March 14 2022
In Brief
In this edition of the Monday Morning Messenger, TPGA highlights steps that the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) is taking to provide additional hours relief during the winter months. However, they still need to hear from the industry first. Learn more in our first story of the morning.

Speaking of winter, TPGA shares some insights from PERC research gathered one year after Texas Winter Storm Uri. Please read more details in our second story of the morning.

The FMCSA is getting rid of a driver requirement. Find out which one requirement, in our third story of the morning.

Also, looking for off-season gallons. In our last brief of the morning, we tell you how to get on the state's bid list. It is not a perpetual registration, so we also share information on staying on that bid list.

Additionally, check out our Quick Links section to access the Winter Fuels Weekly Pricing & Supply Update and our TPGA Store, where members get discounts.
In this issue

  • In Brief
  • 34 Restart Relief Request
  • Post Uri: Propane Surge
  • Elimination of Annual Traffic Violation Reporting
  • Get on the State Bid List
  • Quick Links
Weigh In On Getting 34 Hour
Restart Relief During the Winter
During the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) Winter Board of Directors sessions, there was considerable discussion on the FMCSA regional Emergency Declaration that waived hours of service requirements in response to winter demand and a reduction in the workforce due to COVID-19. An idea stemming from those discussions was the potential value of a Special Exemption from FMCSA, which is an automatic waiver of specific regulations under particular circumstances for a period of five years.

NPGA proposes requesting a Special Exemption from the 34-hour restart provision during the winter heating season (October 1 – March 31) for a period of five years. To support this request, NPGA must provide FMCSA with research demonstrating that granting the Special Exemption would not reduce the level of safety.

Share your opinion on NPGA potentially requesting a Special Exemption from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) 34-hour restart provision here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/34hrRestart. The survey deadline is Friday, March 18.

If successful in obtaining a Special Exemption, it may make it more difficult for NPGA to argue for regional Emergency Declarations by FMCSA that waive the hours-of-service requirements in response to specific winter weather events. If NPGA obtains a Special Exemption, it would be limited in scope to the transportation of propane – bobtail or transport – by any company during the specified period. Companies would not be obligated to utilize the Special Exemption.

Questions? Contact NPGA Vice President, Regulatory & Industry Affairs Sarah Reboli at SReboli@npga.org.
One Year After Texas Storm & Grid Failure, Propane Use Surges
During Winter Storm Uri just a year ago and countless other power disruptions created by severe weather, propane has continually proven to be a reliable source of primary and backup power for homes and businesses.
According to National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), over the past four decades, extreme weather events have increased, on average, by 4.4 percent in the United States. More than 300 weather events that each caused over $1 billion in damage have hit the U.S. since 1980, with high-impact disasters increasing significantly since 2007.

According to a study commissioned by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) to gauge consumer confidence in the electric grid, 23 percent of the more than 4,000 respondents have purchased a generator over the past two years and 54 percent have considered one.
During Winter Storm Uri, many Texas communities relied on propane as an emergency power source when the electric grid failed. Propane kept Texans warm and fed, and cities relied on propane-powered generators to keep their critical infrastructure operating.

PERC shared an expanded version of this story with the AP news, other news outlets, and the Texas Municipal League.

In a recent news release, Tucker Perkins of the Propane Education & Research Council stated, "We encourage city leaders to include propane on their emergency checklist. Uri showed us the severe complications that arise when electricity is not available for extended periods of time, and we're committed to providing a reliable and affordable energy source for all Americans."
DOT Eliminating Annual Violation
Reporting Requirement
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a new rule that will eliminate a traffic violation reporting requirement that many truck drivers found to be “redundant” and “time-consuming.”

In a final rule published last week, the FMCSA is amending current regulations to eliminate the requirement that drivers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce prepare and submit a list of their convictions for traffic violations to their employers annually.

The final rule will go into effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register on May 9, 2022.
Get on the State Propane Bid List
You Must Renew Annually
Texas state agencies are not just situated in Austin. The Texas Department of Parks & Wildlife and other state agencies have satellite offices all over the state that need propane for operations and power generation. These agencies are frequently sending out bid requests.

Have you ever wondered how to get on their bid list?
If you were on the bid list, has your account gone inactive? Renew.

Texas propane retailers wishing to furnish propane to the state should register for the Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL) through Comptroller's Office to receive bidding opportunities.

To register, complete the application and submit a $70 annual fee. This must be renewed annually.
Questions? Please call 512-463-3459 or email e.cmbl@cpa.texas.gov.
Quick Links
MARCH 9, 2022
WINTER FUELS WEEKLY
PRICE & SUPPLY UPDATE
NATIONAL, REGIONAL & STATE
PROPANE SERVICE CORP (PSC) OFFERS A WIDE VARIETY OF PRODUCTS TO MEET
YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS