The idea for the formation of the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) Workforce Development Task Force began last year as NPGA chairman Stuart Weidie embarked on his travels to different state propane gas association meetings. At those gatherings, he heard repeated concerns from propane marketers about their challenges in attracting and retaining quality employees. Weidie shared those comments with the NPGA executive committee. In response, early this year a task force was formed with the objective of providing propane marketers information on techniques for recruiting, hiring, and “onboarding” new employees or integrating them into the organization. Jane Stroupe, regional project director for the southern region at AmeriGas (Valley Forge, Pa.), is chair of the task force, and Eric Kuster, director of safety and certification for…

Costa Mesa, California (May 11, 2017) — Agility Fuel Solutions announced today that its recently-formed Powertrain Systems business unit has acquired the assets of CleanFUEL USA, a leading provider of liquid-injection propane fuel systems for commercial vehicles, as well as propane autogas dispensers and refueling equipment. Agility’s Powertrain Systems business unit is also hiring key employees of CleanFUEL USA and will add business locations in Wixom, Michigan to focus on fuel systems, and Georgetown, Texas to focus on refueling equipment. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition will enable Agility’s Powertrain Systems business unit to immediately offer complete propane fuel systems for commercial vehicles based on patented liquid propane injection (LPI®) technology. Agility will also be able to offer turnkey propane fueling packages…

WASHINGTON, DC (May 8, 2017) – On behalf of the members of the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), the organization called on newly confirmed U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta to immediately delay the compliance deadline for certain provisions of the Crane and Derricks in Construction regulation. The current compliance deadline of November 10, 2017, is a three-year extension of the initial deadline. OSHA intended to propose modifications to the crane operator certification component of the regulation during the extension, but the agency has failed to do so. Rick Roldan, NPGA’s President and CEO said, “OSHA has failed to hold up their end of the bargain during the last three years and provide modifications to the existing rule. The industry is depending on Secretary…

Harrisburg, PA (March 5, 2017) — The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association (PAPGA) is focused on stopping the passage of a bill, HB 107. HB 107 is under consideration by the Pennsylvania House Consumer Affairs Committee, chaired by Representative Robert W. Godshall (R- Montgomery). HB 107 can be reviewed at: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=PDF&sessYr=2017&sessInd=0&b illBody=H&billTyp=B&billNbr=0107&pn=0084 HB 107 would create a new Distribution System Expansion Charge or “DSEC,” allowing regulated natural gas utilities to petition the Public Utility Commission (“PUC”) to recover costs for the extension of natural gas lines to unserved and underserved areas of the Commonwealth, including recovery of the costs of converting customers’ internal piping and appliances. The extensions and conversions would be financed through charges spread across the entire existing customer base of the utility. The…

Enterprise Products Partners LP (Houston) announced in April that combined exports and imports of hydrocarbons across its marine terminals, including 18 deep-water docks along the Texas Gulf Coast, totaled a record-setting 146 MMbbl on a gross basis during the first quarter of 2017. The previous quarterly record was 136 MMbbl in the second quarter of 2016. The loading of NGLs, crude oil, condensate, refined products, and petrochemicals accounted for about 62 percent of total marine terminal volumes in the first quarter of 2017. Average daily marine terminal volumes by product for the first quarter—before accounting for net interest in joint ventures were: crude oil 648,000 bbld; NGLs 569,000 bbld; refined products 384,000 bbld; and petro-chemicals 15,000 bbld. “Our marine terminals reported a 16% increase in…

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (May 3, 2017) — For more than a decade, Newport News Public Schools has increased its focus on environmentally friendly and practical actions that reduce carbon emissions and ensure energy efficiency. The purchase of 24 Blue Bird Vision Propane school buses supports this initiative by reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by nearly 30,000 pounds and particulate matter by over 760 pounds each year compared with the diesel buses being replaced. “Propane autogas is the best choice for Newport News Public Schools because it’s economical, safe, environmentally friendly and offers many bus maintenance advantages,” said Shay Coates, director of transportation for Newport News Public Schools. “After two years of attending trade shows, meeting with bus manufacturers, and talking with colleagues in school districts that…

Costa Mesa, California (May 3, 2017) — Agility Fuel Solutions is broadening its product portfolio for global commercial vehicle OEMs by adding complete propane powertrain system capability. The company has created a new Powertrain Systems business unit to complement its existing natural gas high-pressure Fuel Systems and Cylinders/Europe business units. Powertrain Systems will focus initially on the development, certification and integration of low-pressure propane fuel systems for integration on OEM engines and vehicles. Long an established fuel in industrial vehicle markets, propane is becoming an increasingly popular fuel for commercial fleets because it reduces greenhouse gases without sacrificing performance. Propane vehicles have similar power, acceleration and cruising speed to gasoline vehicles with fuel that has a lower carbon content than gasoline, diesel and ethanol. “The…

Raleigh, NC (April 26, 2017) — Gardner Marsh Gas Equipment Co., a wholesale distributor of gas equipment and appliances, announced recently a new battery backup system designed specifically for tankless water heaters called HUGO. As the demand for tankless water heaters continues to grow, and as more consumers realize the benefits and advantages of a tankless over a traditional storage tank water heater, an important question remains: What happens not if, but when, the power goes out? By providing up to seven days of normal operation for most tankless water heater usage, and by offering a Pure Sine Wave output that functions as a battery backup and a surge protector, HUGO is an ideal product for homeowners and small businesses such as restaurants, clinics, small…