December 5, 2022

In Brief

In this edition of the Monday Morning Messenger, TPGA reports some good news on the rail strike and what we can expect in the future.

In our second story of the day, TPGA highlights the can't miss December 2022 issue of Texas Propane magazine.

Additionally in this edition of the Messenger, TPGA highlights a motor fuel regulatory cleanup bill and how it affects propane.

Speaking of motor fuel, TPGA reviews additional Texas legislation pre-filed and how it may affect motor fuel taxation.

Lastly, check out our Quick Links for access to the Winter Weekly Update on propane prices and supply, Propane Service Corp, TNGVGP grant, and heat-up appliance sales with rebates from the Propane Council of Texas.

In this issue

In Brief
Rail Strike Averted
December Magazine
Motor Fuel Regulation
Motor Fuel Taxation
Quick Links

Calendar

December 6, 2022

- January 31, 2023

Texas Tier II Training

December 9, 2022

January Magazine Ad &

Classified Deadline

December 15, 2022

NPGA Scholarship

Round Opens

December 23 & 26, 2022

TPGA & PSC Office Closed for Christmas

January 2, 2023

TPGA & PSC Office Closed for New Year's Day

MORE DATES

Rail Strike Averted

Federal Legislation Passed

Rail workers threatened to strike if a deal was not reached by December 9, 2022. CNBC estimated that it would cost the United States economy $2 billion per day if a rail strike were to occur.

“Our nation’s rail system is literally the backbone of our supply chain,” Biden told CNBC. “So much of what we rely on is delivered on rail, from clean water to food and gas and every other good. A rail shutdown would have devastated our economy. Without freight rail, many of our industries would have literally shut down.”

Late last week, On Friday, December 2, 2022, Biden signed federal legislation to avert a rail shutdown.

Biden signed into law a measure that makes a rail strike illegal.

The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) worked with the Administration, Congress, and other trade groups to ensure this critical legislation advanced. Additionally, the propane industry sent over 4,500 letters to Capitol Hill regarding this legislation. Congress’ intervention ensures propane rail shipments will continue as parts of the country are experiencing extreme cold weather.

Inside Look: December 2022 Texas Propane Magazine

The December magazine is in the mail and heading your way. Why wait? When you can read it online now.

Check out what is in this edition:

TPGA Inside Look: A Look Back at 2022
New TPGA Affiliate Membership Categories
Propane Service Corp: Advantages to PSC Online Shopping
Interruption of Service: What You Need to Know
ProCOT, PERC Partner to Reach Millions of Texans
Why Your Employee’s First 90 Days Are Key to Retention
Propane with Purpose, Classifieds & more

READ NOW

Thank you to our December 2022 advertisers: Alliance AutoGas,

BayGas, Bergquist, BLT Tanks, Fisk Tank Carrier Inc., Garrett Insurance Agency, Gas Equipment Company, Hill Butane, Legacy Energy Consulting, Lock America, Lone Star Energy Group, Longhorn Propane, Lumbermen’s Insurance Agency Maquinado de Equiposy Tanques de CV, Marshall Young Insurance Meeder Equipment Co., OmegaFlex, PetroStar Equipment Resources, Propane Plus LLC, Propane Service Corporation, Rural Computer Consultants, Tarantin Industries, and White River Distributors.

Under the Dome: TDLR Motor Fuel Clean-Up Bill: SB 246

While propane motor fuel is no longer regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation by recent rulemaking that took place a little over a year ago, TDLR, with the help of Texas Senator Alvarado, are explicitly putting it into the law books in their motor fuel regulation cleanup, so there is no confusion on the matter.

SB 246 states: This chapter does not apply to a weighing or measuring device, as defined by Section 13.001, Agriculture Code, that measures liquefied petroleum gas.

All LP-gas measuring devices are regulated by the Texas Department of Agriculture (including propane autogas measuring devices).

VIEW SB 246

Under the Dome: Texas Legislator Proposes Bill to Double State Gasoline & Diesel Taxes

State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, D-Austin, has proposed a tax hike on state motor fuel taxes. Under Senate Bill (SB) 254, the state motor fuel tax rate would double to:

· The gasoline tax rate is 40 [20] cents for each net gallon

· The diesel fuel tax rate is 40 [20] cents for each net gallon

It has been 30 years since state motor fuel taxes have been raised. In 1991, it was raised from 15 cents to 20 cents per gallon. The increase would help pay for Texas roads.

VIEW SB 254