State Director Report Fall 2025

NPGA State Director Report

Fall 2025

NPGA hosted its Fall Board of Directors Meeting in Burlington, VT, October 20-22, 2025. Business included Committee and Section meetings; policy discussions; a timely presentation on artificial intelligence (AI); a PropanePAC event; and much more. Attendees enjoyed a welcome cocktail cruise hosted by Ray Murray, Inc. and PGANE aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen on scenic Lake Champlain. NPGA celebrated Chair Michael Hopsicker at a tailgate-themed reception. Be sure to scroll all the way down to view the photo gallery!

Here are some of the key updates from the meetings:

Steve Kaminski, NPGA President & CEO, launched NPGAid, a new propane industry disaster relief fund. NPGAid provides emergency assistance to full-time NPGA member company employees who are in need of immediate financial assistance following an unforeseen disaster or personal hardship. The session opened with this new video introducing NPGAid, and Kaminski provided an overview of the program:

  • NPGAid is funded by the propane industry for the propane industry. All NPGA members are encouraged to donate to the fund.
  • NGPA is matching donations up to $100,000.
  • Donations to NPGAid are tax-deductible and grants are tax-free.
  • 100% of donations go to those in need. NPGA is covering all administrative expenses. 
  • NPGA is partnering with Emergency Assistance Foundation (EAF), a third-party administrator.
  • Grant applications are confidential and are not reviewed by NPGA/NPGF staff.
  • Help spread the word about NPGAid with this flyer.

The Marketers Section held breakout meetings with the districts grouped together by geography, as well as similarities in legislative and regulatory challenges. NPGA will email district summaries to the Marketers Section members. 

  • Tucker Perkins, President and CEO of PERC provided an update. Mr. Perkins emphasized the importance of safety and training, and spoke of new gallon growth opportunities, especially in the power generation and combined heat and power markets.
  • Jacob Peterson, NPGA Senior Director of State Advocacy and Affairs, held a fireside chat with Matt Cota, lobbyist for the Propane Gas Association of New England, where they discussed industry issues, such as carbon taxes, in Vermont and across the country.
  • Austin Wicker, NPGA Senior Manager, State Government Affairs, provided an overview of his newly drafted white paper on data center energy use and growth opportunities for propane marketers and suppliers. 

The Governmental Affairs Committee convened to receive updates from NPGA staff and discuss key advocacy issues affecting the propane industry. Steve Kaminski delivered a comprehensive presentation on the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) and congressional efforts to amend it in the 119th Congress. He detailed EPCA’s current status, NPGA’s involvement in the legislative process, and the association’s four key priorities, emphasizing ongoing engagement with influential members of Congress. Michael Baker and Ben Nussdorf also provided an update on the federal government shutdown and its implications for the propane industry, underscoring the association’s chief concern—funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)—and outlining both the current situation and the most likely path forward.

As is customary, the Committee broke into three task force sessions – federal legislative, federal regulatory, and state.

Federal Legislative Breakout: The task force discussed the federal government shutdown and its potential impacts on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). NPGA staff also provided a detailed update on the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) and outlined NPGA’s expected role in the ongoing process. In addition, staff reported that the Energy Choice Act now has more than 100 cosponsors and is anticipated to receive further consideration in the House once the government reopens.

Federal Regulatory Breakout: The Regulatory Task Force discussed its recent actions to engage the Trump administration on a variety of issues impacting the propane industry. NPGA staff outlined key advocacy priorities for the USMCA discussions and highlighted recent collaborations with PHMSA, FMCSA, and the State of North Carolina to address confusion surrounding Hazardous Materials Regulations related to remote power shut-offs.

State Breakout: During the state breakout session, NPGA staff presented recent findings identifying 139 potentially illegal state and local actions across 28 states that restrict the use of propane. While multiple states continue to pursue measures limiting propane use, staff highlighted the significance of Maine becoming the 28th state to enact energy choice legislation, a development with important implications for the propane industry. The discussion also covered new state laws permitting CDL drivers aged 18–20 to obtain a hazardous materials endorsement for intrastate commerce, as well as what similar legislative efforts may look like in the year ahead.

The PropanePAC hosted a ticketed reception to honor its donors at the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, a science museum featuring an aquarium and interactive exhibits. Attendees enjoyed the evening exploring the museum and learning about Lake Champlain. The PropanePAC Steering Committee later met to discuss plans for the 2026 Winter Board of Directors Meeting and potential reception locations in and around Las Vegas. During the Board of Directors Meeting, Chair Andrew Vogl of Ray Murray Inc. provided an update on PropanePAC, noting that the organization was on track to meet its 2025 goals for both the PAC and the Administrative Fund. Vogl also thanked members for their involvement, noting a rise in the number of members in the PropanePAC giving clubs.

The PropanePAC was pleased to host Vermont’s Lt. Governor, John Rodgers, for its Propane, Politics, and Coffee event. Lt. Governor Rodgers spoke about the importance of energy choice and Vermont’s Clean Heat Standard, then answered questions from members. Sponsored by Ferrellgas, this event attracted 125 attendees and gave members a chance to discuss the industry’s top priorities with the Lieutenant Governor.

Author, journalist, and film producer Robert Bryce presented his take on the future of hydrocarbon fuels in both the U.S. and globally. Bryce described the changing energy requirements and the ability of a cross-section of fuels to meet those needs in 2030 and beyond.

The Women in Propane (WIP) Council held its fall meeting, where WIP Chairwoman Whitney O’Toole presented Nancy Coop with the WIP Founder’s Award. Ms. O’Toole also provided the WIP update during the Board of Directors Meeting and shared updates from the previous quarter, including that WIP now has 27 corporate members, is expanding its State Ambassador program, and is currently planning its second annual retreat.

The Young Professionals Council held a business meeting and hosted Nightcaps & Networking, a social event open to all. 

NPGA’s Member Services Committee hosted a panel on using AI in your everyday work life, illustrating how this technology can work in many areas of your business including admin, operations, customer service, and marketing. Panelists were:

  • Taylor Alexander, Global Gas
  • Steve Gasser, Vivid Image
  • Nathan McShinsky, Eastern Propane Gas
  • Freddie Ridler, Rural Computer Consultants

Each panelist shared personal examples of how AI had improved their workflow, freed up time to address more important issues, and provided tips on using it safely and effectively. The presentation closed with discussion and a Q&A session, and ideas for taking small steps to utilize AI and learn about its capabilities.

The Supply and Logistics Committee heard an update from RBN Energy President Rusty Braziel, as well as a briefing on recent action by the International Maritime Organization and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

The Manufacturer’s Section discussed the upcoming Joint Review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement.

The Producers/Wholesalers Section and the Transporters Section discussed upcoming programs and opportunities with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Attendees of the State Executives Meeting and the Marketers Section District Breakouts learned about a highly efficient gas heat pump technology that is available for propane as a fuel gas and may be available at reduced costs through the PERC – Alternative Technology Demonstration & Research Program. More information is in these materials:

The NPGF Scholarship Committee discussed the upcoming Golf Tournament on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at the GreyStone Golf Club in Dickson, TN, program finances, and elected officers to a two-year term. The scholarship application window opens on December 15 and closes on February 15. Help spread the word about this opportunity for the children of NPGA member company employees.

 

NPGA recognized the leadership of Mike Hopsicker with a tailgate-themed Chair’s Reception on Tuesday evening, complete with wings, pretzels, and memorabilia from Mike’s college football career. Friends and family, including Ray Murray, Christina Armentano, and son Jeff Hopsicker, celebrated Mike’s time as Chair of NPGA.

 

 

NPGA welcomed several new Directors to the Board:

  • Bert Turn, FEI, Distributor Section Director
  • John Hearn, TerraVest, Manufacturer’s Section director
  • Eron Ferguson, Fairbank Equipment, Kansas State Director
  • Chris Tews, Dale Gas & Oil, Wisconsin State Director 

Photo Gallery

Check out photos of the cocktail cruise sponsored by Ray Murray, Inc. and PGANE; the Propane, Politics, and Coffee event with Vermont Lt. Governor John Rodgers; the tail-gate themed Chair’s Reception honoring Mike Hopsicker; and more!

Thank you to our generous meeting sponsors!