TPGA Monday Morning Messenger June 6, 2022

June 6, 2022

In Brief

In this edition of the Monday Morning Messenger, the Texas Propane Gas Association shares our official proposed LP Gas Safety rule change comments to the Railroad Commission with you.

Also, our Sr. TPGA Technical Director, Richard Gilbert shares with members recommended changes to the 2023 edition of NFPA 58, which is in the final stages of being adopted by the NFPA committee.

Also, do not forget that this afternoon NPGA, in partnership with TPGA, is hosting a meeting with Senator John Cornyn on the status of the extension of the alternative fuel tax credits. Join us! Please find details on signing up for the Zoom meeting our third brief of the morning.

Speaking of NPGA, they share with us their efforts to get more energy assistance funds for propane customers through LIHEAP.

Lastly, don't forget about our Regulatory Pavilion at the expo and how you can ask government representatives everything from questions on energy assistance to government-backed small business loans.

Don't forget to check out our Quick Links section for things to do in San Antonio, fast access to our TPGA store, how you can support our 25th-anniversary scholarship auction, and a link to get to submit your propane sales reports, whose deadline was extended.

In this issue

In Brief
LP Gas Safety Rules
NFPA 58 Updates
Senate Meeting Today
LIHEAP Update
Ask the Experts
Quick Links

Calendar

June 6, 2022

June 7, 2022

June 8-10, 2022

of Directors Meetings

June 10, 2022

Texas Propane magazine

ad & classified deadline

June 14, 2022

National Forklift Safety Day

June 15, 2022

Propane Sales Report Extended Deadline

MORE DATES

TPGA Responds to Proposed

LP Gas Safety Rules

The deadline to comment on LP Gas safety rule changes proposed by the Railroad Commission (RRC) was last Friday, June 3, 2022.

TPGA formally submitted comments to the Commission and advocated for new technology, training efficiencies, and other regulatory leniencies.

Click here to view TPGA's formal comments to the Commission.

In addition to our recently submitted formal comments, TPGA has had many discussions with senior AFS staff, RRC attorneys, and the Commissioners on the proposed rule changes.

NFPA 58 Updates

Under Consideration for 2023

Late last month, TPGA Sr. Technical Director Richard Gilbert attended the NFPA 58 Committee meeting in Omaha to discuss the 2^nd Draft comments to the 2023 edition of 58. The NFPA 58 Committee received 58 comments. Many of these comments were either editorial or housekeeping-type proposals to clean up the standard. Of the more significant recommendations adopted to be included in the 2023 edition were:

· Public Comment No. 75- Allows Reinforced Thermoplastic Tubing in high-pressure liquid or vapor service.

· Public Comment No. 62& 63 - Modifies monthly testing of remote ESV & Internal valves

· Public Comment No. 69 – allows a 3-way valve between 2 relief valves with shutoff between relief valves and container.

· Public Comment No. 80 – maximum outlet pressure of a dispenser shall not exceed 312 psi.

· Public Comment No. 85 -Low emission transfer dispenser cabinet shall be marked with a sign reading, "Fixed maximum liquid level gauges shall not be used in the filling of any containers at this Low-Emission Transfer Site"

· Public Comment No. 86 - 9.4.3.10 A listed quick-acting shutoff valve shall be installed at the discharge end of the transfer hose.

· Public Comment No. 40 - allows the use of CSST up to 25 psi if allowed by the manufacturer.

These comments are going out for final public notice. They will be brought before the NFPA Standards Council at the Annual Meeting for final adoption in the 2023 edition of NFPA 58.

TPGA will update you on the final actions and end results once the final adoption takes place by the NFPA Standards Council.

Reminder! Senator Cornyn Zoom Meeting This Afternoon

Don't forget today at 1 PM (Central Time) you are invited to join us for a Zoom meeting with Senator Cornyn's office about the extension of the expired alternative fuel tax credits.

Each propane industry attendee will introduce themselves and NPGA will lead the discussion on the extension. Meeting attendees will get a chance to ask questions at the end.

RSVP

ISSUE BRIEF

Congress Hears from

LIHEAP Advocates

NPGA partners with National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association (NEADA) to better advocate for robust federal support for LIHEAP.

Last week, the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies received testimony from the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association (NEADA) on the need for robust federal funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in fiscal year (FY) 2023, which begins October 1, 2022.

Specifically, NEADA requested $5.1 billion for LIHEAP in FY 2023. This request would be an increase of $1.3 billion from FY 2022 funding levels and, if granted, would allow states to extend financial assistance under the program to an additional 1 million households, including those that utilize propane.

NPGA is a member of NEADA and works with them to advocate for strong congressional support for LIHEAP. NEADA is the national association representing state LIHEAP directors.

Stop By the Regulatory Pavilion

at the Crossroads Expo

Speaking of LIHEAP, the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs will be joining us at the Crossroads Expo to answer all your questions on energy assistance for your Texas propane customers.

In addition to the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs and 200 other vendors, these agencies will also be in attendance:

Railroad Commission of Texas
TCEQ: TERP Grants Division
National Safety Council
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration
Texas Highway Patrol
Texas Department of Agriculture

Tap the above experts with your regulatory and government-related questions while you have them as a captive audience.

The show is SOLD OUT to vendors, but propane marketers can register for the expo only and access the Regulatory Pavilion passes for only:

Propane Retail Marketer Expo Only Regular/Onsite $150

Add Enroll Expo Only Regular/Onsite $75

Children under 12 are FREE

Additional registration options are available for propane retail m marketers. Visit the Crossroads site for more information, or call TPGA at (800)325-7427.