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NPGA hosted its Annual & Board of Directors Meetings and Propane Days in Washington, DC June 7-9, 2026. Business at the meeting included Committee and Section meetings; policy and supply discussions; and guest speakers presenting on a variety on timely topics, including featured guest speaker The Honorable Laura V. Swett, Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).  Attendees enjoyed several social events and outgoing Chair Michael Hopsicker passed the gavel to new Chair DD Alexander.
Thank you for the opportunity to represent you.

Sincerely,
Kara Tucker
Koppy’s Propane

Here are some of the key updates from the meetings:

Presidential Forum
The Presidential Forum is an exclusive meeting for State Association Presidents, Chairs, and State Association Executives. Attendees engaged in discussions about the state of the industry and specific challenges facing their associations and propane businesses.

Keynote Discussion: FERC Chairman
NPGA hosted a keynote discussion with the Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Honorable Laura V. Swett.  NPGA President & CEO, Steve Kaminski, discussed numerous issues with Chairman Swett, ranging from just and reasonable pipeline rates to the FERC 5-Year pipeline index to FERC’s new Oil Pipeline Task Force.  Chairman Swett also fielded numerous questions from NPGA membership.

Marketers’ Meeting
Chair Steve Farkas welcomed incoming Vice Chair Kimberly Saxton to her new position.

NPGA President & CEO, Steve Kaminski, hosted a fireside chat with Dan Mustico, SVP of Government & Market Affairs at the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).  OPEI represents the nation’s outdoor power equipment industry, e.g., manufacturers of applications including commercial mowers, weed burners, towable aerators, pressure washers, and concrete grinders.  Kaminski and Mustico engaged in a robust conversation around OPEI’s work in government affairs and how it aligns with NPGA’s policy initiatives and advocacy priorities, as well as discussion about propane-powered product development and market growth. 

The Marketers Section held regional district breakout meetings where they discussed challenges and opportunities in their districts. NPGA will email district summaries to the Marketers Section members.

Tucker Perkins, CEO of PERC, provided his annual update.

Steven Dyke, NPGA Manager of Federal Legislative Affairs, held a fireside chat with Colin Witman, Senior Legislative Assistant for Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23), where they discussed the Energy Choice Act and the current dynamics on Capitol Hill.

Christopher Wagner, Vice President of Codes, Standards and Safety held a fireside chat with Heather Voorman, AVP, Government Affairs of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). They discussed organizational and member synergies and encouraged state and regional associations or members to seek associate member status for better grass roots advocacy partnership in improving home affordability.  NAHB members held their Capitol Day one day after ours and agreed to double down on the Energy Choice Act advocacy efforts started by NPGA.  NAHB strongly supports the Energy Choice Act, legislation that protects consumers’ ability to choose the most affordable, reliable, and practical energy options for their homes citing that gas appliances can save consumers up to $12,000 over 15 years compared to all-electric homes.

Propane Days – Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill
Attendees enjoyed a plated breakfast sponsored by Worthington Enterprises. Michael Baker, NPGA’s SVP and Chief Legislative Officer, and Steven Dyke and Lauren Medlin, NPGA’s Managers of Legislative Affairs, kicked off NPGA’s Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill by providing a comprehensive legislative briefing outlining the association’s top priorities, including LIHEAP and the Energy Choice Act. Throughout the day, nearly 250 NPGA members and staff engaged in meetings with over 275 Congressional offices across both the House and Senate. The day concluded with a Congressional reception at the Rayburn House Office Building Cafeteria, where NPGA members and staff welcomed lawmakers and their teams.

PropanePAC
PropanePAC hosted a private reception at Capitol View at 400 to recognize its donors. Guests enjoyed iconic views of the U.S. Capitol while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

PropanePAC Steering Committee Chair, Andrew Vogl of Ray Murray Energy Inc., announced that the PropanePAC is on track to meet its 2026 goal for both the PAC and Administrative Fund and recognized the individuals in the different PropanePAC giving clubs.

The PropanePAC also hosted Scott Tranter from Decision Desk HQ for Propane, Politics, and Coffee. Scott led an engaging conversation on the current outlook of the 2026 midterms, analyzing the most competitive and high-profile races across the country in both the House and Senate and how they will impact control of Congress. Sponsored by Superior Plus Propane, this session welcomed nearly 250 attendees.

