National Propane Gas Association Archives

Propane Days 2024 Is Here!

Register Now for NPGA’s Annual and Board of Directors Meeting and Propane Days 2024 this June 2-4! The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) invites all members to register for the Annual and Board of Directors Meeting and Propane Days 2024! This event is set to feature a full schedule of significant activities designed to keep… Continue reading Propane Days 2024 Is Here!

Register Now for NPGA’s Annual and Board of Directors Meeting and Propane Days 2024 this June 2-4!

The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) invites all members to register for the Annual and Board of Directors Meeting and Propane Days 2024! This event is set to feature a full schedule of significant activities designed to keep members informed and engaged with the latest developments in the propane industry.

Key Highlights of Propane Days 2024

Policy Updates: Gain insights from a range of industry experts who will provide the latest updates on policies affecting the propane industry.

Capitol Hill Meetings: Participate in in-person meetings with NPGA members on Capitol Hill. This is a great opportunity to discuss key issues and advocate for the industry directly with lawmakers.

Congressional Reception: Attend the Congressional Reception on June 4, offering a unique chance to network with peers and interact with Congressional representatives.

Event Location and Accommodations

The headquarters hotel for Propane Days is the Hilton Capitol Hill, located at 525 New Jersey Ave, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001. Although the group rate is no longer available, the hotel may still have rooms.

For additional lodging options, consider these nearby hotels:

• Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill

• Yotel

• Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill

Don’t miss out on this important event! Register Today and ensure your place at Propane Days 2024 to stay informed, network with fellow members, and help shape the future of the propane industry.

NPGA Takes Legal Action to Safeguard Consumer Choice and Appliance Efficiency

In a bold move aimed at preserving consumer choice and challenging what they perceive as flawed regulations, the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) has recently joined forces with the American Gas Association and the American Public Gas Association. Together, they have filed lawsuits against the Department of Energy (DOE) over its Final Rule for Commercial Water Heaters. Subsequently, with the recent release of the DOE Final Rule on Consumer Furnaces, the coalition, led by NPGA, has once again taken legal action, filing a second lawsuit against the Department of Energy. These legal battles seek to address concerns surrounding the establishment of a separate product class for non-condensing appliances under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.

On October 13, 2023, NPGA, alongside its partners, initiated legal proceedings in the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the DOE’s Final Rule for Commercial Water Heaters. This initial lawsuit signaled the coalition’s commitment to upholding the interests of both consumers and the propane industry in the face of what they believe to be overreach and flawed regulatory decisions.

The recent release of the DOE Final Rule on Consumer Furnaces has prompted NPGA to take action once again. The coalition’s second lawsuit, filed on Monday, December 18, addresses concerns regarding the DOE’s decision not to establish a separate product class for non-condensing appliances. This decision is being scrutinized for its potential implications on appliance efficiency and consumer choice.

NPGA has expressed its intention to consolidate the two existing lawsuits with a third suit that focuses on DOE’s Interpretive Rule. In this particular case, the DOE opted not to create a separate product class for non-condensing appliances. By consolidating these legal efforts, NPGA aims to amplify its arguments and strengthen its position against what it perceives as government overreach.

Legal Focus: Energy Policy and Conservation Act:

All three lawsuits center around a critical question: Should the Department of Energy have established a separate product class for non-condensing appliances under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act? NPGA contends that the absence of such a product class could compromise consumer choice and hinder the promotion of efficient appliances.

NPGA is actively engaging with outside counsel to bolster its legal arguments. Regular consultations with legal experts are aimed at providing comprehensive information and insights that can effectively challenge the DOE’s decisions. By leveraging external expertise, NPGA seeks to ensure a robust legal strategy in defense of consumer choice and the propane industry.

The National Propane Gas Association’s legal actions underscore its commitment to protecting the interests of consumers and the propane industry. As these legal battles unfold, the outcomes will undoubtedly shape the landscape of appliance regulations and energy efficiency standards. NPGA’s proactive stance against perceived government overreach and flawed regulations showcases its dedication to maintaining a balance between regulatory measures and consumer choice.

For more information, individuals are encouraged to contact NPGA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs, Kate Gaziano.

Credits to NPGA for the information provided.

NPGA-EIA Collaboration: Paving the Way for Propane Industry Transparency

For the past ten years, the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) and the Energy Information Administration (EIA) have joined forces in a relentless pursuit of transparency within the propane industry. This collaborative effort sought to address critical challenges, including determining the precise volume of market-ready propane, navigating complexities from propylene/propane classification, and overcoming data collection… Continue reading NPGA-EIA Collaboration: Paving the Way for Propane Industry Transparency

For the past ten years, the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) and the Energy Information Administration (EIA) have joined forces in a relentless pursuit of transparency within the propane industry. This collaborative effort sought to address critical challenges, including determining the precise volume of market-ready propane, navigating complexities from propylene/propane classification, and overcoming data collection issues from propane stocks. The culmination of this decade-long partnership marks a transformative moment, ushering in a new era of accuracy and openness in industry data.

The Focus on Fractionated Propane

In 2022, NPGA’s Propane Supply and Logistics Committee continued the mission to distinguish the precise quantity of fractionated propane prepared for distribution. Recognizing the importance of accurate data for businesses and stakeholders in the propane sector, NPGA submitted a thoughtful comment to the EIA. This comment underscored the critical need for access to precise information on propane volumes, emphasizing its significance for the entire industry.

