In Brief

January 27, 2025

Welcome to this week’s Members-Only Monday Morning Messenger from the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA).

Our first story of the morning highlights the active regional Hours of Service (HOS) waiver issued by the FMCSA.

In the second story, TPGA provides details about the 80-hour Category E course, offered only twice a year.

Next, we outline efforts by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz to repeal the Biden Gas Water Heater Rule, which threatens to eliminate 40% of the tankless water heater market.

We also feature an upcoming propane charity poker tournament scheduled to take place in Houston next month.

Don’t forget to check the Featured Grants section for opportunities to secure funding for propane autogas initiatives.

Finally, our Quick Links section includes weekly propane price updates, access to the Propane Service Corporation store, the GeneratioNext job board, and details about the NPGA Scholarship program.

In this issue

In Brief
FMCSA Hours Waiver
Category E Class
Repeal of Biden Gas Water Heater Ban
Poker Tournament
Quick Links

Calendar

January 31, 2025

FMCSA Waiver Expires

January 31, 2025

IRS Wage Statement &1099 Deadline

February 3, 2025

Hotel Deadline

March Board Meeting

February 3-5, 2025

NPGA Winter Board of Directors, Committee & Section Meetings

ANNUAL CALENDAR

Reminder! FMCSA Regional Declaration Expires on January 31, 2025

Just a reminder: the FMCSA Emergency Declaration waives hours of service requirements for the transportation of propane, among other commodities, to customers impacted by the severe weather in the states below, including Texas. The declaration is in effect from January 10, 2025, until January 31, 2025.

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, & Wyoming

DOWNLOAD FMCSA WAIVER

Category E Class Scheduled for March 2025:

Limited Seating Available

Down a Category E Manager? Need a Backup Manager on Staff?

The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) offers its 80-hour Category E Management Course twice a year. This comprehensive course is for retail and wholesale LP-gas dealers at the management level.

Upcoming 2025 Course Details:

Course Dates:
Week 1: March 10–14, 2025
Week 2: March 24–28, 2025
Format: Online Zoom (webinar format)
Examination: The certification exam will take place on the final day of the two-week course.

Course Overview:

The Category E certification authorizes the storage, sale, transportation, and distribution of LP gas at retail and wholesale dealers.

Course Fees:

Course Fee: $750 (non-refundable). Payment is required upon registration.
Examination Fee:
In-person exam: $70.
Online exam: $70 + $25 proctoring fee (total $95).
Total Cost: $820 (in-person exam) or $845 (online exam).

Registration:

First-Come, First-Served: Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.
Deadline: The class will close for registration on February 19, 2025.

Senator Cruz Introduces Resolution to Repeal Biden Appliances Rule on Gas Water Heaters

Last week, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced a joint resolution to repeal a Biden administration Department of Energy (DOE) rule banning certain natural gas water heaters.

Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said, “Once again, Democrats are waging a war on household appliances under the guise of combating climate change. This rule, rushed through by the Biden administration in its final days, does more harm than good. It forces American families to choose between costly, high-end models or less efficient alternatives—limiting their options and undermining their freedom of choice. American families deserve access to affordable, reliable appliances without unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.”

READ SENATE RESOLUTION

Impact

If not repealed, the rule would remove roughly 40% of the existing market for tankless water heaters and force consumers to pay an extra $450 for alternatives. The new DOE rule stipulates that new tankless gas water heaters must rely on 13% less energy than the least efficient comparable model on the market today. The ban goes into effect on March 11, 2025, for sales beginning in 2029.

Sen. Cruz’s joint resolution of disapproval received support from numerous organizations, including the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA).

Upcoming Event

Registration is Open for the LPG Charity Fund Houston Texas Hold’em Tournament

Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Location: Dave & Buster’s - Katy Freeway, Houston

Registration & Lunch: 11:30 AM

Tournament Start: 1:00 PM

The Annual John L. Hinsey Memorial Texas Hold’em Tournament, organized by the LPG Charity Fund and chaired by TPGA member Callie Stewart, returns for another exciting year.

Attendees can enjoy friendly competition, networking opportunities, and a chance to win incredible raffle prizes, including a trip for two to Las Vegas. Lunch and cocktails will also be available for those who prefer to mingle rather than play.

Proceeds support the LPG Charity Fund’s mission of assisting industry members facing catastrophic medical or financial hardships.

For more details or to register, visit www.lpgfund.com. Platinum and Gold Sponsors are reminded to claim their complimentary seats. Questions can be directed to Callie Stewart at cbstewart@eprod.com.