PAPGA News

FMCSA Issues Regional Hours-of-Service Waiver

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On December 30, 2017, the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration issued a regional hours of service waiver for the Eastern, Midwestern, and Southern Service Centers effective immediately through the duration of the emergency or January 14, 2018 (whichever occurs first).

Click here to download the Emergency Declaration.

The states covered in this Declaration are: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, DC, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Please note this Declaration is not an exemption from the controlled substances and alcohol use and testing requirements, the commercial driver’s license requirements, the financial responsibility (insurance) requirements, the hazardous material regulations, applicable size and weight requirements or any other portion of the regulations not authorized pursuant to 49 CFR 390.23.

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).