February 3, 2022
New Entry Level Driver Training Begins February 7
Comply With Entry Level Driver Training Using NPGA’s New ACE Service 
As of February 7, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all new CDL- and HME-applicants and anyone looking to upgrade their CDL to successfully complete classroom and behind-the-wheel training before applicants are eligible to sit for state CDL or HME exams. This new Entry Level Driver Training requirement applies to all potential commercial drivers. 

Worried how your company will comply? The National Propane Gas Association can help! 

NPGA is launching the Administrative Compliance Experts (ACE) service to complete the regulatory requirements, filing paperwork, and submitting information to the FMCSA. While you focus on your day-to-day business, NPGA’s ACE navigates the regulatory red tape. Through ACE, the more than 30 steps mandated by ELDT can become just five simple steps with NPGA guiding you from start to finish. 

The new ELDT regulation requires behind the wheel and classroom training before an individual can apply for a CDL. Specific documentation requirements, equipment and training minimums, instructor requirements, and more must meet FMCSA’s regulations. NPGA will navigate the regulatory pathways and manage compliance records while you focus on getting your driver up to speed. You enable drivers to learn at their own pace and see their skills develop; let NPGA maneuver through the regulatory burdens. 

ACE is designed to assist your company by reviewing regulatory compliance and serving as your Registered Training Provider, including submitting drivers’ materials to FMCSA. Using NPGA’s ACE as your company’s Registered Training Provider shields you from FMCSA audit and ushers your new drivers through the education and training requirements. 

For additional information on ACE, including frequently asked questions, fee structures, and a sample of the educational modules, visit npga.org/ace. Questions? Contact Twana Aiken, NPGA’s Manager of Regulatory Affairs, at eldt@npga.org.  
Great Lakes Propane Convention
The Indiana, Michigan and Ohio Propane Gas Associations are collaborating to bring you one joint summer convention in 2022. Plan now to attend the first-ever Great Lakes Propane Convention, July 26-28. This convention will be held every other year, in place of each state's annual convention and the location will rotate throughout the 3 participating states. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to collaborate with your propane colleagues in neighboring states.

Bring your employees! This convention is intended to educate owners, managers, customer service representatives, drivers and technicians. In addition to the education sessions, the conference includes a vendor showcase, golf outing, and awards banquet.

Sponsorship Opportunities
You don't want to miss this opportunity to promote your products and services at the Great Lakes Propane Convention! Together, these associations are asking for your support of this first-ever opportunity. This unique event will only be offered every other year. Packages range from $500 to $2,000 and include a wealth of benefits. Sign up today!
FMCSA Extends Emergency Declaration Until March 8th for 42 Sates
NPGA secured an extension of the current Emergency Declaration by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for 42 states. NPGA’s advocacy was built on information from propane marketers, transport operations, weather predictions, COVID-19 infection rates, and valuable outreach by state and regional trade association executives.  The extension enables companies to safely continue deliveries to consumers and bulk storage through the forecasted ‘arctic plunge’ while also working through driver losses due to COVID-19 infections. The waiver is in effect through March 8, 2022.


NPGA urged FMCSA to revise the declaration to apply nationwide based on the increasing infection rate of COVID-19 and the winter weather demand by consumers. NPGA continues to advocate for a nationwide declaration by FMCSA and will continue to educate FMCSA on impact across all states. 

Guidance on emergency declarations and waivers by the National Association of State Energy Officials is available here. Please direct any questions to or share new information with Sarah Reboli, NPGA Senior Director, Regulatory & Industry Affairs.
NPGF Scholarship Application Closes February 15
The National Propane Gas Foundation Scholarship Fund (NPGF/SF) 2022 – 2023 scholarship application closes on Tuesday, February 15. Learn more and apply on NPGA’s website! 

Children of employees of NPGA member companies, state propane associations, or PERC are eligible. Applicants may be pursuing  any course of study at two- and four-year colleges or technical, trade, or vocational schools. Students pursuing propane-related careers are especially encouraged to apply. Please share this important opportunity with your employees. 

Every year, the NPGF/SF awards $1,000 and $2,000 scholarships to 100+ students. Since 1994, the NPGF Scholarship Fund has awarded more than two million dollars to 1400+ children of NPGA member company employees! 

Questions? Contact NPGF at scholarship@npga.org 
Protect Propane!
IPGA is committed to being a powerful and effective voice for the propane gas industry in Indianapolis. Indiana Propane PAC, the political action committee of IPGA, strengthens the association’s advocacy efforts by supporting pro-industry lawmakers in the Indiana General Assembly.

Despite passing “ban the ban”, environmental advocates have shown that they are anti-energy, anti-fossil fuel and believe that electrification is the ONLY solutions to Indiana’s energy needs. Additionally, the IPGA continues efforts to support pro-industry lawmakers who will protect Indiana’s pro-business regulatory environment. 
 
Please make a donation to the Indiana Propane PAC today and encourage your employees to make donations as well. Our industry is being challenged on multiple fronts, and we need our entire industry to help and contribute.
Expo Registration and Housing are Now Open!
Save Up to $300 With Early-Bird Rates!*  
NPGA is excited to see everyone again and we hope you’ll join us for our 74th Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo  Sunday, April 24 – Tuesday, April 26, 2022 —bringing together marketers and suppliers from across the United States and beyond. Don’t miss this opportunity to get down to business with more than 3,000 members of the propane industry! Visit the Expo site to see event details, our schedule, and more details on our Keynote and Prayer Breakfast speakers. Register Now! 

EventSphere is NPGA’s official housing partner for the 2022 NPGA Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo. Book your hotel now to attend the industry’s biggest event! 

Click here to see full hotel information and prices, plus a link to EventSphere’s booking site. See you in Nashville! Book Today! 

*Purchase or renew NPGA membership for Expo registration savings of more than 50%! Early Bird registration rates expire April 1, 2022 
Dues Renewals
The 2022 IPGA membership dues collection is well underway. Dues notices were sent out in early December. If you have not yet renewed for 2022, simply click here to renew today.

If you have any new employees who would like to receive IPGA information or changes to other employee’s contact information, we ask that you fill out the “Additional Information” contact sheet. This will assist us in keeping our membership information up to date.

If you have any question or concerns about your 2022 renewal, please feel free to contact Trina Miller in the IPGA office at 317-655-4444 and she will be happy to assist you with you questions.
Rebate Program Begins March 1, 2022
The IPGA wants to remind you that the 2022 Rebate Program begins on March 1, 2022. All purchases made between January 1 and February 28 will not qualify for the 2022 rebate program. Purchases must be made between March 1 and December 31.

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The information contained herein is provided as a service by the Indiana Propane Gas Association (IPGA) for the purpose of education, communication, and information and IPGA accepts no liability relative to the contents, accuracy or use of these services. Nothing in this publication is intended to be construed as legal advice. The user is strictly cautioned to seek legal assistance when attempting to determine any legal rights, responsibilities and procedures with respect to business affairs, coding, or other legal aspects of operating a propane company. IPGA disclaims any and all liability for injury and/or other damages which result to a user from the material offered or discussed herein.