NPGA Update Announces Resources To Help States' Address Subsidized Natural Gas, Other Challenges
Thursday, February 16, 2017
(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:
Whose "Duty to Warn" Is It?
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
"Duty to warn” is an annual risk-mitigation process for propane marketers to inform customers of important propane safety information. Educating customers about the proper use and storage of propane, as well as how to detect warning signs of a gas leak, can significantly reduce the risk of propane-related hazards — thereby reducing your company’s risk. If you’re not sending out this annual communication, who is?
New Propane Products In The News
Friday, February 10, 2017
Product Blackmer 1SLIDING VANE PUMPS. The new Blackmer SGLWD Series sliding vane pumps with double mechanical seals provide protection against unforeseen leakage of volatile liquids. Available in two sizes, the SGLWD3 and SGLWD4, the pumps have been specifically developed to provide zero leakage by the use of an exclusive cartridge type, double radial seal design.
Propane People In The News
Friday, February 10, 2017
In Memorium: It is with great sadness to report Daryl Ingalsbe, president and CEO of Independent Technologies Inc. (Blair, Neb.) died in a plane crash near his home in Spruce Creek, Fla. on Dec. 27, 2016. He was 67. Ingalsbe founded the company in 1991. People Ingalsbe 1
Trump Executive Orders Expedite Energy and Infrastructure Projects
Monday, February 6, 2017
Washington, DC (February 6, 2017) — President Donald Trump has signed a series of executive orders and presidential memoranda aimed at expediting priority energy and infrastructure projects, among them construction of the Keystone XL pipeline and the remaining portions of the Dakota Access Pipeline, both of which were rejected by the Obama administration. Trump said the actions were in keeping with his campaign promise to reduce regulatory burdens and streamline projects that will create jobs and increase national security.

 

Propane Industry Mourns Death of Beloved Member, Geneva Goodrich
Monday, February 6, 2017
Crocker, MO (February 6, 2017) — It is with great sadness that BPN announces the passing of long-time propane industry member, Geneva Goodrich. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported Saturday that Geneva, 86, died of injuries sustained when the vehicle she and husband, Bob Goodrich, crashed while traveling on State Highway U, seven miles west of Crocker, Mo. Mr. Goodrich sustained moderate injuries.
Propane Education & Research Council Announces New Director of Industry Engagement
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
(January 31, 2017) — The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has announced the appointment of Paula Wilson as its new Director of Industry Engagement. For nearly 25 years, Ms. Wilson served as director of marketing at AmeriGas Propane (Valley Forge, Penn.), one of the largest propane companies in the United States. Wilson lead marketing strategy and consumer engagement for AmeriGas for its business-to-consumer and business-to-business sectors.
Missouri Propane Council Announces 2017 Industry Leadership
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
(January 31, 2017) — The Missouri Propane Education and Research Council (MOPERC) announced recently the election of several local propane professionals to serve as 2017 Directors and Officers.

The Council recently installed its new leadership at the group’s winter meeting in Ridgedale, Mo. The slate was approved following elections at the MOPERC fall meeting in Jefferson City, Mo., and includes representatives from across the state who serve in various capacities and includes:
• Chair –Eric Kolkmeyer, Energy Transport Solutions, Bates City, Mo.
EPA Proposes Adding Natural Gas Processing Facilities Report Toxic Release Inventory
Friday, January 27, 2017
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) posted a Federal Register notice Jan. 6, 2017, proposing to add natural gas processing facilities to industrial sectors covered by reporting requirements of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), commonly known as the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) and section 6607 of the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA).
Iowa Adopts Legislation for Public Fueling of Propane-Powered Vehicles
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
DES MOINES, Iowa (January 25, 2017) — The State of Iowa has adopted [661—201.2(1)] the 2015 edition of the International Fire Code (IFC), which within Section 2307 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Motor Fuel-Dispensing Facilities) provides requirements for public fueling of motor vehicles (2307.7).
EPA Rebates to Fund Cleaner School Buses in 88 Communities
Friday, January 20, 2017
(January 20, 2017) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded more than $7.7 million to replace or retrofit 401 older diesel school buses. The funds are going to 88 school bus fleets in 27 states, each of which will receive rebates through EPA Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding. The new and retrofitted buses will reduce pollutants that are linked to health problems such as asthma and lung damage.
Propane People In The News
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Sean B. Murray has joined Proulx Oil & Propane (Newmarket, N.H.) as sales/account manager. He will handle sales of oil and propane to all new construction projects, builders and developers, and residential and commercial consumer accounts throughout New Hampshire, Southern Maine, and North Shore Massachusetts.
New DOT Cylinder Requalification Rule Effective Jan. 23, 2017
Saturday, January 14, 2017
(January 13, 2017) — The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) and National Propane Gas Association reported that the Department of Transportation (DOT) has finalized a new rule affecting timeframes pertaining to the requalification of DOT cylinders; this NEW RULE TAKES EFFECT JANUARY 23, 2017.

