February 28 2022
In Brief
In this edition of the Monday Morning Messenger, TPGA touches on FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse compliance. Check out our first story of the morning to understand how you can get to know the regulation better from a Texas perspective.

Additionally, the association has partnered with a Texas contingent of the National Safety Council to bring you new driver safety meetings each month. Download the March meeting in our second story of the morning.

Also, the TCEQ TERP is planning the opening of their popular grant the Alternative Fueling Facilities Program (AFFP) grant, but before they do, they want to hear from grant applicants on their point system for this competitive station grant in which propane qualifies for.

Also, March 1st is a busy day just look at the calendar. That said, TPGA highlights the most pertinent reminders in a special section including our candidate endorsements for the Texas Primary as well as fast access to the information on the Tier II reports that are due tomorrow.

Also, don't forget, there is still an active hours waiver. It can be accessed in this issue of the Messenger.

Additionally, check out our Quick Links section to access the Winter Fuels Weekly Pricing & Supply Update and the TPGA store where members get discounts once logged in. LOGIN, SHOP, & SAVE.
In this issue

  • In Brief
  • Clearinghouse
  • Driver Safety Meetings
  • TERP AFFP Comments
  • Important Reminders
  • Active Waiver
  • Quick Links
Get a Texas Perspective on FMCSA Clearinghouse Compliance
Violations arising from DOT Controlled Substance & Alcohol Testing continue to be some of the most common cited during DOT audits conducted by the FMCSA and their state partners. Many employers of commercial drivers still struggle to understand and comply with these regulations.

The National Safety Council (NSC) is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, to help employers know more about Clearinghouse compliance. In the webinar, John Counts, a retired Texas Department of Public Safety senior trooper, will explore some of the issues that have been problematic to many carriers, cover some misconceptions and touch on compliance with the FMCSA Clearinghouse requirements.
New Monthly Safety
Meeting Series for Drivers
The Texas Propane Gas Association has also partnered with the National Safety Council to bring you a new transportation-related safety meeting called Traffic Huddles each month in Texas Propane magazine.

Each safety meeting includes a topic, discussion, scenarios and ranges from 5-15 minutes in length.
Check out the magazine each month for monthly two-page safety meetings for your drivers.
Comments Due on TCEQ Alternative Fueling Facilities Program (AFFP)
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is now inviting comments on the Alternative Fueling Facilities Program (AFFP). The AFFP program provides competitive grants to offset the costs of constructing fueling facilities that provide propane or other alternative fuels in the Clean Transportation Zone.

The proposed preferences and scoring criteria for the upcoming AFFP grant round can be found on the AFFP website. TCEQ requests comments on these no later than March 4, 2022 at 5:00pm CST.

Please submit comments to: TERP@tceq.texas.gov.

Have questions on this request for comment? Contact TCEQ at 800-919-TERP (8377) or by email at terp@tceq.texas.gov.

Final requirements for AFFP projects will be published in the AFFP Request for Grant Applications (RFGA) upon the opening of the program. TPGA will alert members once the official grant round opens.
Reminders
Texas Primaries

Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, is the last day to vote in the Texas Primaries. Check out the pro-energy candidates we are recommending.
To find your polling location, visit https://www.votetexas.gov/.
Texas Tier II Reports

Texas Tier II reports are also due tomorrow, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, to TCEQ, LEPC's and your local fire departments.
Active Waiver
TPGA worked with NPGA to get the Texas propane industry hours relief. As a result, FMCSA extended its emergency declaration for propane transportation for 42 states including TEXAS until March 8, 2022.
Quick Links
FEBRUARY 24, 2022
WINTER FUELS WEEKLY
PRICE & SUPPLY UPDATE
NATIONAL, REGIONAL & STATE
PROPANE SERVICE CORP OFFERS A WIDE VARIETY OF PRODUCTS
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