Propane Prominent at 2017 Energy Independence Summit

Phil Squair, NPGA’s senior vice president of public and governmental affairs, addressed an audience of more than 100 at the 2017 Energy Independence Summit. The annual event brings together alternative fuel industry leaders from across the country to advocate for policies that will increase the use of propane, and other alternative fuels, across the United States.

During a panel discussion highlighting clean transportation policy accomplishments in 2016 and the congressional outlook for 2017, Squair said, “There are great opportunities for propane and other alternative fuels in the new administration. Specifically, lessening the regulatory burden and decreasing corporate taxes will help us grow alternative fuel use during the next decade.” Nationally, propane employs about 80,000 people in primarily locally owned and independent businesses. Additionally, propane is a major contributor to the energy security of the United States. Enough propane is now produced in North America to satisfy all United States propane demand.

Squair noted, “Increasing the use of propane as a vehicle fuel is a common sense solution for promoting our energy security, supporting local businesses, and cleaning the environment. Every year, the United States exports 10 billion gallons of propane, which is enough to fuel 4 million fleet vehicles or 12 million homes. We should pursue public policies that encourage all this propane stays in the U.S. to heat our homes, fuel our vehicles, and power the tools needed in modern farming and manufacturing.”

Opportunities for propane in the Volkswagen mitigation settlement were also identified. One of the best ways states can use these dollars is to replace older, diesel-powered school buses with new propane-powered versions. Six hundred school districts, private schools, and bus contractors use propane school buses to safely transport their children. In these instances, the benefits of propane have been realized almost immediately. From cleaner emissions and quieter rides to lower maintenance costs and fuel savings, propane school buses are a proven winner for school districts.

Currently, more than 12,000 propane-fueled buses transport 700,000 students to school every day. Phillip Wiedmeyer, chairman of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition and vice president of Transportation Energy Partners, agreed with the need to increase the use of propane as an auto fuel saying, “We need to do more in the United States to get more propane vehicles on the road.”

NPGA member companies AmeriGas, Blossman Gas, Delta Liquid Energy, Ferrellgas, and Roush CleanTech, and Sharp Autogas sponsored the event.