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Feature Articles

In-depth feature stories examining the trends, challenges and innovations shaping the propane and LPG industry.

  • Introducing Propane Industry’s 30 Under 30 Leaders

    (April 24, 2020) — Thirty young propane professionals, who were nominated by others in the industry, have been selected as Charter Members of the Young Gassers’ 30 Under 30 Program . Each of these young adults will receive a variety of assignments, perks, and recognition within the propane industry for their participation. This is the inaugural year of the 30 Under 30 Program. Created by the International Association of Young Gassers in conjunction with the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) and the Canadian Propane Association (CPA), the program is meant in invest in, engage, and encourage young professionals working for companies directly involved in the propane gas industry. These young professionals will be tasked to interact and coordinate on marketing and PR programs designed to…
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  • NPGA Program Offers Networking, Professional Development, Advocacy Tools

    By Peter B. Ferrell… For nearly a century, the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) has been an advocate for the propane industry, representing the interests of business sectors and segments. But this business sector outreach overlooked the most valuable asset the industry has, the industry employees themselves. NPGA’s Individual/Employee Membership, or IM , provides an avenue for the employees of member companies to enhance their professional development and leadership potential. The IM program aims to groom the next generation of volunteer industry leadership by introducing young professionals to the near- and long-term policy and political challenges and opportunities confronting the industry. David Lowe of Pro Image Communications represents IM interests on the NPGA board. He views greater employee involvement with NPGA as a direct benefit…
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  • Time to Submit Annual PERC Retail Propane Sales Report

    (April 20, 2020) — Earlier this week, an employee at your company should have received an email asking them to complete your company’s submission for the Annual Retail Propane Sales Report no later than June 1. Submit your sales figures to help ensure your state receives an accurate amount of rebate funding from 20 percent of PERC’s annual revenues and to see that your assessment dollars are used in the most efficient way to support market trends. See results from the 2018 survey. If you’re unsure which person at your company is responsible for submitting, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. '; .
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  • Flame-Resistant Clothing: Critical Facts and Fictions for Propane Professionals

    By Dave Emanuel… Do you bet your life when you go to work each day? That may be exactly what you’re doing if your work involves handling propane, or simply being in a propane-rich environment. According to Derek Sang of Bulwark Protective Apparel , “For some reason, the propane industry has been reluctant to use flame-resistant [FR] clothing in day-to-day operations even though they [may] have similar thermal hazards as say refineries or oil and gas drillers where the use of FR clothing is mandated.” INJURIES FROM FLAMMABLE CLOTHING Sang explains, “What people don’t realize is that serious burn injuries (more than 50% body burn) that can and do lead to fatality are not because of the flash fire itself, but because of clothing that…
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  • More Community Colleges, Tech Schools Adding Propane To Curriculum

    By Emily McComas… It’s the problem on everyone’s mind: How to find and keep successful employees. Today, not having enough drivers and service technicians plagues the operation of most propane companies. But now a few organizations across the U.S. are turning what was once a challenge into a competitive advantage. The results: a pool of highly trained professionals with the desired skills to fill open positions, and a larger percentage of the workforce that is aware of propane’s benefits and can service its appliances. How is this possible? By strategically inserting propane into the curriculum of local community colleges and technical schools. One such program is used by Lenoir Community College in Kinston, N.C. The school serves students from 29 different counties, as well as…
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  • Propane Autogas Makes Big Inroads at Work Truck Show

    (April 9, 2020) — The ongoing discussion of what fuel is best and most cost-effective to power work trucks carried over to this year’s Work Truck Show March 3-6 in Indianapolis. While talk of electric work trucks has hit a frenzy, according to most everyone who represented the propane industry, there was a strong sense among key propane vehicle stakeholders that propane would continue to have a strong niche, especially with Class 3-7 vehicles. “There was plenty to share about opportunities propane brings to the table,” said Steve Whaley, director of autogas business development at the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). “Propane autogas vehicles produce [less] greenhouse gases and significantly reduce NOx emissions compared to other fuels, creating a healthier environment for employees and…
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  • G20 to Discuss Global Crude Production Cut Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

