February 5, 2021
Scholarships Available through PPGA, NPGA & WPGA
$1,000 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 is March 19, 2021. Click here to download an application.

NPGA Scholarship Fund
The National Propane Gas Foundation (NPGF) Scholarship Fund offers scholarships to the children of National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) or state association member companies along with PERC employee children. Application deadline is February 15, 2021. Learn more…

WPERC Scholarship Program
Scholarships of $500-$3,000 each will be awarded to students entering an accredited vocational/technical school or college/university. Submissions are due by March 12, 2021. Learn more...
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2021 Employee Training
Pacific Propane Gas Association offers certified and non-certified employee training for those employed in the propane industry looking to obtain propane training certification. PPGA is looking for your feedback to help us determine your needs and plan our 2021 employee training schedule.
Ninth Circuit Upholds FMCSA Preemption of California Break Requirements
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld the preemption determination by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) against additional meal and rest break requirements by the state of California. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters filed a lawsuit against FMCSA to challenge the agency’s preemption determination, which was issued in December 2018. The Ninth Circuit unanimously supported FMCSA’s decision and agreed that California’s rules caused an unreasonable burden on interstate commerce. Specifically, the court agreed that the California meal and rest break rules reduced productivity and imposed higher compliance costs.

The California meal and rest break requirements included a 30-minute meal break after five hours of on-duty time, a second meal break after ten hours of on-duty time, and 10-minute rest breaks every four hours of on-duty time. The meal and rest breaks had to be taken as off-duty time. In addition, an employer had to compensate a driver with one day’s pay for each workday when one or more meal and rest break was not taken.

In November 2020, the FMCSA ruled against the same break requirements being implemented by Washington State. With the Ninth Circuit Court uploading the FMCSA’s preemptive authority it is unlikely Washington State would challenge in its case. The PPGA and NPGA supported the petition of the Washington Trucking Association in their challenge. 

The Ninth Circuit decision is available online here. Please direct any questions to Sarah Reboli, Senior Director of Regulatory & Industry Affairs. 
2021 DERA National Grant Applications Are Open!
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program provides funds to public and private organizations for the replacement of diesel-fueled engines and equipment. The deadline to submit an application is March 16, 2021. Grants provide an opportunity for propane marketers to partner with current and future school bus customers to assist them in replacing more diesel buses with clean propane autogas buses.

EPA’S DERA national grant funding process is a competitive process, awarding between 40 and 70 applicants during 2021. Approximately $46 million in grant funds are available to support projects focused on reducing emissions from the existing fleet of older diesel engines.

NPGA created a How-To Guide for DERA National Grants. For the how-to guide and more funding opportunities, please visit NPGA’s Available Grants page under the News & Resources  tab here. For questions and to share new information contact Twana Aiken, NPGA Manager of Regulatory Affairs. For more information on DERA National Grants, click here or for a NPGA how to guide click here.
30 Under 30 Young Gassers Program
Do you have an outstanding young employee? Get him or her recognized! The Young Gassers in conjunction with the National Propane Gas Association and Canadian Propane Association, is very proud to announce that the open enrollment period for the 2021 30 Under 30 program is now under way. Applications will be accepted until March 8, 2021. Good luck to all the applicants. 
 
For more information or questions regarding the program, please contact Steph Hennen. Thank you everyone for your support of Young Gassers. Here’s to a bright 2021 and an even brighter future! 
Member Benefit Programs
Marketing Services
Safety Compliance
The information contained herein is provided as a service by the Pacific Propane Gas Association (PPGA) for the purpose of education, communication, and information and PPGA 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. PPGA disclaims any and all liability for injury and/or other damages which result to a user from the material offered or discussed herein.