroughly check commercial vehicles, focusing on brake systems and components. Vehicles with brake-related out-of-service violations will be taken off the road until issues are resolved. Inspectors will pay special attention to brake linings and pads, which can impact a motor carrier’s safety rating.

LEARN MORE

Vacation Rentals vs. Commercial Properties: RRC’s Ruling Could Save You Time and Paperwork

The Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) recently received a question from a member regarding whether Airbnb-type properties are considered commercial properties. TPGA sought clarification from the Railroad Commission (RRC) and petitioned the RRC’s legal team to avoid categorizing these properties as commercial, thereby now exempting them from requiring a Form 501 filing or inspection.


The Railroad Commission (RRC) Legal Team has determined that “single-family” residences, whether used as primary or secondary vacation rental properties (such as Airbnb or VRBO), should not be classified as commercial properties. As a result, these properties will no longer require the submission of Form 501 or mandatory inspections.


However, it’s important to note that bed and breakfast establishments, hotels, and motels still fall under commercial properties. They continue to require Form 501 filings and are subject to inspections.

Interested in Money for Propane Bobtails, Medium Duty Vehicles & School Buses? Tune in August 28, 2024 for An Upcoming Grant Round

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) invites you to an informative webinar on the Texas Natural Gas Vehicle Grant Program (TNGVGP). This program provides grants to encourage entities that own and operate heavy-duty or medium-duty motor vehicles to repower the vehicles with natural gas engines or replace them with natural gas vehicles. Eligible natural gas fuels include compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and propane autogas (LPG).



Webinar Details:

  • Date: Wednesday, August 28, 2024 Time: 1:30 PM CST Duration: 120 minutes

Why Attend?

  • Discover how to tap into $25 million in available grants.
  • Learn how you can cover up to 90% of the costs to upgrade your fleet.
  • Get a clear understanding of eligibility requirements and the application process.
  • Have your questions answered by TCEQ experts during a live Q&A session.

Who Should Attend?

  • Fleet managers and operators of heavy-duty or medium-duty vehicles.
  • Businesses aiming to reduce operational costs and lower emissions.
  • Anyone operating in the Texas Clean Transportation Zone interested in propane autogas grants.

How to Register:

  1. Visit the Texas Natural Gas Vehicle Grant webinar registration page.
  2. Complete the registration form within at least 24 hours before webinar begins.
  3. Receive your personalized webinar link via email.

Don’t Miss Out! This is your chance to modernize your fleet, cut emissions, and achieve significant fuel savings. Register now to secure your place!

  • Questions? Call: 800-919-TERP (8377) or Email: terp@tceq.texas.gov
REGISTER FOR WEBINAR

Looking for funding for you or your fleet customers to use propane autogas? You can contact our partner, American Energy Institute, to help you with FREE grant consultation and writing. Contact Heather Ball at 512-484-8535 or email heather.ball@americanenergyinstitute.com


Join the TERP email list to stay informed about TNGVGP and other Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) programs.

SUBSCRIBE

Platinum

Propane Service Corporation


Gold

Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)


Silver

Triarc Tank


Expo Lunch

Propane Council of Texas


Golf Tournament

Targa Resources


Golf Beverage Cart Rural Computer Consultants


Lone Star Lounge

Midstream Transportation


Conference Program Warm Thought Communications


Welcome Reception Sponsor

Mopeka


Entertainment Sponsor

METSA

Casino Party

All Propane Parts & Equipment


Texas Two-Step Dinner

Marshall Excelsior


Tote Bag Sponsor

CARGAS


President's Happy Hour

4J Energy


Lanyard Sponsor

Enterprise Products


Expo Hall Refreshments

Bergquist, Gas Equipment Co, & Cactus Tanks


Regulatory Training Lunch Sponsor

Quality Steel


Technical & Technology Workshop Break Sponsor

Worthington Enterprises

Quick Links

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from this month

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Monday, September 9, 2024

Annual Pros4Care Golf Benefit

The Courses at Watters Creek Plano, TX

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