NPGF Scholarship Program
The NPGF Scholarship Committee met to discuss committee business. Highlights include:

• NPGF this year awarded 118 scholarships for a total of $183,000 – highest dollar amount to date.
• Transcripts newsletter is online and lists all the 2026 recipients and other committee news.
• As of June 8, the Corporate Partners Campaign has raised $16,050. There is still time to contribute to this annual appeal.
• The Golf Tournament on April 18, 2026 raised just over $79,000. Plans are already underway for next year’s tournament to be held on Saturday, April 3, 2027 in conjunction with Expo in Nashville.
• The next application cycle opens on December 15, 2026 – mark your calendars!

Awards and Citations
State Director of the Year
Jim Blake received the State Director of the Year Award. Jim currently serves as the Rhode Island State Director. He is a staunch advocate for the industry, shares his expertise widely, helps members navigate agency challenges, and provides mentorship to others on compliance and legislative matters. Jim has been with Eastern Propane and Oil for over 35 years.

NPGA Safety Award
Exosent Engineering received the NPGA Safety Award for its exceptional contribution to advancing safety in the propane and bulk transport industry. Exosent designs and builds low center of gravity transport and bobtail tanks that are 30% more stable, translating to reduced roll-over potential. President UV Doran accepted the award on behalf of his team at Exosent.

NPGA Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award is NPGA’s highest honor and is awarded to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to NPGA and the propane industry. This award is not bestowed lightly; in fact, it has been eight years since the last recipient. Denis Gagne, Chair of the Distinguished Service Award Committee, presented this prestigious award to Gary France.

Gary has been active in the propane industry since 1964 and owns France Propane Services in Wisconsin.  He has been a member of WPGA and its Board of Directors for decades. Gary also served as NPGA Board Chair 2013-14 and in numerous other roles at NPGA over the course of his long career. Cheryl Lytle, WPGA State Director, nominated Gary and had this to say about him: “He has played a pivotal role in guiding the association’s policy strategy, fostering productive relationships with State regulators and legislators, and evaluating industry awareness on issues affecting safety, supply, and operational standards. His thoughtful, solutions-focused approach has helped build a more resilient and collaborative propane community across the state.”

Six individuals received Chair Citations:

• Dan Richardson, Conger LP Gas
• Thomas Knauff, EDP
• Rick Cummings, III, Mulhern Gas Company, Inc.
• Kim Godlewski, IPS Equipment, Inc.
• Jennifer Jackson, AmeriGas Propane LP
• Ben Nussdorf, NPGA

Outgoing Chair Awards:

• Mike Hopsicker received a plaque with gavel and two special pieces from glass artist Simon Pearce. For her service, Laurie Hopsicker received a gift certificate to Delmonico’s Restaurant in Syracuse, NY.
• Denis Gagne chaired the Distinguished Service Award Committee for the past year and received an Outgoing Committee Chair Award.
• Heather Granzin chaired the Propane Supply & Logistics Committee for the past three years and received Outgoing Committee Chair Award.
• Judy Taranovich co-chaired the Membership Services Committee for the past two years and received an Outgoing Committee Chair Award.
• Whitney O’Toole chaired the Women in Propane Council for the past year and a half and received an Outgoing Committee Chair Award.

New Officers and Directors (as of June 8, 2026)

Ray Galan, Ferrellgas, Treasurer

Taylor Alexander, Global Gas, Director-at-Large

Cassandra Barry, Ray Murray, Inc., Director-at Large

John Cocarus, Palmer Gas & Oil, Maine State Director

Alan Dorr, Dead River Company, Vermont State Director

Jeff Hopsicker, Ray Murray, Inc. Director-at-Large

Pat Malara, Western Cascade, District 1 Director

Josh Brewer, Hubbell, Manufacturers Section Director

UV Doron, Exosent Engineering, Manufacturers Section Director

Lisa Gerwitz, Thompson Energy Insurance Services, Services Section Director

Peter Ostman, Arrowhead LP Gas, Alaska Director

Dillan Owens, Owens Energy, Inc., Arizona Director

Liam Breen, Lewiston Propane, Montana Director

David DeBolt, AmeriGas Propane LP, South Dakota Director

David Collett, Gas and Supply, Texas Director

Mark Dettloff, ThompsonGas, LLC, Washington Director

PAPGA Member,

In accordance with Article XIII of our Bylaws, this serves as the official notice that the Board of Directors proposed several amendments to the Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association’s Bylaws. These changes will be voted on at the upcoming Annual Meeting during the Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Omni Bedford Springs, Bedford, PA.

