Author: Ernie Stepoulos

Pennsylvania is a Leader in Propane Autogas Buses

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Propane powered School Buses are making an impact across the United States. More school districts have discovered that environmentally-friendly propane autogas offers the lowest cost of ownership available, year-round reliability and significantly reduced emissions.

Over 14,000 propane autogas school buses are in use across the country, with 831 on the roads in Pennsylvania. The Keystone State ranks fourth overall, with Texas (2,600), California (1,249) and Oregon (865) ranking as the top three.

Propane autogas school buses feature many advantages over diesel buses. One advantage is the reduction of noise pollution. The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association invites parents, school officials and interested citizens to take the audio propane bus quiz by sitting in the driver’s seat to experience how much quieter propane buses operate.

Parents, guardians, and educators can make a positive impact on students’ future by advocating for propane powered buses. Think about how much time the student in your life spends on a school bus. While many students take the bus every weekday, we do not often talk about the quality of their buses, or how buses affect learning and our communities. Download this toolkit for tips on how to advocate to your school district about propane autogas buses.

School Transportation Professionals have the power to create change for students. Not only do propane autogas school buses have the lowest total cost-of-ownership, putting money right back into the educational system; they offer proven performance from the brands they know. Discover the cost savings by using the Propane Autogas Calculator.

“Propane autogas is proven to be the best value for school buses,” stated Shelby Bell, Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association. “It’s affordability alone makes it a smarter alternative to conventional fuels. Add to that the many benefits provided for children, communities, and our planet, and it’s no wonder more school districts are choosing propane autogas every day.”

 

About the Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association
The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association serves more than 430 members of the propane industry by promoting safety, education, and public awareness of the uses of propane.

Alternative Fuel Tax Credits are Critical for Job Growth & Cleaner Air in PA – You Can Help

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The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association has joined with over 300 organizations nationwide to urge Congress to reinstate the $0.50/gallon Alternative Fuels Tax Credit (AFTC) in year-end legislation.

These partner organizations have sent a letter to members of the United States Senate Committees on Ways & Means and Finance in effort to accentuate the importance of the AFTC to economic growth and energy independence. The letter states that “Extending the AFTC promotes increased private-sector investment in infrastructure and equipment, which leads to more jobs and economic output.”  Increased utilization of alternative transportation fuels results in proven environmental benefits and helps promote America’s energy security.

Nearly 200,000 vehicles in the United States are powered by propane, including 12,000 school buses that transport more than 700,000 school children every day.  A school bus powered by propane emits 13 percent fewer GHG emissions than its gasoline counterpart. Propane-powered vehicles are also much quieter than diesel or gasoline vehicles, which creates a safer environment for drivers and pedestrians.

“With the abundance of propane produced in the United States, Congress should support reinstating the AFTC and the use of our domestic natural resources. This credit remains a critical part of promoting alternative fuel use in Pennsylvania and throughout the United States,” stated Shelby L. Bell, executive director, for the Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association.

Propane users can help to reinstate this important tax credit by sending a message to your member of congress using this link provided by NPGA.

PAPGA was formed in 1947 to offer opportunities to learn through training and networking with peers, and to aid with legislative issues that contribute to operating a safe and successful industry. In addition to its continued focus on education, networking and representing the interest of Pennsylvania’s propane businesses to the government, PAPGA also assists members in remaining current on topics vital to the propane industry.

 

The Shaffer Family of Hooversville – Pennsylvania Propane Family Portrait Series 2017

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In 2014, PAPGA launched a new documentary-style video portrait series entitled ‘Pennsylvania Propane Family Portaits’.

These videos are designed to celebrate the many family-owned and operated Propane business across the commonwealth. The videos are first shown exclusively to the attendees at the association’s Fall Membership Meeting and then posted on several platforms for all interested viewers to enjoy. 

The Fourth Edition of the Family Portrait Series features the Shaffer Family of Hooversville, PA. The story begins with the young and forward-thinking Daniel Shaffer, who opens a hardware store in 1901 to support area miners and farmers. The story progresses through five generations of the family, including the 1995 launch of Shaffer’s Bottled Gas (SBG) and the many years of service to their community. 

We hope that you enjoy this year’s portrait video:

 

The Shaffer Family of Hooversville, PA

Learn more about Shaffer’s Bottled Gas (SBG) at SBGcomfort.com

Learn more about Daniel Shaffer’s Inc at DanielShaffersInc.com

Watch other editions of the Portrait Series at this link

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2017 PAPGA Football Sweepstakes Winner Announced

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Tifanee McCall of York, PA was randomly selected as the grand prize winner of the 2017 PAPGA Football Sweepstakes, which began on September 1st and ended on November 7th, 2017. 

Tifanee (and three guests) will experience a lifetime of memories in Happy Valley as the Penn State Nittany Lions host the Nebraska Cornhuskers on November 18th. 

Grand Prize includes Hotel Accommodations for two nights, a field visit, four great seats, a prize pack and much more!

Just over 3,000 entries were submitted to the sweepstakes in 2017, which is the second most since it’s inaugural season five years ago. 

PAPGA utilizes an independent Sweepstakes APP from the company Strutta to gather entries and randomly select the winner. Five finalists are generated and then called in the order they were selected to verify that the winner is not a member of PAPGA or directly affiliated with Penn State Sports Properties. 

Stay tuned for a recap and images of the 2017 Grand Prize Weekend, which will be posted at the PA Propane Facebook Page shortly after the game. 

Many thanks to all who entered in 2017!

 

 

Safety First as we Enter the Holiday Weekend and Football Season

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The beginning of Football Season is always an exciting time in the Keystone State! The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association wants to remind our customers to take a quick refresher on Grilling Safety and other important tips to ensure a fun experience outdoors this fall.

Small Cylinder Safety is equally as important, as we look to transport and refill Cylinders in advance of the Holiday get together with friends & family. Check out this informative video for a few great tips!

If you have any questions or just need some advice from a professional, just contact your local Propane Marketer or find the nearest providers at this link.

The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association (PAPGA) is a member-focused trade association providing services that communicate, educate and promote the propane industry in Pennsylvania. The association was formed in 1947 to offer opportunities to learn through training and networking with peers, and to aid with legislative issues that contribute to operating a safe and successful industry. PAPGA continues to focus on education, networking and representing the interest of Pennsylvania’s propane businesses to the government, while assisting members in remaining current on topics vital to the propane industry. The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association is affiliated with the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) and the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC).