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Welcome to the latest edition of the Monday Morning Messenger.
In our first story, the Texas Propane Gas Association provides an update on the ongoing national unvented heater dispute.
Additionally, the association warns of a realistic FMCSA audit scam happening now. Read more about it in our second story of the morning.
Thirdly, a new Texas law has gone into effect that requires Texas employers to post a new notice to all employees. Find out what you need to do and locate a copy of the poster to help you comply, linked below.
Lastly, the Texas Propane Gas Association offers a preview of the topics to be discussed at the TPGA committee, TPGA Board, and ProCOT Board meetings.
Explore our Quick Links section, which provides access to the latest Winter Weekly Update, Propane Service Corporation (PSC), Tier II reporting information, and preliminary details on the 2024 Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference.
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In this issue
- In Brief
- Unvented Heaters
- FMCSA Notice
- New Required Posting
- Upcoming Meetings
- Quick Links
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February 20 - March 1, 2024 Texas Early Voting
February 29, 2024
2024 TPGA Membership Deadline: Benefits Cut Off
March 1, 2024
Tier II Reports Due
March 5, 2024
Primary Elections
March 5-6, 2024
TPGA Board &
Committee Meetings
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Favorable Turning Point in
Unvented Heater Dispute | |
Since 2015, a coalition led by the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) has been locked in a battle with the ASHRAE 62.2 Committee. The ASHRAE committee sought to ban unvented heaters in buildings that comply with ASHRAE 62.2 ventilation standards. This decision sparked significant opposition from the NPGA and its allies.
A Turning Point in the Dispute: On February 13th, a crucial turning point emerged. The ANSI Appeals Board released a decision siding with the NPGA coalition. The Board agreed that both the 62.2 Committee and ASHRAE, along with the ANSI Executive Standards Council, acted prematurely in dismissing concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of the standards development process.
The Board's Decision: The Appeals Board emphasized the need for a more in-depth investigation. This investigation should delve into the procedural issues raised, as well as the technical basis for the proposed ban on unvented heaters. The Board instructed the Executive Standards Council to promptly schedule a hearing to address all the concerns presented by the NPGA coalition.
Summary: The ANSI Appeals Board's decision marks a significant development in the ongoing dispute over unvented heaters. It paves the way for a more thorough examination of the concerns raised by the NPGA coalition, potentially leading to a reversal of the proposed ban.
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Be on High Alert:
Realistic FMCSA Audit Scam | |
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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is warning motor carriers of a recent scam, which is not all too uncommon among government agencies.
An email is being sent to FMCSA-registered entities by someone pretending to be FMCSA, notifying you that you need to schedule a safety audit.
The link to request the safety audit has what appears to be a SAFER URL and mirrors FMCSA’s MC-150 but includes fields to enter a PIN#, EIN#, and Social Security Number.
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Not only is some of this information Personal Identifiable Information (PII), but this information would also allow the unauthorized party to gain access to your FMCSA account. The email containing the link is also very convincing that it is coming from FMCSA.
Communications relating to safety audits will typically come directly from an FMCSA-dedicated mailbox or from the entity within the state that has been assigned the responsibility of conducting the safety audit. While these emails typically end in a “.gov,” FMCSA encourages motor carriers to verify any email or communication they feel is suspicious with the appropriate agency or contact your FMCSA Division Office directly to clarify.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends following certain procedures for email verification.
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Another New Texas Law:
All Employers Must Post This | |
In 2022, the murder of Veronica Sanchez by a coworker sparked action in Texas. Prior to her death, Ms. Sanchez reported feeling uncomfortable with the coworker's behavior, highlighting the need for improved workplace safety measures.
In response, the Texas Legislature passed Texas House Bill 915 in 2023. This law aims to prevent similar occurrences by:
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Establishing a 24/7 statewide workplace violence hotline: This allows employees to report concerning incidents to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
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Mandating employer action: All Texas employers, regardless of size, must now post a notice informing employees about the hotline and their right to report workplace violence or suspicious activity.
The Texas Workforce Commission offers a free, bilingual poster to help employers comply with the new law. Download the poster now and display it prominently in both English and Spanish, where employees can easily see it.
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TPGA/ProCOT to Discuss Important Progress & Programs | |
The Texas Propane Gas Association will meet at the Sonesta in Bee Cave on March 5-6, 2024, for a series of committee meetings and our spring board meeting.
The Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) Board will kick things off on March 5, 2024, also to discuss Round 1 Project Proposals that include the GeneratioNext Workforce Program, Energy for Everyone TV Campaign, the 2024 Appliance Rebate Program, and other pertinent programs.
Immediately after, ProCOT and TPGA will host a networking lunch on Sonesta's outdoor patio. All TPGA members and ProCOT assessment payers are welcome to the ProCOT meeting and lunch. RSVP is required.
TPGA will also meet with its Convention & Meetings Committee to discuss the final details of the 2024 TPGA Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference, including propane technical workshop submissions, and get preliminary direction on where to go for the 2025 Convention.
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Next Tuesday, TPGA will host a Texas Independence Day dinner for our board, committee members, and association members at the Salt Grass in Bee Cave. All TPGA members are welcome with an RSVP.
Still looking for a dinner sponsor, find out more.
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As part of its board update on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, the association will update members on the lawsuit with the City of Houston. The TPGA executive director has met with the new Houston mayor several times since Mayor Whitmire took office.
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Bonus: Everyone who makes it will get to meet our new TPGA staff member, Soo Teal. Soo is our new meetings and convention manager, member initiatives, and PSC store manager.
Thank you to our sponsors: 4J Energy, Crum & Forster, Offen Petroleum, and Perez Propane.
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February 22, 2024
Winter Weekly Propane
Price & Supply Update
U.S, Gulf & Texas
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Propane Service Corp (PSC) Offers a Catalog of Essential Compliance Products for Your Propane Business | |
Don't forget. Texas Tier II Reports are due by
March 1, 2024, to
the TCEQ | |
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SAVE THE DATE:
August 1-3, 2024
Crossroads Propane Expo
& Conference - Allen, TX
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