March 1, 2024

Judge Recommends Dismissal of Portand Fuel Storage Rule Lawsuit

This week, U.S. Magistrate Judge Youlee Yim You found that, for the most part, that Portland’s ordinance restricting fuel transportation within city limits doesn't violate the Commerce Clause and the Foreign Commerce Clause of the Constitution. The findings are bad news in that the magistrate is recommending that the case be dismissed. 

Impacted industry, including the PPGA, is awaiting a recommended course of action from legal counsel.  

You can see the full Findings and Recommendations here.  

2024 Employee Training: Registration is Open!

The Pacific Propane Gas Association is pleased to announce the 2024 Employee Training schedule. PPGA offers certified and non-certified employee training for those employed in the propane industry or looking to obtain propane training certification. To make training more accessible to everyone, classes are held in multiple locations. Classes are open to members and non-members and pre-registration is necessary. Consider sending your employees to this valuable training.

74th Annual Western Propane Trade Show & Convention

The 74th  Annual Western Propane Trade Show & Convention is heading back to Reno, NV. We invite you to join us May 13-17, 2024, for a new and exciting program!

Stay tuned for more information on how to maximize your company’s exposure during the trade show and events with new sponsorship opportunities including on-site buyouts at the host hotel and off-site events, suite buyouts above the trade show floor, signage inside the host hotel, and much more.

To ensure that you’re on the Western Convention distribution list, please email Summer Leon. We look forward to seeing you in Reno, NV!

Scholarships Available Through PPGA

PPGA's Dick Start Scholarship Program is for graduating seniors whose parent is employed by a PPGA member. The program is for PPGA members, their employees and their families who are attending or planning to attend any community college, university, vocational or technical school. Application deadline for the 2023-2024 academic year is March 22, 2024.

Dues Reminders

Dues reminders are going out in the mail next week. If you have not done so, please pay your dues. If you have any questions contact Trina Miller.

Forklift Economic Impact Report Available

The Western Propane Gas Association (WPGA) on February 28 published an economic impact report on the cost of the Zero Emission Forklift rulemaking currently underway at the California Air Resources Board. The rule, which is set for a vote on June 27, would mandate that all Class IV (cushion tire) and the majority of Class V (pneumatic tire) combustion forklifts be removed from existing fleets and replaced by battery-electric lifts.

The press release is here and the full report itself is here, along with collateral materials. Importantly, the report shows this rulemaking could create $27 billion in economic costs for businesses, local governments, and nonprofits across California. Of particular national interest, the model that was developed can be used for any state on replacing LPG forklifts or trucks for Class 2/3 charging EVs. 

The propane industry and key stakeholders are invited to register for a webinar with live Q & A hosted on March 7 at 12 noon Pacific. Consultants Andrew Chang & Company and staff from the WPGA will discuss in detail the findings of the statewide economic impact study. 

For more information contact WPGA Executive Director Colin Sueryes or visit westernpga.org/forklift.

PPGA Summer Conference: Sponsor Opportunities

Pacific Propane Gas Association is returning to Alaska for our PPGA Summer Conference to be held August 7-9 at Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage, AK. We are asking for your help to sponsor this special event by committing to one of the opportunities below. Your continued support is appreciated and vital in making this a successful event.

To participate, click here. The deadline to be included in printed items is July 10.

NPGA-Led Coalition Wins Round at ANSI

In a war that has been waged since at least 2015 against the ASHRAE 62.2 Committee over its attempt to ban the use of unvented heaters in ASHRAE 62.2-compliant buildings, an NPGA-led coalition has won an important battle at the highest levels of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The ANSI Appeals Board Decision released February 13th agrees with the appellants that actions taken not only by the 62.2 Committee and ASHRAE but also by the ANSI Executive Standards Council to dismiss concerns raised regarding the integrity and transparency of the standards development process were premature. The Appeals Board stated that a more thorough investigation into not only the procedural allegations but also the technical basis for the prohibition is warranted and directed the Executive Standards Council to schedule a hearing expeditiously to address all the concerns raised. Credit goes to Dave Delaquila of Aquila Consulting, who represents NPGA and leads the coalition that includes AGA and HPBA, among others. 

For more information, please contact Bruce Swiecicki. 

Workforce Development