December 31, 2018
MONDAY MORNING MESSENGER
In Brief
The Texas Propane Gas Association wants to wish our members a Happy New Year.


In this issue of the Monday Morning Messenger , get a forecast for the what exciting plans, the Texas Propane Gas Association has in store for you in 2019.

Check out the Under the Dome section to find out what Texas legislation was filed last week concerning gas piping.

It's peak heating season and your delivery trucks are on the road more than ever. Are they in compliance? Check out our Regulatory Reminder section for a checklist of markings.

Lastly, TPGA wanted to remind you of little known member perk. Check out the last story on how TPGA membership can help with your taxes.
In this issue
  • In Brief
  • Top Story
  • Under the Dome
  • Regulatory Reminder
  • Member Perks
Upcoming Dates
December 31, 2018
-January 1, 2019
RRC closed & all drivers license offices

January 1, 2019
TPGA & PSC Office Closed

January 3-4, 2019
TCEQ Tier II Training
Austin, TX

January 3-4, 2019
TCEQ Tier II Training
El Paso, TX
Top Story
What's In Store for 2019
2019 is going to be an exciting year as the association celebrates our 75th Anniversary , nearly a century of helping the propane gas industry with rules, regulations, standards, codes and other pertinent industry issues.

The TPGA Store , Propane Service Corporation, will be launching a new e-commerce site in 2019 allowing you to order decals, signs, compliance books and more all online while still receiving your member discount.

2019 is also a legislative year. The Texas Legislature meets every other year during odd years. Session officially kicks off next week. TPGA will be keep a watchful eye on legislation and go up for bat for the industry at the Texas Capitol.

In 2019, the Texas Propane Gas Association is partnering with the Texas Oil & Gas Association, Texas Alliance of Energy Producers and other organizations for a big day at the Texas Capitol, Texas Energy Day . Join us February 20, 2019 in Austin. Watch for the detailed schedule and more information in the upcoming weeks.

Additionally, the association will be hosting our expo & conference at a new beach side location on August 9-11, 2019 at the Sparkling City by the Sea, Corpus Christi.
Under the Dome
Texas CSST Disclosure Bill Filed
Last week, a Texas legislator, Rep. Justin Holland of Rockwall, pre-filed Texas House Bill 591, to require homeowner's selling their home to disclose that the home has corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) and that CSST may be damaged by lightning, electrical arcing, or punctures, which may result in a release of fuel gas.

If the legislation passes, the language would be added to the existing seller's disclosure that outlines everything from ceiling fans to appliances.

TPGA will keep members up to date on any movement on this legislation or other CSST legislation.
Regulatory
Propane Bobtails & Transport Markings
Winter is here and temperatures are low, which means more road time for your delivery trucks, which means exposure to commercial motor vehicle enforcement.The most commonly cited violations of these below referenced 49 CFR regulations involve faded, incorrect, or missing markings.

§172.328(b) requires cargo tanks to display the proper shipping name or appropriate common name of the material being transported.
§172.328(c)(1)(2) requires cargo tanks to be marked quenched and tempered (QT) or not quenched and tempered (NQT).
§172.504(a) requires placarding of each side and each end of the unit.
§172.328(d) requires each on-vehicle manually activated remote emergency shutoff system to be identified by marking “Emergency shutoff.”
§178.337-9(c) requires inlets and outlets to be marked “liquid” or “vapor.”
§180.415(b) requires cargo test dates and types to be marked on cargo tanks
e.g. V for external visual inspection and test & K for leakage test.
Member Perks
Important Tax Deduction
Did you know the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows you to deduct any dues that are required by your profession, such as dues or membership fees to a professional or trade organization, from your taxes?

Percentage of dues & fees that are tax-deductible:
• 85% of your TPGA dues 
• 100% of your Voluntary Assessment contribution
• 74% of your NPGA dues