We have received several reports from members in South Texas that the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is ramping up inspections in the area, specifically focusing on cylinder sales.

The Texas Department of Agriculture recently informed a South Texas propane industry member that this is due to a blanket complaint regarding propane cylinder sale practices.

Just as the Railroad Commission of Texas adopts the NFPA standards, the Texas Department of Agriculture adopts NIST standards, specifically NIST Handbook 130, “Uniform Regulation for the Method of Sale of Commodities.”

How LPG Must Be Sold per NIST Handbooks:

• By Volume (Gallon or Cubic Meter)
• By Weight (Pounds or Kilograms)
• By Package

LPG may also be sold by package, referring to situations where the product is pre-packaged in a sealed container or cylinder of a known quantity. For example, if a customer purchases a "pre-filled" propane cylinder, it could be sold as a "package" unit with the amount of fuel specified on the package (as in the case of propane sold in cylinder exchanges).

The TDA informed several companies that they could add a service fee to recoup labor and operating expenses in filling cylinders. For example, they could post a sign that says the service fee to fill the bottle is $XYZ.

TPGA is currently engaging with the Texas Department of Agriculture on this matter to reach a common ground that will allow our members to continue selling by the cylinder.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has opened the 2024 Tier II Chemical Reporting filing season and is offering free training classes to assist filers. These classes provide step-by-step guidance on Tier II reporting requirements and procedures using TCEQ’s online State of Texas Environmental Electronic Reporting System (STEERS).

These finalized reports can be submitted as early as January 1st, 2025, but no later than March 1st, 2025.

Training options include full-length online webinars, shorter refresher webinars for experienced users, and limited in-person sessions. Registration is required and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Recordings of training sessions will be posted online for later reference.

For a full schedule of classes and registration links, visit TCEQ's Training Schedule. For questions, email tier2help@tceq.texas.gov or use the Tier II Help Form.

Did you know one of your member perks is being eligible to run for or be appointed to serve on the TPGA Board of Directors?

TPGA is currently looking to fill open positions in the marketer section of the board. A retail marketer is an individual who holds a class E license from the Railroad Commission of Texas and actively sells retail propane in Texas to the end consumer.

Open Positions:

• District 3 Director & Alternate: Chambers, Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Newton, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, and Tyler.
• District 4 Alternate: Austin, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Colorado, Galveston, Grimes, Fort Bend, Harris, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller, Washington, and Wharton.
• District 16 Alternate: Armstrong, Carson, Collinsworth, Dallam, Deaf Smith, Donley, Gray, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore, Ochiltree, Oldham, Potter, Randall, Roberts, Sherman, and Wheeler.

Board Responsibilities: Attend a majority of the Board meetings during your 2-year term.

• District Directors: Guide and vote on propane industry and association matters.
• Alternate Directors: Advisory, non-voting, but perform Director duties when absent.

Questions? Call (800) 325-7427 ext 2.

Apply by December 31, 2024.

How to Read Your Gas Gauge Bill Stuffers Are Available

Now that temperatures are finally starting to dip, it might be a good time to remind your customers how to read their gas gauge with Propane Service Corporation (PSC)'s Keep Full bill stuffers. These double-sided bilingual bill stuffers include English on one side and Spanish on the other and easily fit into billing envelopes.

The bill stuffer, entitled Keep Full, comes 100 per pack.

Take advantage of your member discount and order today. Then, inform your customers how to read their gauge with the PSC Keep Full bill stuffer.

Login before putting items in your basket to get the member discount.

To order by phone, please call (800) 392-0023.

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

Check out December 4, 2024 

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TPGA has years of magazines you can peruse in our archives. Check out this issue of the magazine or back issue.