A Milestone Achieved

The collaborative efforts of NPGA and EIA have yielded tangible results. EIA has initiated the collection of data through the EIA Form 815 Monthly Bulk Terminal Report, which commenced in September. The new data series is anticipated to be available in November. This development represents a significant leap forward in transparency and data accuracy for the propane industry. The initiation of this data collection process not only showcases the persistence of NPGA and EIA in addressing industry needs but also solidifies the strength of their partnership.

NPGA expresses sincere gratitude to all individuals who contributed to the success of this initiative. The collective efforts of NPGA, EIA, and other stakeholders have been instrumental in achieving this milestone. The collaboration not only serves the immediate needs of the propane industry but also sets a precedent for future cooperative endeavors.

As we celebrate this accomplishment, NPGA and EIA remain committed to fostering transparency and addressing the evolving needs of the propane industry. This successful collaboration serves as a foundation for future initiatives that will continue to propel the industry forward. By staying engaged and proactive, NPGA and EIA aim to build upon this achievement and further enhance the resilience and efficiency of the propane sector.

For additional details on the EIA Monthly Bulk Terminal report, interested parties are encouraged to contact NPGA at 202-355-1327. Your inquiries and engagement are crucial as we collectively embrace a new era of transparency and data accuracy in the propane industry.

Jim Bunsey Joins PERC as Director of Commercial Business Development

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) welcomes Jim Bunsey as its new Director of Commercial Business Development, reinforcing its commitment to expanding and enhancing its presence in the commercial propane sector. In this pivotal role, Bunsey will take the helm of PERC’s commercial and power generation portfolios, serving as a vital link to energy… Continue reading Jim Bunsey Joins PERC as Director of Commercial Business Development

In this pivotal role, Bunsey will take the helm of PERC’s commercial and power generation portfolios, serving as a vital link to energy service companies (ESCOs), construction specifiers, and the retail trades. Additionally, his focus will extend to commercial opportunities necessitating larger fuel storage tanks and deliveries facilitated by substantial transport trucks.

Bunsey brings a wealth of propane industry expertise to PERC, making him a valuable addition to the organization. “Jim is a great addition to the PERC team and brings extensive knowledge to this position thanks to his experience in the propane industry,” stated PERC President and CEO, Tucker Perkins. “We look forward to all of the success Jim will bring to the commercial market program.”

Bunsey’s prior role as Director of Operations at Superior Energy Systems saw him overseeing all aspects of propane and natural gas liquid product design, development, and in-field installations. This included managing fuel terminals and over 600 propane autogas infrastructure installations, showcasing his exceptional grasp of the industry’s technical and operational intricacies. Before his tenure at Superior Energy Systems, Bunsey owned Triad Mechanical, a company specializing in designing and installing commercial and industrial HVAC and fire protection systems.

Bunsey is actively engaged in industry committees, serving as a member of the National Propane Gas Association’s Technology, Standards, and Safety Committee and the National Fire Protection Association’s Technical Committee on Liquefied Petroleum Gases, known as the NFPA 58 committee. He will carry out his responsibilities from his home office in Oberlin, Ohio.

Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Bunsey said, “I’m excited and humbled to be a part of the PERC team. This is a great opportunity, and I’m ready to get started working with construction professionals to keep reinforcing propane’s environmental benefits.”

Bunsey’s appointment underscores PERC’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable solutions within the propane industry’s commercial sector. His extensive experience and industry involvement position him well to be a driving force behind the advancement of propane’s environmental advantages and its continued growth in the commercial market.

DRIVE Safe Integrity Act Aims to Address Truck Driver Shortage

The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) is closely monitoring the DRIVE Safe Integrity Act, a recently introduced bill to address the national truck driver shortage. U.S. Reps introduced the bill. Rick Crawford (R-Ark.) and Henry Cuellar (D-Texas). It aims to eliminate the legal restrictions that keep drivers between 18 and 20 from working as interstate… Continue reading DRIVE Safe Integrity Act Aims to Address Truck Driver Shortage

According to the American Trucking Association (ATA), to meet the expanding needs of freight transportation, 1.2 million additional drivers will be needed to fill the industry’s current shortage of over 78,000 truck drivers. Although 49 states and the District of Columbia permit heavy-duty commercial vehicle operation by 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in intrastate commerce, federal laws forbid the same drivers from operating in interstate commerce.

The Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program was included in the bipartisan infrastructure law 2021, and the DRIVE Safe Integrity Act builds on the bipartisan support the DRIVE Safe Act received in previous Congresses. Up to 3,000 drivers between 18 and 20 are eligible to drive interstate trucks under the pilot program. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has been unable to gather the information needed to support a long-term program because of the program’s low participation. As a result, Michael Baker from the NPGA explained that Congress is reintroducing legislation to address the driver shortage.

The bipartisan infrastructure law left out additional DOT requirements for program participation, as emphasized by the ATA, and the DRIVE Safe Integrity Act seeks to address them. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee had scheduled the bill for discussion in late May. Still, Baker claims the chairman pulled it at the last minute over objections from committee members to specific provisions. NPGA is still optimistic that the bill will pass the House, but what will happen afterward is unclear.

NPGA is dedicated to working with the ATA and other interested parties to promote the legislation and support its advancement.