    S&P Global Platts reports the G20 group of leading world economies will host a momentous energy ministers’ meeting on April 10, to discuss OPEC-led plans for a global crude production cut accord aimed at shoring up an oil market crushed by the Coronavirus pandemic. The meeting, to be held via webinar, will “foster global dialog and cooperation to ensure stable energy markets and enable a stronger global economy,” the G20 said in a statement April 7. OPEC, Russia, and nine other allies plan a summit the day prior to work out production cuts that could take as much as 10%-15% of crude supply off the market. However, delegates have said commitments for a deal have yet to be clinched. The alliance, known as OPEC+, is…
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  • Temporary COVID-19 Facilities Need to Follow NFPA 58 Requirements

    The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) has been made aware of temporary facilities being erected to prepare for the increased testing, hospitalization, and quarantine rates that are anticipated as more states begin to address the impacts of the advancing COVID-19 disease. As a result, propane tanks are being installed to fuel space heating and possibly other types of equipment in these temporary facilities. The association notes that from a code perspective, NFPA 58 provides the necessary requirements to make these types of installations safely. The code defines “Temporary Service” as an installation made for not more than 12 consecutive months at a given location. The 2020 edition of NFPA 58 addresses the installation of portable storage containers for temporary use (Section 6.8.5). The code also…
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  • TSA Grants Temporary Exemption for Certain Assessments

    The Department of Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration [Docket No. TSA–2003–14610] Exemption from Renewal of the Hazardous Materials Endorsement Security Threat Assessment for Certain Individuals, grants a temporary exemption from requirements in 49 CFR part 1572 regarding expiration of TSA security threat assessments (STAs) for Hazardous Material Endorsement (HME) holders. For the duration of this exemption, a state may grant an extension of up to 180 days for an HME that expired or would otherwise expire between March 1, 2020, and the end date of this exemption, even if the individual was unable to initiate or complete the required STA before the expiration date. If the state grants an extension, the individual with an expired HME must initiate the process of renewing their STA for…
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  • PERC Announces Five Free Webinars, Starting April 7

    (April 6, 2020) — The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has scheduled five free webinars to replace education sessions it had planned to hold at trade shows that have now been postponed due to COVID-19. The webinars are designed to help propane professionals stay informed; learn new ideas; expand market knowledge; sharpen sales and marketing skills; and boost productivity. The five upcoming webinars include the following: Tuesday, April 7 , at 11 a.m. (EDT): Propane Autogas Can Do That: The Inroads to On-Road https://propane.com/newsroom/events/propane-autogas-can-do-that-the-inroads-to-on-road/ Friday, April 10 , at 11 a.m. (EDT): Combating the Competition https://propane.com/newsroom/events/combating-the-competition/ Monday, April 13 , at 11 a.m. (EDT): Workforce Outreach: Programs and Tools for Attracting New Employees https://propane.com/newsroom/events/workforce-outreach-programs-and-tools-for-attracting-new-employees-webinar/ Tuesday, April 14 , at 11 a.m. (EDT): Engage Now!…
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  • Speaking Up For Propane — A Clean American Energy

    (April 6, 2020) — When Ben McWhorter of Sequoia Gas Co. learned that a plan was being developed to phase out the use of natural gas and propane in Arcata, Calif., he made sure others in the community learned this too. While the proposal was still being discussed in the energy committee that advises the city council, he made a presentation to the council. City council meetings can be watched live and viewed on demand on television and on the city’s website, so he knew he would reach an audience far beyond those in the room. Sequoia Gas has offices in Arcata and Fortuna, Calif., and McWhorter is the Fortuna branch manager. Before making the presentation, he reached out to others. He went to two…
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  • NPGA Board’s Agenda: Eliminating Roadblocks, Helping Industry Thrive

    (April 3, 2020) — In recent months, the industry has faced several challenges having to do with decarbonization and has scored several successes positioning propane as clean energy. These were among the many issues reported on during the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) Board of Directors Meeting held Feb. 11, 2020 in Scottsdale, Ariz. At the meeting, Steve Kaminski delivered his first president’s report. In it, he highlighted some of the work the association has done since he became its president and CEO in late October. He began by defining what NPGA should mean to the propane industry: “We should eliminate roadblocks to help your business thrive,” Kaminski said. “If there are roadblocks we need to eliminate that we don’t know about, let us know….
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