December 27, 2019
Important Changes to IPGF Appliance Rebate Program
Beginning in 2020, marketers will see changes to the IPGF Safe Appliance Rebate Program. Appliances must be purchased after March 1, 2020. Appliances purchased in January and February will no longer be eligible for the rebate program. A new rebate application for 2020 will be provided to marketers after the beginning of the year and 2019 rebate applications will not be accepted.

Additionally, marketers should not include any leak check documentation with the application. Simply verify on the application that a safety inspection was performed. 
FMCSA: Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is proposing to delay the compliance deadline by which State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) must utilize the Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse).  FMCSA created the Clearinghouse to share information about commercial drivers’ alcohol and drug violations among employers, state law enforcement, and SDLAs.  FMCSA will require that employers of CDL drivers submit and review information about commercial drivers’ alcohol and drug violations.  The compliance date for employers is January 6, 2020.  FMCSA is proposing to extend the compliance deadline for SDLAs to January 6, 2023.  If the extended compliance deadline is finalized, SDLAs may voluntarily request drivers’ information from the Clearinghouse prior to issuing commercial licenses or endorsements; however, SDLAs must use the Clearinghouse by the 2023 compliance deadline. 

The January 6, 2020 compliance date would remain in effect for all other requirements, including the requirement for motor carriers to input drivers’ information.  FMCSA requires that CDL holders’ drug and alcohol testing program violations must be reported to the Clearinghouse by January 6, 2020, and motor carriers must perform the required ‘queries’ – requesting information from the Clearinghouse – for prospective and current driver-employees.  FMCSA requires all employers of CDL drivers to purchase a ‘query plan’, which is a rated access to the Clearinghouse. Employers must submit a query to the Clearinghouse – in other words, request or submit information about drivers’ drug and alcohol violations – before hiring the driver and at least annually for every CDL driver-employee.  More information about the query process and purchasing plans is available from FMCSA  here .

FMCSA’s objective is to share information among employers and state officials to prevent some drivers from misrepresenting his/her violations to a new employer and/or in a new state.  FMCSA compiled over 50 questions-and-answers to familiarize employers and drivers on the Clearinghouse.  The FAQ page is available  here . More information about the Clearinghouse, including resources for employers as well as drivers, is available on FMCSA’s website  here . Please direct any additional questions to  Sarah Reboli , Deputy Counsel, Regulatory Affairs at NPGA.
Holiday Hours
The staff at IPGA would like to extend our wishes for a joyous holiday season to you and your family.

In observance of the Christmas holiday, the IPGA office is closed until Monday, December 30 at 8:30 am.

In observance of the New Year holiday, the IPGA office will close on Tuesday, December 31 and will reopen Thursday, January 2 at 8:30 am.
Schedule
7:30am-8:30am
Breakfast/IPGA Committee Meetings

8:30am-10:00am
IPGA Board and Membership Meeting

10:00am-11:30am
Statehouse Visits

11:30am-1:00pm
Lunch at the Statehouse
Statehouse Visits
All IPGA members are encouraged to schedule visits with your legislators or their legislative aides in areas your company services. If you are not familiar with your legislators, you can search for them using your address by clicking here.
 
So that we may coordinate the visits, please contact the IPGA office with the time and names of legislators scheduled. This is a complimentary event. Please RSVP online before January 15, 2020 by clicking here.
Extended Hours of Service
FMCSA has extended a regional hours of service waiver for many Midwestern states including Indiana. The emergency declaration is effective until January 10, 2020. Click here to access the waiver.

Please keep an eye on your email for additional updates or contact Matt Solak  with any questions.
President's Council 2019 Members
Indiana Propane Gas Association
317.655.4444