NPGA Bobtail

NPGA Secures Pilot Program to Deploy Propane-Powered Generators at Military Bases

Yesterday, the House Armed Services Committee considered H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement Act and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25).  The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is the annual authorization bill to fund the United States military and has passed in a bipartisan manner for 63 straight years.

During the Committee’s consideration of the bill, Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI) offered an amendment directing the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish a pilot program to install propane-powered generators at an eligible domestic military installation. As the DOD looks to fortify its energy generation capabilities against severe weather, cyberattacks, and overall grid instability, propane is poised to partner in this effort to increase energy resiliency for America’s armed forces. The Committee adopted this amendment and passed the bill late in the evening.

Propane generators emit fewer harmful emissions, are quieter, and have significant maintenance cost savings compared to diesel generators, which are currently the on-demand power generation of choice for the military. This program will lead to a baseline comparison for the DOD to compare the enormous benefits propane fuel can bring to DOD operations instead of diesel fuel. NPGA will continue to work with Congressional stakeholders as the full House of Representatives considers this bill later this year and with the Senate as they begin consideration of this year’s NDAA.

Questions? Contact Rhett Johnson, NPGA’s Senior Manager of Legislative Affairs.