In The News

NPGA Web Services Interruption from May 17 – May 19

(05-13-13) Beginning at approximately 6:00 PM (Eastern) on Friday, May 17, 2013, NPGA’s communications servers will be unavailable. This will impact our e-mail, CETP, meeting registration, and other web-based systems. Full service should be restored by 5:30 PM (Eastern) on Sunday, May 19. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and thank you for your patience. READ MORE

NPGA Welcomes Energy Industry Expert Jeff Petrash

(03-22-13) The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) is pleased to announce that Jeff Petrash has joined the association as Vice President and General Counsel. An energy policy expert, Petrash will also serve as one of NPGA's senior advocates on Capitol Hill and in federal agencies. READ MORE

Propane Industry Urges DOE to Broaden Energy Efficiency Ratings

(02-12-13) Washington, DC (February 12, 2013) – In comments filed yesterday with the Department of Energy (DOE), the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) called on DOE to include a Full-Fuel Cycle (FFC) analysis in its new water heater test procedure and the new universal energy descriptor. READ MORE

Court Preserves Homeowner Choice in Fireplace Case

(02-08-13) Washington, D.C. (February 8, 2013) – The District of Columbia Court of Appeals ruled today in favor of an appeal filed by the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) challenging DOE’s recent actions to regulate decorative hearth products. The Court ordered that “the entire statutory definition of ‘Vented Hearth Heater’ be vacated, and remanded the definition to DOE to interpret the challenged provisions in accordance with the Court’s opinion." READ MORE

NPGA Applauds Congress for Supporting Alternative Fuels

(01-03-13) WASHINGTON, D.C., January 2, 2013 – Several key alternative energy provisions in the “fiscal cliff” bill, expected to be signed by the President, will directly benefit the propane industry and its customers. Richard Roldan, NPGA’s President and CEO, congratulated Congress for recognizing the importance that alternative fuels, such as propane, play in the nation’s energy and employment objectives. READ MORE

Propane Industry Calls on Congress to Extend Tax Provisions for Alternative Fuels

(12-13-12) (12/13/12) In a letter to the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) urged Congress to embrace tax credit extensions for alternative fuels, underscoring its importance to America’s energy security and employment objectives. READ MORE

The Oilspot News: "Driving Gains for Propane NPGA says Propane Poised to Increase Market Share with Autogas"

(12-04-12) (10/29/12) The U.S. propane industry is poised to increase its market share of vehicle fuel, known as autogas, according to the National Propane Gas Association. “Propane is the third most prominent fuel used in the world today,” Rick Roldan, president and CEO of the NPGA told Telvent DTN on Oct. 25. READ MORE

Colorado Springs Business Journal: "Propane could answer fuel needs, but enviros skeptical"

(12-04-12) The Natural Propane Gas Association says that the industry is a jobs engine, cuts greenhouse gases by 20 percent and reduces reliance on foreign countries for fuel supplies. READ MORE

Platts Energy Week: "Propane: A Natural Gas Liquid in Search of a Bigger Market"

(12-04-12) Richard Roldan, the president of the National Propane Gas Association, discusses the opportunities and challenges facing the industry. READ MORE

FERC Rejects Proposed Injection Allocation Policy Change on Dixie

(08-20-12) On August 15,2012 the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an order rejecting Dixie Pipeline's proposal to change its injection capacity allocation policy. READ MORE

NPGA Seeks Volunteers for Professional Designation Program Task Force

(08-13-12) The NPGA Conventions Committee has formed a Task Force to explore the possibility of establishing a Professional Designation Program for the propane industry. READ MORE

Z21/83 Committee Defers Action

(08-03-12) One of the key issues at the recent ANSI Z21/83 Committee Meeting, which writes and maintains standards for fuel gas burning appliances and equipment, was related to the proposed changes to the Z21.11.2 standard on unvented room heaters. READ MORE

Register for the Women in Propane Council's July 25 Webinar on Social Media

(07-23-12) Join the online conversation and discover how social media can take your career to the next level! The Women in Propane Council will host two webinars this summer on social media, including Introduction to Social Media on July 25, 2012 and Social Media for Professional Development on August 22, 2012. READ MORE

PHMSA Holds Workshop On Incorporation by Reference

(07-23-12) Last week, NPGA participated in a workshop held by the Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) on the subject of Incorporation by Reference (IBR) of voluntary consensus standards into federal regulations. READ MORE

House Energy Subcommittee Continues Hearings on Alternative Fuels and Vehicles

(07-13-12) The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power continues its hearings on the American Energy Initiative. READ MORE

Senate Appropriators Approve FY 2013 LIHEAP Funding at Same Level as Current Fiscal Year

(07-06-12) The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Fiscal Year 2013 at the same level as in the current fiscal year. READ MORE

Codes and Standards Updates

(06-25-12) In its efforts to revise the International Fire Code and International Fuel Gas Code to be more suitable for adoption by the State of South Carolina, the South Carolina Propane Gas Association (SCPGA) proposed several changes to the Building Codes Council in that state. READ MORE

NPGA 2012-2013 Officers Elected

(06-08-12) Ray Murray, Chairman: Ray has been in the propane business since 1976 when he joined his parents and brother at Ray Murray, Inc., the family's propane equipment distribution business located in Berkshire Hills in western Massachusetts. READ MORE

Propane Days 2012: A Huge Success for the Industry

(06-08-12) This year's Propane Days was a huge success with more than 200 industry leaders traveling to Washington, DC to inform their Congressional representatives of issues affecting our industry. READ MORE

NPGA Chairman Reflects on a Successful Term

(06-01-12) Over the past year, I have greatly enjoyed traveling across our nation to meet you and discuss what NPGA is doing to support your businesses' growth during these challenging times. READ MORE

Propane Days 2012

(05-17-12) This year's Propane Days takes place June 4-6, 2012 in Washington, DC and the timing is perfect to advance our agenda in a number of important ways. We need to seize this opportunity to describe why propane should play a major role in America's energy future. READ MORE

PCC Raffle Winners Announced

(05-17-12) Congratulations to Eastern Propane Corp. of Oak Ridge, NJ for winning the grand prize, a ROUSH CleanTech Liquid Propane Autogas Ford F-250, in the centennial raffle. The raffle drawing took place at the Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo last month in Atlanta, GA. READ MORE

Join the Women in Propane Council

(05-04-12) The Women in Propane Council is now accepting member applications online. Individuals may join at the rate of $25 and companies may join at the corporate rate of $500 which includes an unlimited number of individuals from the company. READ MORE

Propane Days: Reserve Hotel Reservations by May 4 to Receive the Discounted Rate

(04-27-12) Join NPGA in Washington, DC on June 4 - 6, 2012 to help us communicate the propane industry's legislative agenda to your Congressional Representatives and Senators. READ MORE

NPGA Launches Propane Marketplace

(04-20-12) NPGA is pleased to launch the NPGA Propane Marketplace in partnership with MultiView, Inc., the leading provider of digital media solutions for the association world. READ MORE

FERC Suspends TEPPCO Rate Increase Proposal

(04-20-12) On Friday, April 13, 2012, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an order on the protest filed by NPGA and 84 other companies and state associations against the TEPPCO rate increase. READ MORE

NPGA-led Coalition Protests Enterprise TEPPCO Rate Increase for Second Time

(04-09-12) NPGA-led Coalition Protests Enterprise TEPPCO Rate Increase for Second Time On April 2, 2012, NPGA and a coalition of 84 other companies and state associations joined together to protest the huge rate increase proposed by Enterprise TEPPCO. READ MORE

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Rejects Tariff Rate Increase Proposals Filed by Enterprise TEPPCO

(03-06-12) NPGA is very pleased to announce that on Friday, March 2, 2012 the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) rejected outright two tariff rate increase proposals filed sequentially by Enterprise TEPPCO on February 10th and 17th of this year. READ MORE

NPGA Leads Coalition of Over 58 Companies and Trade Associations in Protest of Unjust Tariff Increases on the Enterprise TEPPCO Pipeline

(02-29-12) The National Propane Gas Association announced Monday, February 27, 2012 that it and a coalition of over 58 companies and trade associations protested an unjust and unreasonable tariff increase on the Enterprise TEPPCO pipeline, which runs from near Houston, Texas, to Upstate New York. READ MORE

