NPGA State Director Report
Key Highlights from the Annual Meeting
The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) held its Annual Meeting, Summer Board of Directors Meeting, and Propane Days in Washington, DC, from June 2-5, 2024. Here are the key updates:
Leadership Changes
Outgoing Chair Jeff Stewart handed the gavel to Tom Van Buren, the new Chair of the Board of Directors. Other officers include:
Trent Hampton, Treasurer
DD Alexander, Vice Chair
Mike Hopsicker, Chair-Elect
Jeff Stewart, Immediate Past Chair
Marketers Section
Daniel Dixon, Marketers Section Chair, introduced incoming Chair, Brian Brooks, and Vice Chair, Ray Galan. Tucker Perkins, PERC President and CEO, discussed industry challenges and opportunities, emphasizing safety and training. Regional breakout meetings focused on legislative and regulatory issues, summarized by District 5 Director, Tom Jaenicke.
Propane Buses and Autogas
A panel discussion moderated by Kate Gaziano highlighted federal grant opportunities and propane’s success in the EPA’s Clean School Bus funding. Key insights were provided by:
Todd Mouw (Roush CleanTech)
Scott Underwood (Altogas)
John Philips (Phillips Energy)
Brad Blair (Illinois PGA)
Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill
NPGA members met with over 220 congressional offices. The day concluded with a reception attended by members of Congress and their staff.
PropanePAC
PropanePAC hosted a donor reception and a Propane, Politics, & Coffee event with Scott Tranter from Decision Desk HQ, discussing the upcoming presidential election’s potential impact on the propane industry. Stephanie Hennen passed the PAC Steering Committee Chair role to Andrew Vogl.
Policy Discussions
NPGA General Counsel, Benjamin Nussdorf, and former FMCSA Deputy Administrator, Earl Adams, discussed Hours of Service Waivers and the ELDT Program. Austin Wicker facilitated a discussion on the role of propane in agriculture with Josie Montoney-Crawford from NASDA.
Technology, Standards, and Safety
The Board approved modifications to NFPA 58. These include:
Docket Tbpt-1916: Limits fire safety analysis to installations with containers greater than 4,000 gallons.
Docket Tef-1935: Expands compliance options for Autogas fuel systems.
Awards
Chair’s Citations were awarded to:
Dan Binning
Bruce Swiecicki
The Scholarship Committee honored Rosie Buschur with the 2024 NPGF Outstanding Service Award. Zoe Williams received the State Director of the Year Award. Charmin Heimel and Rob Upton were recognized with Safety Awards.
New Directors (as of June 4, 2024):
Lisa Gerwitz (Arizona)
Alex Gallard (California)
Jim Jung (Minnesota)
Jason Nasby (Montana)
Lucas Malicoate (Oklahoma)
Mark Garrison (Texas)
Phillip Scheel (Wyoming)
Marci Ballard (Washington)
Tommy Manion (Canada)
Gerry Goody (District 2)
Paula Summers (Services Section)
Michelle Wilson (Services Section)
Travis Dunham (Producer & Wholesaler Section)
Joe Natale (Producer & Wholesaler Section)
Claudia Bonucchi (Manufacturer Section)
Steve Farkas (Director-at-Large)
Bruce Leonard (Director-at-Large)
Tyler Misel (Director-at-Large)
Paige O’Dell (Director-at-Large)
Steve Wambold (Director-at-Large)
The NPGA continues to address industry challenges and advance propane initiatives.
