Congressman Shimkus Tours Local Illinois Propane Business

FLORA, Illinois (August 29, 2016) – Congressman John Shimkus, (R-IL), met with local propane business leaders and toured a full-service South Central FS facility last week. The tour focused on key points in propane transportation and distribution infrastructure, including pipeline transportation and bulk storage needs.

Representative Shimkus was joined by: Flora Mayor, Bob Tackitt; Flora Economic Development Director, Dan Sulsberger; South Central FS Energy Marketing Manager; Gerald Witges; South Central FS-Certified Propane Specialist; Ron Kaufman; and other city and company representatives.

There are more than 50 propane facilities and 30 propane companies servicing Rep. Shimkus’ congressional district, including South Central FS and Southern FS.

Aaron DeWeese, Executive Vice President of the Illinois Propane Gas Association said “Congressman Shimkus has been a tremendous advocate for Illinois consumers and businesses. The propane industry contributes more than $1.5 billion dollars to the state’s economy, and we are looking forward to continuing our work with Congressman Shimkus and his colleagues to continue to grow and strengthen the industry.”

During the tour, Shimkus noted the critical role propane plays in the state’s economy, specifically in the agriculture and residential heating sectors. Nearly 50 million gallons of propane are used every year for agricultural purposes and 200,000 Illinois’ homes rely on propane for home heating.

“Congressman Shimkus saw first-hand how propane is driving the state and local economy,” said Witges. “Propane has a lot of exciting applications beyond the farm and furnace. It’s also the world’s leading alternative vehicle fuel, and the third most common vehicle fuel in the U.S.,” he continued.

Many school districts, police departments, municipalities, park districts and private companies in Illinois and across the nation are now converting their fleets to propane autogas – an affordable clean alternative energy choice. With federal alternative fuel tax credits and competitive pricing, propane autogas is rapidly growing market share across the country.

One example of an Illinois company making the move to propane autogas is, GO Airport Express, the only company certified by the Illinois Commerce Commission to provide shared rides from both major airports, converted 30 vans to run on propane. The company estimates a reduction of 1 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions over the operating lifetime of the fleet and a reduction in fuel and maintenance expenses.

Currently South Central FS supplies propane autogas to three school districts (North Clay, Cumberland, and Shelbyville) with propane autogas school bus fleets. South Central FS is also working with police departments in its trade territory to convert police interceptors to propane autogas. South Central FS also recently converted two of its own Ford F150 trucks to liquid injection propane fuel systems, with long-term plans to expand more of its fleet to propane fuel vehicles.

FS companies are full-service agriculture and energy suppliers dedicated to providing high-quality products and services. Located throughout the Midwest and northeastern United States and in Ontario, Canada, FS companies provide farm and non-farm customers with fuels, lubricants, propane, plant nutrients, crop protection, seed, structures, equipment, and grain marketing assistance. FS companies are part of the GROWMARK System, an agricultural cooperative serving more than 250,000 customers across North America.