October 4, 2021
In Brief
In this edition of the Monday Morning Messenger, TPGA updates on the latest in the unvented heater battle.

Secondly, the association has a bunch of quick updates to share with you. Check out the middle section for an update on upcoming TPGA meetings, a limited extension of the Hurricane Ida federal declaration, and a TDLR update.

Also, in this edition find out who the newly elected Chairman of the Railroad Commission is.

Lastly, over the last 3 years, schools across the nation have had success in winning national grants from the EPA to transition to the propane school buses. This national funding lottery for schools has just reopened. Share this simple grant with the schools in your area.

Also do not forget to check out our Quick Links for access to waivers, rebates, and the TPGA compliance store.
In this issue

  • In Brief
  • Unvented Heater Update
  • TPGA Meeting Update
  • Limited Declaration Extension Update
  • TDLR Update
  • RRC Chairman Update
  • Bus Grant Lottery
  • Quick Links
Photo compliments of Mr. Heater
Ban of Gas Unvented Heaters
Battle Continues
The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) has had an ongoing battle to stop the ban of unvented heaters and has been successful in tactics to stop previous proposals.
 
Despite these efforts, NPGA reported that the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) approved for public review what could become “addendum j” to Standard 62.2 on indoor air quality. Addendum j explicitly prohibits all permanently mounted gas-fired unvented heaters listed to the unvented room heater standard, ANSI Z21.11.2, from being installed in a 62.2 compliant residential dwelling. Unlike its predecessor (i.e., addendum a) that tried to effectively ban heaters by introducing a severe sizing restriction, addendum j fully exposes the actual intent of the 62.2 Committee.
 
NPGA has laid out instructions for members wishing to comment: Members must go directly to ASHRAE’s comment database and create an account to comment online. Full instructions for how to comment can be found at: https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/standards-and-guidelines/public-review-drafts. To get access and to download addendum j for review (after October 1), click on the green “Access Now” icon found on the same webpage. There you will find a list of all available review and comment documents. Scroll to the “30-Day Public Review Period from October 1, 2021, to October 31, 2021”. To begin the online comment process, click on “COMMENT” just to the left of addendum j, and follow the instructions to create an account.
 
Once the ASHRAE proposal and arguments for it are published, NPGA will comment with technical arguments in opposition to the proposal.
 
Modified from its original version in NPGA The Bobtail newsletter.
2021 - 2022 Upcoming TPGA Meeting Schedule
TPGA recently announced its upcoming meeting schedule for 2021-2022 with dates and locations.
Hurricane Ida Declaration Extended,
But Modified
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) extended the expiring Hurricane Ida Federal Emergency Declaration. The new declaration is active for September 29, 2021 – October 28, 2021, includes propane, but is limited to 1) State of Louisiana only 2) Transportation related to the restoration of power.
A Message from Our President: TDLR Update
Last Friday, our TPGA President sent out an important announcement on our successful regulatory win for our industry that eliminates regulatory redundancies for LPG meters.
 Wayne Christian
Elected RRC Chairman
Railroad Commissioner, Wayne Christian of Center, TX was unanimously elected by his fellow Commissioners Craddick and Wright to serve as the next Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission.

Commissioner has been a longtime friend and an advocate for the industry during the last 5 years as Commissioner. We congratulate him on this honor and look forward to continuing working with him on propane industry matters.
Nationwide School Bus Grant Lottery Anywhere in Texas or U.S.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) School Bus Rebate has $10 million to help fund the replacement of the model year 2006 or older diesel buses that drive more than 10,000 miles in a typical year with cleaner school buses like those powered by propane autogas.

EPA awards $25,000 per propane school bus.

How many buses will they fund? Fleets with up to 100 school buses may submit one application listing up to 10 buses for scrappage and replacement. Fleets with more than 100 school buses may submit up to two rebate applications, each listing up to 10 different buses for scrappage and replacement

The application is short only 3 pages. November 5, 2021 is the deadline for emailing applications with scans of bus titles and registrations to DERARebates@epa.gov.

Selection is by lottery. At least one school district from every state in the U.S. will be selected from the application pool.

If a school district needs assistance or has any questions, the school district can contact the Propane Council of Texas for guidance or submission at info@propanecounciloftexas.org.
Quick Links
TEXAS HURRICANE NICHOLAS
HOURS OF SERVICE
WAIVER
BROWSE TPGA'S ONE-STOP COMPLIANCE SHOP
PROPANE SERVICE CORP
PROPANE APPLIANCE REBATE
PROGRAM JUST GOT EASIER
CHECK OUT THESE UPDATES
CDL MEDICAL CARD WAIVER
IN EFFECT FOR SOME EXPIRED CARDS UNTIL NOV 30TH