During pre-filing for the 89th Texas Legislative Session, Rep. Virdell (R-Brady) introduced House Bill 1376, a proposal to reduce regulatory burdens for commercial drivers operating exclusively within Texas. If passed, this legislation would exempt all intrastate commercial drivers from the federal requirement to use electronic logging devices (ELDs), regardless of whether they meet the short-haul exemption criteria.

Under current regulations, drivers utilizing the short-haul exemption are not required to use an ELD if they operate within a 150-air-mile radius of their reporting location and their duty period does not exceed 14 hours. However, drivers not meeting these criteria are still mandated to use ELDs.

HB 1376 would eliminate the ELD requirement for intrastate drivers entirely, offering relief to those unable to benefit from the short-haul exemption. This change could significantly reduce the compliance burden for propane delivery drivers and other intrastate operators.

The Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) recognizes the potential benefits this legislation could bring members, particularly those who currently face ELD requirements. TPGA will closely monitor the progress of HB 1376 and keep members informed about its development.

Stay tuned for updates as this legislation advances through the legislative process.

This month, Governor Greg Abbott announced the launch of his Small Business Freedom Council to review government efficiency for Texas businesses and sent a letter to Texas state agency heads directing them to provide recommendations to cut unnecessary government regulations.

The Governor also directed state agencies to identify and recommend the elimination of unnecessary regulations, fees, and permits that may hinder business growth.

Although named the Small Business Freedom Council, its objectives are expected to benefit businesses of all sizes.

Texas state agencies have until January 13, 2025, to submit their recommendations, which will be reviewed by the Council for further action.

The National Propane Gas Foundation Scholarship Fund (NPGF/SF) kicked off the 2025-2026 scholarship application round on December 15, 2024. Children of employees of NPGA member companies, state propane associations, or PERC are eligible to apply.

Applicants may pursue any course of study at two- or four-year colleges, as well as technical, trade, or vocational schools. Students pursuing propane-related careers are especially encouraged to apply.

The NPGF/SF awards $1,000 and $2,000 scholarships to over 100 students annually. Since 1994, the NPGF Scholarship Fund has awarded more than $2 million to over 1,700 children of NPGA member company employees.

The application deadline is February 15, 2025.

Visit NPGA’s website at www.npga.org/news-resources/scholarships to learn more about this opportunity. Find important FAQs, read about past scholarship recipients, see a list of the generous donors who make this program possible, and start your application today.

Questions? Contact us at scholarship@npga.org.

Help the future generation of HVAC & Plumber Technicians be confident with propane by helping to implement a propane-specific curriculum in high schools and technical schools.

Through the HVAC Technical School Grant Program administered by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), qualifying schools can receive up to $10,000 to install propane appliances in their lab and learn the propane-specific curriculum, HVAC & Plumber Technical Training.

Know a school that could benefit?  

Reach out to them and let them know the application deadline is Friday, December 20, 2024.

Please note: The program requires each recipient to have a Propane Advisor—someone who will ensure the appliances and equipment are installed correctly and offer their unique perspectives to help educate students about propane applications and career opportunities in propane.

Get more details, and schools can apply at www.propane.com/techschoolgrant

National EPA Clean School Bus Program Rebates

Deadline Jan 9, 2025

Governmental Alternative Fuel Fleet Grant Program (GAFF)

Deadline Feb 5, 2025

TCEQ Texas Natural Gas Vehicle Grant Program (includes LPG) Deadline Mar 4, 2025

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