(January 16, 2017) The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) in its Winter 2017 Director's Update summarized propane industry efforts in 2016 to battle against subsidized natural gas expansion efforts, resulting in victories in Maryland, Michigan, New Mexico, North Dakota, Virginia and West Virginia. In this new year, NPGA expects the natural gas forces to push even harder, so it is adjusting its communication and political tactics and finding new ways to tell the industry's story to legislators and regulators.

State Engagement Initiative Programs:
In January 2017, the NPGA Executive Committee authorized two programs through the State Engagement Initiative, including:
  • $33,000 for the Illinois Propane Gas Association to enter a second year of its campaign against subsidized natural gas expansion in the legislature and Illinois Commerce Commission. This year, the association intends to introduce what we believe is the first industry-sponsored legislative action to push back against natural gas expansion.
  • Up to $22,000 for the Propane Gas Association of New England to co-fund a multimedia communication program to educate Vermont consumers and legislators on the impact of carbon tax proposals. This program is a partnership with the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association.
Additional State Engagement Resources:
Legislative Action Kits - including ones for natural gas expansion, VW settlement, autogas, limited liability, and obtaining limited plumbing/contracting licenses for propane industry members - can be found at www.npga.org/stateengagement. There is also a Special Action Kit for state association or industry members that are planning a Capitol Day with state legislators or regulators to introduce them to propane.

To learn more about the State Engagement Initiative or state legislative and regulatory issues, contact Lesley Garland, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..