Executive Committee Unanimously Votes to Protest TEPPCO Tariff Filing

(02-24-12) On Tuesday February 21, 2012, NPGA's Executive Committee unanimously voted to approve NPGA's participation in a formal protest against TEPPCO's cost-of-service filing proposed to raise rates for most destinations on the pipeline. READ MORE

Women in Propane Council: Join the Conversation

(02-24-12) The Women in Propane Council launched social media sites on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Membership in the council is scheduled to open in March 2012. READ MORE

Propane Centennial Celebration Documentary

(02-13-12) The PCC Task Force is pleased to present a short preview of the PCC Documentary (you will be prompted to enter your NPGA membership Id and password before you can preview the video). The full length version of the video will be available at the Southeastern Convention and International Propane Expo in April. READ MORE

Panel Discussion: Propane Supply and Demand and the Effects of Shale Gas Plays

(02-10-12) NPGA convened an important seminar on Monday, January 30, 2012 that addressed supply and demand challenges facing the propane industry. READ MORE

Women in Propane Council Receives Executive Committee Approval

(01-13-12) The NPGA Executive Committee approved the formation of the Women in Propane Council at the winter meeting held last week in Washington, DC. READ MORE

DOT Issues Hours of Service (HOS) Final Rule

(01-06-12) The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has published the long awaited Hours of Service of Drivers' Final Rule. The new definition of on-duty time is effective February 27, 2012. READ MORE

DOT Clarifies Cell Phone Usage Restrictions

(12-22-11) As previously reported, effective January 3, 2012, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is restricting drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) from using hand-held mobile phones while driving. READ MORE

New Hope for Tax Extenders This Year?

(12-19-11) For several months now it has appeared that consideration of the extension of various tax credits would not take place in Congress before the end of the year. READ MORE

DOT Prohibits Cell Phone Usage for HAZMAT Drivers

(12-09-11) Beginning January 3, 2012, a new regulation from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) restricts drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) from using hand-held mobile phones while driving. READ MORE

Congressional Session Remains Uncertain; NPGA Advocacy for Tax Credits Is Not

(12-02-11) With approximately three weeks remaining in this year's Congressional session, it is unclear what and how much will be accomplished before adjournment. READ MORE

NPGA Works to Defeat PERA Repeal Amendments

(11-23-11) NPGA has moved aggressively to counter a legislative threat to the Propane Education and Research Act (PERA). Specifically, on November 16, 2011, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) filed two amendments intended to be proposed to the energy and water development appropriations bill (HR 2354). READ MORE

DOE to Publish Final Rule on Decorative Hearth Products

(11-17-11) NPGA has learned that the Department of Energy (DOE) will soon publish its Final Rule on decorative hearth products in the Federal Register. DOE forwarded an advance copy of the ruling to NPGA late last week. READ MORE

New Study Demonstrates Significant Economic, Energy Security Benefits of Propane Autogas Tax Incentives

(11-11-11) The Propane Green Autogas Solutions Act (“Propane GAS Act”) of 2011 offers significant economic growth, environmental and energy security benefits to the American economy, according to a study released today by the National Propane Gas Association. READ MORE

DOT Responds to Hours of Service Opposition

(11-03-11) Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, recently sent Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) a letter to discourage her from offering an amendment to prohibit the use of federal funds in FY2012 to 'implement, finalize, or enforce' the proposed Hours of Service (HOS) rule. READ MORE

Exhibit Space Sales Open for 2012 Atlanta Expo

(10-28-11) Exhibit space is now on sale for the National Propane Gas Association's 2012 Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo taking place on April 14 - 16, 2012 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. READ MORE

Autogas Grassroots: Urge Federal Legislators to Cosponsor the Propane GAS Act (H.R. 2014/S. 1120)

(10-14-11) The Propane Green Autogas Solutions Act ("Propane GAS Act") of 2011 (H.R. 2014/S. 1120), sponsored by Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Representative John Carter (R-TX), would extend for five years federal alternative fuel tax credits for propane used as a motor fuel (autogas), propane autogas vehicles, and propane autogas refueling equipment. READ MORE

National Labor Relations Board "Notice Posting Rule" Under Assault

(10-14-11) A new regulation from the National Labor Relations Board is being challenged in court by the small business community as an overreach of its legal authority granted to it by Congress in the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). READ MORE

Call to Action on DOE Vented Hearth Product Issue

(09-30-11) As previously reported, the Department of Energy (DOE) is attempting to regulate decorative gas fireplaces and gas logs sets as a type of direct heating equipment (DHE), which would require these products to meet DOE's minimum efficiency requirements. ***Members, you will need to log-in to access this page. If you do not have your log-in credentials please contact NPGA so that we can provide them to you. READ MORE

Apply Now for 2012-2013 NPGF Scholarships!

