February 25, 2019
MONDAY MORNING MESSENGER
In Brief
I n this issue of the Monday Morning Messenger , check out our Top Story to find out how Texas Energy Day at the Texas Capitol went.

While we are on the topic of the state legislature, TPGA has an update on a Texas Senate bill that was filed that is beneficial to Texas businesses. Check out the Under the Dome section to find out what it is.

Also, it's been since 2009, since the minimum wage has been changed, is another increase on the way? Find out what Congress is proposing in On the Hill section.

In our last story of the day, Regulatory Guide , we want to remind you that your Tier II reports are due. The filing is very different from last year. TPGA provides a step by step guide provided by TCEQ to assist those with the new filing process.
In this issue
  • In Brief
  • Top Story
  • Under the Dome
  • On the Hill
  • Tier II Reports
Friday, March 1, 2019
Tier II Reports
are due
Top Story
Texas Energy Day at the Capitol a Success
Texas Energy Day at the Texas Capitol was sponsored by more than 60 companies, chambers of commerce, and associations including the Texas Propane Gas Association from across the state. Over 700 Texans joined in Austin to share with their lawmakers why oil & gas matters to them, their families, and the state.

Watch for the full recap and all the photos in April issue of Texas Propane magazine. Thank you to everyone that joined the propane contingent of the group!
Under the Dome
Consistent Employment Regulations Act 
This month, Senator, Brandon Creighton of Conroe, TX introduced SB 15, the Consistent Employment Regulations Act in the Texas Senate. The Texas Senate bill would prohibit cities and counties from enforcing their own employment rules and regulations.

  The bill explicitly states: “a municipality or county may not adopt or enforce an ordinance, order, rule, regulation, or policy requiring any terms of employment that exceed or conflict with federal or state law relating to any form of employment leave, hiring practices, employment benefits, scheduling practices, or other terms of employment.”

The bill was introduced in response to cities like Austin who have adopted their own employer requirements like paid sick leave.
On the Hill
Raise the Wage Act
Not only has the Texas Legislature filed numerous bills to raise the minimum wage, but also the federal government introduced the Raise the Wage Act, H.R. 582 recently as well. The act would increase minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 by 2024.

According to a recent study by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB),  Economic Effects of Enacting the Raise the Wage Act on Small Businesses and the U.S. Economy , the Raise the Wage Act would result in job loss, lost production, and income reduction on a national scale.If the federal legislation prevails, NFIB reports that by 2029 that there would be approximately 1.6 million fewer jobs. The study states the federal government can do a one-size fits all on wage increase, because cost of living varies all over the country.

U.S. Congress is expected to address the bill in the upcoming weeks.
Regulatory Guide
Tier II Reports Are Due On Friday
Don't Wait Until the Deadline!
Anyone storing 10,000 lbs or more of hazardous chemicals. 10,000 lbs. of propane equate to 2,380 gallons of propane . So, if you have over 2,380 gallons, you need to complete a Tier II Report for each location storing over 2,380 gallons.  

There are some extra steps before you can get started filing your report. Check out the step by step guide below.
Tier II Chemical Reporting Steps
Find out what types of Tier II reports you must submit, and the associated fees CLICK HERE .

Getting access to the new Tier II Online Reporting System and validating your identity, CLICK HERE .

How to obtain Tier II program numbers (TXT2), customer numbers (CN), and regulated entity numbers (RN) that you need for your report, CLICK HERE .

You will need a RN for each different location or address you are reporting on.

Guides on how to create a Tier II report using TCEQ’s STEERS, CLICK HERE .

Information on how filing fees are calculated for your Tier II chemical report, , CLICK HERE .

Instructions on creating electronic formats, and requirements on where to send them, CLICK HERE .
Issues
CLICK HERE for common Tier II reporting issues.

Reminder!
Each screen TIMES OUT after 20 minutes. Please SAVE YOUR WORK.
Questions? In Texas, call 800-452-2791 or email Tier2Help@tceq.texas.gov . Please note due to the deadline they are receiving higher than normal call and email volume and they are working to get back to everyone as soon as possible.