Click HERE to view the summary of the proposed changes. Click HERE to view the current Bylaws with the proposed changes.

Our bylaws serve as the foundational, legally binding internal rules that govern the Association’s operations, structure and management. They define the rights of members, responsibilities of officers and directors along with the procedures for decision-making, ensuring legal compliance with state and federal regulations.

Thank you for your time, and most of all, your membership. Please reach out to Shelby if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions at shelby@papropane.com.

I look forward to seeing you in Bedford.

Sincerely,

Chris Wolfe
Ray Murray, Inc.
PAPGA President

 

 

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued an extension to the Regional Emergency Declaration until March 14, 2026.

The declaration provides emergency regulatory relief from certain requirements in Part 395 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. This emergency declaration is issued in response to winter storms, colder than expected weather, and issues associated with propane supply logistics. The emergency declarations address the conditions creating the need for immediate transportation of propane. Motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance to the emergency in the identified states are granted emergency relief from 49 CFR § 395.3, maximum driving time for property-carrying vehicles, subject to the restrictions listed in the emergency declarations.

In coordination with NPGA, the extension was granted based on data provided by NPGA member companies and the work of state executives. FMCSA Eastern and Midwestern Service Centers regional declaration extension is attached and is effective immediately through March 14, 2026, for Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The regional declaration is available HERE.

Drivers should carry a copy of the waiver.

Please continue to keep us informed of your wait times, logistic challenges, and supply interruptions.

We recommended you also record your wait times on NPGA’s PLAN app. Click HERE to access the platform.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and communication.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extended and amended the Regional Emergency Declaration covering interstate transportation of heating fuels (propane, natural gas, and heating oil) through February 28, 2026. The waiver again includes Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, and West Virginia.. You may view the extended Declaration HERE.

The waiver was issued in response to the power outage at the Marcus Hook refinery. In accordance with 49 CFR § 390.25, this Emergency Declaration is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until the end of the emergency (as defined in 49 CFR § 390.5T) or until 11:59 P.M. (ET), February 28, 2026, whichever is earlier.

Drivers should carry a copy of the waiver.

Please continue to keep us informed of your challenges, operational impacts, and improvements as conditions evolve. Your updates remain vital.

We recommended you also record your wait times on NPGA’s PLAN app. To access the platform: https://plan.npga.org.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and communication.

As your elected State Director, I’m happy to provide an update on the activities at the NPGA Winter Board of Directors Meeting in Las Vegas, NV, January 27-29, 2026. Business included Committee and Section meetings, policy and supply discussions, guest speakers, 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 or click HERE to read my report on NPGA’s member dashboard.

NPGA hosted its Winter Board of Directors & Related Committee Meetings in Henderson, Nevada January 27-29, 2026. Business at the meeting included Committee and Section meetings; policy and supply discussions; and guest speakers presenting on a variety on timely topics, including featured guest speaker Cinch Munson of the World Liquid Gas Association, who presented on the opportunities and challenges of the global market.  Attendees also enjoyed social events and much more. Here are some of the key updates from the meetings:

Section Meetings
Past Chair Brian Brooks presided over the Marketers Section meeting. Tucker Perkins, President and CEO of PERC delivered an update from PERC. Mr. Perkins emphasized the importance of safety and training for marketers. He also discussed the opportunities and challenges the propane industry faces with power gen technology. Eric Sears, NPGA Senior Manager for State Association Relations, moderated a Supply Interruption Panel featuring Mark Porth of CHS, JD Buss of Westlark Advisors, Aaron Huizenga of Lakes Gas, Brian Brooks of Brooks Gas, and Ben Nussdorf of NPGA. The panel discussed strategies, challenges, and opportunities for marketers in preparation for and during supply interruptions.

The Marketers Section also held in-person district breakout meetings. The districts were grouped by geography and by similarities in legislative and regulatory challenges. Past Chair Brooks announced that the nominations for the intrastate and interstate marketer board positions are now open. District summaries will be emailed to the Marketers Section. 

