Mower Equipment
As your elected State Director, I wanted to provide you with an update on the activities at the Winter NPGA Board of Directors & Related Committee Meetings in Clearwater Beach, Florida February 3-5, 2025. Business at the well-attended meeting included Committee and Section meetings; policy discussions especially related to potential tariffs and the White House’s recent Executive Orders; winter weather logistics discussions; a panel on artificial intelligence (AI); and guest speakers presenting on a variety on timely topics. Attendees also enjoyed social events and much more. I encourage you to read my report.
Thank you for the opportunity to represent you.
Sincerely,
Kara Tucker
Koppy’s Propane
See below to read report or Click HERE to read on NPGA’s Member Dashboard.
NPGA Board Meeting
At the Board meeting, NPGA’s President and CEO Steve Kaminski outlined the potential impact of several of President Trump’s Executive Orders. With limited exceptions, these Executive Orders are a net positive for the propane industry as they provide potential avenues to roll back a number of policies and regulations that disfavor energy choice. A summary of the orders is available.
NPGA President and CEO Steve Kaminski outlines new Executive Orders
Marketers Section
Marketers Section Chair Brian Brooks of Brooks Gas welcomed Mayor of Zephyrhills, Florida, and propane industry professional Melonie Monson, for a fireside chat. Mayor Monson highlighted the significant role propane plays in sustaining communities in the wake of natural disasters. The city of Zephyrhills sustained significant damage in the wake of Hurricane Milton, and Mayor Monson shared her unique role as both a public official and an industry professional during the recovery process. Mayor Monson shared how propane sustained critical infrastructure such as hospitals and recovery shelters, providing power and heat to displaced individuals. Mayor Monson also discussed how the propane industry can more effectively work with local officials during times of disaster and the need for propane companies to establish resilience and disaster recovery protocols.
Brian Rolph with the FirstNet Authority—an independent agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce—spoke about this nationwide, high-speed wireless broadband network and a set of specialized innovative tools, technologies, and features specifically built for public safety. First responders, utility companies, and other users critical to supporting emergency response using FirstNet have always-on priority and preemption on cellular network bands. The propane industry continues to be a vital resource during emergencies, and marketers qualify to participate in this program. Contact Brian Rolph via email at br029a@att.com for more information on how your company can benefit from this program 24/7, including during an emergency.
Tucker Perkins, president and CEO of PERC, spoke about propane’s vital role in the recovery efforts in North Carolina and its ability to support first responders during the wildfires in California. Mr. Perkins also discussed the shift in the energy landscape and how propane plays an essential role in reducing carbon via unique applications across markets, including power generation, agriculture, EV charging, and combined heat and power.
Members met in regional breakout sessions, to discuss regulatory, legislative, and other challenges the propane industry faces. NPGA will email summaries from these meetings to the members of the Marketers Section.
Governmental Affairs Committee
The Governmental Affairs Committee received updates from NPGA staff and discussed pressing advocacy issues impacting the propane industry. Steve Kaminski provided the full Committee with a detailed report on the current status of the Trump Administration’s efforts to enact tariffs on Mexico, Canada, China, and potentially the European Union. Steve provided a detailed timeline of events over the last three months regarding the steps the administration has taken so far to implement these tariffs. Additionally, Steve recapped what NPGA has done to counteract these efforts, including:
- the establishment of an initial strategy document with the full Executive Committee,
- the hiring of experienced outside trade counsel,
- surveys sent to NPGA members on liquid fuels and manufacturing parts that would be most impacted from the tariffs, and
- collaboration with other trade associations and stakeholders in order to educate key members of the government on the total impact.
While the Administration placed a 30-day pause on the Mexico/Canada tariffs, NPGA is closely tracking sector-level tariffs, will continue to closely track country-level developments on tariff policy, and is poised to seek exclusions.
As is customary, the Committee broke into three task force sessions – federal legislative, federal regulatory, and state.
Federal Legislative Breakout: Members met with NPGA staff to discuss a number of legislative matters. Of primary importance was updating the Task Force on the budget reconciliation process within Congress. NPGA staff provided updates on the current status of FY25 appropriations and upcoming FY26 appropriations. Staff also spoke on the recent introduction in the House and Senate of Congressional Review Act legislation that would nullify last-minute Biden Administration rulemaking that would, if implemented, effectively ban gas-fired water heaters from the marketplace.
Federal Regulatory Breakout: Regulatory session attendees discussed recent developments on issues of concern to the propane industry. These include updates to the rules from the Department of Energy and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The Task Force also discussed recent Executive Orders and their impact on various rules. Finally, the Task Force discussed guidance and interpretive documents pending across agencies, as well as goals and objectives for the coming six months.
State Breakout: During the state breakout session, NPGA staff provided highlights from the 2024 state legislative session, which included the enactment of energy choice in Nebraska and Washington State, and the passage of gas appliance protection laws in multiple new states. The group discussed new resources made available to state executives as they push for legislation to increase commercial production and consumption of renewable propane. Members of the task force also talked about state and local efforts to incentivize fuel-switching, penalize the use of conventional thermal fuels, and move forward with various state decarbonization efforts, such as cap-and-invest.
Propane Supply & Logistics Committee
In addition to a briefing from Kristen Holmquist of RBN Energy, the Committee engaged in a robust discussion regarding winter weather, and engagement with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in pursuit of hours-of-service waivers. Having secured a 21 day, 48 state waiver on January 10th, and a 15-day extension for 39 states (later modified to 43 states), the Committee discussed lessons learned, communications plans, and what materials were of particular interest to the government. Follow up efforts included NPGA data collection on a possible waiver extension, and a standardized form for reporting data in order to assist both members and the association.