(09-30-11) The National Propane Gas Foundation (NPGF) Scholarship Fund aims to foster educational opportunities for the children of NPGA member companies by offering scholarships to colleges or vocational/technical schools. READ MORE

NPGA Appeals to USACE on MAPL Pipeline Replacement Issue

(09-12-11) Two weeks ago, NPGA appealed to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on a matter concerning a portion of the Mid-America Pipeline (MAPL) near Decatur, Nebraska, which was damaged by severe flooding of the Missouri River. READ MORE

NPGA Weighing In On DOE Proposal Regarding Vented Gas Fireplaces/Log Sets

(09-01-11) NPGA plans to testify at a Department of Energy (DOE) hearing today expressing our concerns over the agency's proposal to include vented gas log sets under the definition of Direct Heating Equipment. READ MORE

DOE Adopts Full-Fuel-Cycle Analysis

(08-26-11) NPGA achieved a major milestone last week when the Department of Energy (DOE) published a Statement of Policy (SOP) announcing its plans to adopt Full-Fuel-Cycle (FFC) Analyses into their Energy Conservation Standards Program. READ MORE

Major Teppco Pipeline Settlement Reached

(08-22-11) NPGA and a coalition of shippers known as the Propane Group have reached a settlement with Enterprise TEPPCO resolving a major inventory policy. READ MORE

DOE Proposes to Redefine "Vented Hearth Heaters"

(08-16-11) The Department of Energy (DOE) recently published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to amend its definition of "vented hearth heaters." READ MORE

Senator Blunt Asks for IRS Clarification on Fuel Tax Credit

(07-26-11) NPGA has been working with Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) and the IRS to clarify confusion over what qualifies for the current 50 cent per gallon alternative fuel tax credit. READ MORE

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Reports Bills Related to Propane

(07-14-11) Although the majority of the attention in Washington and Congress recently is focused on resolving the debate on the debt limit and budget, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today reported out several bills. READ MORE

NPGA Asserts Primacy of NFPA 58 in DOT Proposed Rule

(07-12-11) The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a proposed rulemaking recently that would require motor carriers who engage in cargo tank loading and unloading to perform a risk assessment of the operation and develop and implement safe operating procedures based upon the risk assessment. READ MORE

Propane Days 2011: A Huge Success for the Industry

(06-17-11) This year's Propane Days was a huge success with more than 300 industry leaders traveling to Washington, DC to inform their Congressional representatives of issues affecting our industry. READ MORE

Last Call for 2012 Expo Speaker Submissions

(06-10-11) Friday, June 10, 2011 is the deadline to submit educational sessions for consideration at the 2012 Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo taking place on April 14 - 16, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. READ MORE

Reserve Propane Days Hotel Accommodations Now for Best Availability

(05-17-11) Propane Days, the propane industry's most important legislative outreach program, is almost here, and will be taking place June 13-15, 2011. Rooms at our headquarters hotel, the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, are sold out. READ MORE

2011 Annual Meeting and Mid-Year Board Meeting

(05-06-11) The NPGA's 2011 Annual Meeting and Mid-Year Board of Directors Meeting will take place on Monday, June 13, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. READ MORE

2011 Propane Days: Hotel Rooms Selling Quickly!

(05-06-11) The deadline to reserve hotel rooms for the NPGA Mid-Year Board of Directors Meeting and Propane Days at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill is next Friday, May 13, 2011. READ MORE

NPGA Fights for Decorative Vented Gas Fireplaces

(04-29-11) NPGA urged DOE to repeal its Final Rule on energy conservation standards for Direct Heating equipment as they apply to decorative vented gas fireplaces. READ MORE

NPGA Wraps Up 2011 Expo

(04-21-11) The National Propane Gas Association held the annual Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo on April 16 – 18, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. Over 2,800 attendees and exhibitors gathered at the Georgia World Congress Center for the largest propane-related event in North America. READ MORE

Propane Industry Urges Congress to Protect Consumer Choice

(04-08-11) Noting the introduction of the New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions (NATGAS) Act of 2011, NPGA President Richard Roldan urged Congress to think twice about enacting any bill that removes consumer choice from purchasing decisions on alternative fuel vehicles. READ MORE

Court Complicates California Climate Law Implementation

(04-04-11) In mid-March a California Superior Court Judge ruled against A.B. 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, a major climate change law signed by Governor Schwarzenegger. READ MORE

Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

(03-28-11) Legislation to extend the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program has been recently introduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. READ MORE

2011 CETP Proctor Training is Now OPEN

(03-18-11) NPGA's Certified Employee Training Program (CETP) Proctor Training is now open. All currently active proctor passwords will expire on April 30, 2011. Proctors must participate in the 2011 Proctor Training and pass the exam in order to obtain a new password. READ MORE

President's Proposed Budget Could Impose Significant User Fees for Special Permits/Approvals Applicants

(03-08-11) NPGA reported on several elements of President Obama's proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2012. One of those elements includes proposed user fees for those who apply for Special Permits or Approvals. READ MORE

Federal Budget for FY 2012 Released

(02-18-11) The first major showdown between President Obama and Congress came into focus on Monday with the release of the federal budget for Fiscal Year 2012. READ MORE

Hours of Service Member Survey

(01-28-11) Take NPGA's online member survey so that we can assess the impact of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) proposed Hours of Service Rules for Drivers. *Members note that you will be prompted to enter your login credentials to complete the survey. READ MORE

IRS Releases Guidance on Filing for 2010

(01-20-11) The IRS has released guidance with instructions for filing for the 50 cent per gallon fuel tax credit for taxable year 2010. *Members must login to access this page. READ MORE

NPGA Comments on CPSC Product Safety Notice

(01-20-11) Safety is our industry’s highest priority. Our member companies will continue to work in close cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Comission (CPSC) and state officials to ensure this targeted recall is conducted in a safe, orderly and effective way. READ MORE

Proposed Change to Drivers Hours of Service Released

(01-05-11) Last week, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued its longawaited Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Drivers Hours of Service (HOS). READ MORE

Tax Bill Enacted Containing Major Propane Provisions

(12-22-10) On December 17, President Obama signed into law the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Authorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010. This action culminates more than a year’s work on the part of NPGA lobbyists to extend some of the critical tax credits authorized by the federal government. READ MORE

Senate Moves Toward Passage of Tax Bill: Major Propane Provisions Included

(12-16-10) Monday evening, the Senate voted 83-15 on a procedural vote to move toward general debate and eventual passage on an end-of-year tax bill. READ MORE

President and Republicans Reach Agreement on Taxes

(12-09-10) President Obama agreed to a deal with Republicans to extend the so-called “Bush tax cuts” for another two years. READ MORE

Senate Fails to Pass Amendments that Would Ease Tax Filing Requirements for Small Businesses

(12-06-10) Last week, the Senate defeated two amendments designed to ease the tax filing requirements for small businesses. READ MORE

FMCSA Announces Improvements to CSA 2010 Safety Measurement System (SMS)

(11-24-10) Based on roadside inspection data and investigation findings, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has begun providing carriers with information about where they stand in each of the new Comprehensive Safety Analysis (CSA) categories, referred to as BASICS. READ MORE

Vote on the Promoting Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles Act Postponed

(11-19-10) Wednesday morning, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) postponed a procedural vote on S. 3815, the Promoting Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles Act of 2010. READ MORE

"Thank You" to All PropanePAC Donors

(11-16-10) PropanePAC would like to thank all PropanePAC donors. Because of your commitment and generosity, we were able to contribute $226,000 this election cycle to 90 federal candidates. READ MORE

Election Results Update

(11-08-10) The November 2nd election closed the books on a contentious campaign season with startling results. As many political forecasters suggested, Republicans retook the House of Representatives and now hold their largest majority (239 – 186, results from 10 races still pending) since the Eisenhower Administration. READ MORE

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