The Producers & Wholesalers/Transportation & Storage Sections met, and Chair Frank Long moderated discussions on the section’s business.  Discussions covered tariffs on aluminum and steel and NPGA’s appeal of FERC’s retroactive billing of pipeline fees.  New business topics included unlifted allocation fees, communication strategies with shippers and pipelines, and refinery closures and their effects in California. The Transportation discussion focused on rising costs and two items from FMCSA. FMCSA is seeking to revert to a 30-day declaration period from the current 14-day period and is considering a pilot split-duty program. Members noted that the split-duty pilot program needs volunteers and further refinement; more information will be available later in 2026. 

Committee Meetings
The Governmental Affairs Committee received updates from NPGA staff and discussed current advocacy issues affecting the propane industry.  Ben Nussdorf shared updates on the FMCSA Hours of Service Proposal, while Michael Baker provided an outlook on the current state of federal government funding.  As is customary, the Committee broke into three task force sessions – federal legislative, federal regulatory, and state.

       Federal Legislative Breakout: This task force covered a number of topics during its session. NPGA staff provided a more in-depth understanding of the dynamics at play within the House and Senate chambers, with a particular focus on the House Republicans’ dwindling majority.  This led to further speculation on what could occur during the 2026 midterm elections. Members had questions about the Energy Choice Act and its current status. Staff reported that it currently had 155 bipartisan cosponsors in the House and had passed out of committee.  The next step would be floor consideration.

       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 FMCSA, FERC, DOE, PHMSA, and STB, with a particularized focus on the 5 Year Oil Pipeline Index, Hours-of-Service Emergency Waivers, and the pending merger between the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Railroads.

       State Breakout: During the state breakout session, NPGA provided an overview of the laws enacted in 2025 to strengthen energy choice protections for buildings and engine applications across numerous states, including Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, and Maine. The industry also secured wins to delay and eliminate Clean Heat Standards in Massachusetts and Vermont. The discussion touched on opportunities to grow gallons at data centers when propane is used for bridge and backup power applications, as well as propane-air systems and synthetic natural gas facilities. Furthermore, members of the task force talked about zero-emission space and water heating rulemakings in California and Maryland, and state efforts to increase English proficiency standards for CDL drivers.

The PropanePAC hosted a reception for all winter board meeting attendees, where they enjoyed refreshments, local magicians, and an overview of the PAC. The PropanePAC Steering Committee met to update prior authorizations for 2026 and discuss PropanePAC with new donors. During the Board of Directors Meeting, Chair Andrew Vogl of Ray Murray Inc. provided an update on PropanePAC, noting that the committee was on track to meet its overall goals for both the PAC and the Administrative Fund. Vogl also thanked members for their involvement, noting a consistent rise in the number of members in the PropanePAC giving clubs.

The PropanePAC was pleased to host Chris Brooks, a former NV state senator, and Shelly Capurro, a lobbyist for the NV Propane Dealers Association, for its Propane, Politics, and Coffee event. Brooks and Capurro discussed the importance of energy choice and the renewable energy sector, then answered members’ questions. Sponsored by Bergquist Inc., the event attracted over 100 attendees and gave members the opportunity to discuss the industry’s top priorities.

The Supply and Logistics Committee heard an update from RBN Energy Managing Director of Business Development Scott Potter, as well as an update on emergency hours-of-service waivers from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and a discussion on the 5 Year Oil Pipeline Index from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

The Legal Action Committee provided updates on the various litigation activities that NPGA is involved in to advance and defend the propane industry. NPGA General Counsel Benjamin Nussdorf and NPGA Associate General Counsel Kate Gaziano shared updates on the Second Circuit oral argument on January 30^th in the New York state gas bans case and the Washington State Supreme Court argument on January 22^nd.

The NPGF Scholarship Committee discussed the upcoming Golf Tournament on April 18 in Nashville, and passed the FY27 budget. The scholarship application is open through February 15.

The Member Services and Conventions Committees also met to discuss committee business and upcoming events. The Conventions Committee highlighted NPGA’s 2026 Southeastern & International Propane Expo^TM taking place April 19-21 at the Music City Center in Nashville, TN.

The Women in Propane Council reviewed council business and upcoming opportunities including events at Expo in April:

• Leadership Forum with Sean Hand
• Educational Session on creating strong social media content
• WIP Roundtable / LIVE Podcast with Reception to follow, jointly hosted with YPC, including an awards ceremony.

New State Directors
NPGA welcomed the following new State Directors:

• Arizona, Seth Johnson of EDP
• Minnesota, Treavor Beaudry of Beaudry Propane
• Tennessee, Chris Townsend of Admiral Propane