The rule impacts the following areas of cylinder requalification:
DOT Publishes Entry-Level CDL Applicant Driver Training Rule
Friday, January 13, 2017
(January 13, 2017) — The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has published a final rule detailing minimum training requirements for commercial drivers’ license (CDL) applicants and CDL holders who seek endorsements, including the hazardous materials endorsement, reports the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA). The compliance deadline is Feb. 7, 2020. Therefore, those seeking a CDL or an endorsement after that date must complete the recently published minimum training requirements before taking the CDL exam or endorsement exam.
NGL Energy Partners to Acquire Assets from Murphy Energy Corp.
Monday, January 2, 2017
TULSA, Okla. (January 2, 2017) — NGL Energy Partners LP (Tulsa) has been approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court as the high bidder for certain assets of Murphy Energy Corp. (Tulsa). The assets include a Port Hudson, La. natural gas liquids terminal that supports refined products blending, and a Kingfisher, Okla. natural gas liquids and condensate facility. The combined purchase price is about $51 million.
Oklahoma Overtakes Texas as Most Attractive Jurisdiction for Investment
Friday, December 23, 2016
Oklahoma has beaten out Texas as the most attractive jurisdiction around the world for oil and gas investment, according to an annual global survey of petroleum sector executives by the Fraser Institute, a Canadian public policy think tank. The survey ranks 96 jurisdictions worldwide based on their barriers to investment—taxation, costly regulatory obligations, and uncertainty over environmental regulations—and on the volume of oil and gas reserves.
Pennsylvania School District Approves 52 New Propane-Powered School Buses
Thursday, December 22, 2016
EAST STROUDSBURG, Penn. (Dec. 22, 2016) — The East Stroudsburg Area School District in Pennsylvania will steer its transportation program in a new direction. School board officials on Monday approved the purchase of 52 propane-powered school buses and vans.

"We're moving to convert our bus fleet from diesel to propane," said district Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey Bader on Tuesday. "It's a more environment-friendly fuel option that will save money down the road in service costs."
Pennsylvania School District Approves 52 New Propane-Powered School Buses
Thursday, December 22, 2016
EAST STROUDSBURG, Penn. (Dec. 22, 2016) — The East Stroudsburg Area School District in Pennsylvania will steer its transportation program in a new direction. School board officials on Monday approved the purchase of 52 propane-powered school buses and vans.

"We're moving to convert our bus fleet from diesel to propane," said district Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey Bader on Tuesday. "It's a more environment-friendly fuel option that will save money down the road in service costs."
Scientific Evidence in Catalyst Study Confirms Hydraulic Fracturing Safety
Monday, December 19, 2016
The American Petroleum Institute (API) has released a new report by Catalyst Environmental Solutions showing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) finding of no widespread effects to drinking water quality due to hydraulic fracturing operations is supported by state and federal regulatory reviews—and dozens of recent peer-reviewed case studies. API commissioned the report. It is available for review on the institute’s website, api.org.
ExxonMobil to Increase Beaumont Plant Capacity by 65%, Add More Than 1200 Permanent Jobs
Monday, December 19, 2016
ExxonMobil (Irving, Texas) will add a new production unit at its Beaumont, Texas polyethylene plant that will increase capacity by 65%, or by about 650,000 tonnes a year, to meet growing demand for high-performance plastics. Construction has begun at the plant, where current polyethylene production capacity is one million tonnes a year. Startup is expected in 2019.