Earlier this month, the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA)'s Governmental Affairs Committee convened in San Antonio during the NPGA Board & Related Meetings. The committee gathered to receive updates from NPGA staff and discuss key advocacy issues affecting the propane industry. As is customary, the group was divided into three task force sessions focused on federal regulatory, state-level, and federal legislative matters.

Key Topics and Discussions:

Regulatory Updates:

• Department of Energy’s Consumer Water Heater Final Rule
• OSHA Guidance on Process Safety Management Enforcement
• PHMSA Guidance on Remote Power Shut-Off Regulations
• OSHA Heat Injury & Illness Prevention Proposed Rule
• PHMSA Ongoing Work on Cylinder Markings

State-Level Issues:

• Industry efforts to lower the age for CDL holders to obtain an HME
• Legislative initiatives to eliminate state PERC programs
• State and local efforts to incentivize fuel-switching while penalizing the use of conventional thermal fuels

Federal Legislative Matters:

• Upcoming Presidential race and its potential impact on key Congressional races
• Relevant tax policies
• Propane-related provisions in the Farm Bill
• National Defense Authorization Act
• Rail safety legislation
• FY24 appropriations bill

Congressional Guest: During the meeting series, NPGA hosted Congressman Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23), who represents much of the greater San Antonio area, as a special guest during its "Propane, Politics, and Coffee" session on the morning of the board meeting.

Source: NPGA Texas Director's Report

Are you on our Texas Find a Propane Retailer Directory?

Are you taking advantage of our "Find a Propane Retailer in Texas" tool? It's a complimentary perk for our TPGA members. 

Ensure your locations and serviced counties are included in the TPGA Member Only "Find a Propane Retailer in Texas" tool. 

Simply visit https://propanetexas.com/find-a-retailer/ to access it. Then, search by county to see if you are already listed or need to correct or update your information. If you've acquired or opened a new location, remember to add it. 

Most of the information TPGA has on our members is their mailing address for their main office, but this is not exactly something we can use to help locate you, especially for those of you with P.O. boxes. So, it is important that you complete our directory form with your “physical address” so consumers can find you. Most importantly, for the directory to work, we need the counties you service. 

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to have your company listed. 

You must complete a separate form for each manned location you have that is not already in the directory.

Are you still in the process of hiring drivers for the winter?

Here are some reminders about whether a driver needs Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) as required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):

Entry-level CMV operators in interstate and intrastate commerce who are applying for one of the following for the first time must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT):

• Obtaining a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time
• Upgrading an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL
• Obtaining a hazardous materials (H) endorsement

Each state driver’s license office must electronically verify with the FMCSA that the applicant has completed the required ELDT training and certification process before administering a CDL skills test or the knowledge test for an ‘H’ endorsement.

The National Propane Gas Association’s (NPGA) ACE program helps companies navigate ELDT by handling all required FMCSA submissions, shielding companies from FMCSA audits, and guiding new drivers through training.

Get the answers to your most commonly asked questions and learn more about ELDT and the ACE Program at www.npga.org/eldt

Looking for drivers and service techs for the heating season? The Propane Council of Texas has partnered with GeneratioNext Propane Pros. Through the website www.nextgenpropane.com, we offer several free features that make it a valuable resource for propane businesses, including:

• Large Pool of Qualified Applicants: Propane businesses can access a vast talent pool with over 5,450 active and qualified candidates nationwide and over 516 in Texas.
• Targeted Search: Employers can find potential hires based on criteria such as location, experience level, CDL certification, and more.
• Applicant Profiles: Detailed candidate profiles, including resumes, education, and skills, empower employers to make informed decisions.
• Easy Job Posting: Propane businesses can post open positions with clear descriptions, locations, and salary ranges to attract suitable applicants.

If you have questions, please contact Michelle Wilson at michelle_wilson@bostonenv.com or 774-259-9424.

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