Technology Standards & Safety Committee (TS&S)
TS&S advanced a single proposal to the NPGA Board of Directors for continued investment and development in the renewable and low carbon fuels area. The Committee’s proposal centered on creating specific fuel quality standards and testing requirements for blends of DME and Propane within the D7901 Fuel Standard. The scope of D7901 the “Standard Specification for Dimethyl Ether for Fuel Purposes”, covers dimethyl ether (DME) for use as a fuel in engines specifically designed or modified for DME and for blending with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This specification is for use by manufacturers of dimethyl ether, by engine developers of purpose-built engines, in contracts for the purchase of DME for fuel purposes, and for the guidance of consumers of this type of fuel.
Based on the limitation in scope established by ASTM, DME / Propane blends would be improper within the D1835 Standard Specification for Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gases even if the majority component of the mixture is Propane. It is for this reason that TS&S believes that a proposal should be made within the DME fuel standard for any and all blends containing DME and Propane regardless of the major component of the mixture.
Member Services Committee
The NPGA Member Services Committee hosted a panel on artificial intelligence (AI). The panel’s goal was to provide an overview of how AI is being used by propane marketers and within the state/regional associations to support their industry work. The panel was moderated by NPGA Manager, State Government Affairs Austin Wicker. The panelists were:
- Christine Armentano, Paraco
- Tom Clark, State Association Executive (CO, NM, Rocky Mountain)
- Meg Sharp, Ferrellgas
The panel discussed a variety of topics including the definition of AI, operation efficiency and safety, enhancing the customer experience, workforce integration, strategic growth and sustainability, and the future trends. The panelists provided real life examples of AI use, and fielded questions from the audience on privacy and data protection.
Manufacturer’s Section
NPGA was alerted by an industry manufacturing partner of an alleged large scale attempted theft of hazardous materials containers. The investigation identified multiple other manufacturers and distributers that also may have identified similar attempted nefarious acts. In each case a successful credit application was submitted in support of the sale, but upon investigation the applying company reported not completing the application and the material delivery site was not a recognized address utilized by the supposed purchaser of the materials. NPGA urges all industry professionals to remain vigilant in their organizational and sales security and due diligence. NPGA stands ready to support you should your business be impacted, including contact escalation within appropriate State and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies.
PropanePAC
PropanePAC was pleased to share that it surpasses its 2023-2024 election cycle fundraising goals, giving the PropanePAC its most successful cycle in NPGA history. The PropanePAC Steering Committee met to discuss 2025 fundraising goals, prior authorization efforts, and peer-to-peer engagement, with a focus on engaging new donors at the upcoming 2025 Southeastern & International Propane Expo. Pictured here, PropanePAC Steering Committee Chair, Andrew Vogl (Ray Murray Inc.) recognizes PropanePAC donors.
PropanePAC hosted its signature Propane, Politics & Coffee event. NPGA Senior Manager of Legislative Affairs, Rhett Johnson, hosted a fireside chat with Sam Wilson, District Director for Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13). Mr. Wilson discussed propane’s critical role in aiding disaster relief and shared best practices for visiting and securing meetings with government officials. From left to right: Olivia Carson (Congresswoman Luna’s office), Rhett Johnson (NPGA), Meg Sharp (Ferrellgas), and Sam Wilson (Congresswoman Luna’s office).
Women in Propane
The Women in Propane (WIP) Council introduced the 2025 Committee Chairs and welcomed new groups, such as the Webinar and Sponsorship Committees. Current WIP Chair Whitney O’Toole of AmeriGas (right) presented Past Chair Jennifer Jackson also of AmeriGas (left) with the 2024 Women in Propane Distinguished Service Award. WIP also held its ever-popular luncheon, where meeting attendees networked and discussed upcoming WIP initiatives.
WIP events planned for the NPGA Southeastern & International Propane Expo in Charlotte, NC include:
- WIP Leadership Forum with leadership expert Angela Morrill
- WIP Educational Session on best practices for marketing & social media
- WIP Roundtable with Through the Leadership Lens PODCAST LIVE! immediately followed by the annual Networking Reception.
NPGA Staff Members Retiring
This was the last official Board of Directors meeting for retiring NPGA staff members Bruce Swiecicki, Vice President & Chief Technical Officer with 31 years of service, and Brett Gold, Executive Assistant to President & CEO Steve Kaminski with 7 years of service. Both officially retire at the end of February, although we expect to see both of them here and there.
Bruce and Brett teamed up for a cutthroat game of corn hole at Crabby’s Bar & Grill, winning by a narrow margin against Brian Dunlap, NPGA Vice President, Finance & Administration and CFO, and Maril Olson, Senior Manager, Communications & NPGF Scholarship Program. Incoming Executive Assistant Nancy Padilla pinch hit (tossed) when needed. We wish Bruce and Brett a very happy and healthy retirement with lots of time spent with their grandchildren!
From left to right: Bruce, Brian, Nancy, Brett, Maril
New Directors (as of February 5, 2025)
NPGA announced the following new Directors at last week’s Board meeting:
- Alan Dorr of Dead River Company was appointed a Director-at-Large.
- Luis Echauri of INGUSA is now the Mexico Director, replacing Ricardo Schondube who recently retired.
- Trey Whitson of Parker Oil is now the Virginia State Director, replacing John Fields.