November 16, 2020
In Brief
In this issue of the Monday Morning Messenger, the Texas Propane Gas Association follows up with members regarding the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR)'s the new regulation of motor fuel meters. The TDLR contacted us on Friday, and we share the information they shared with us with you.
Additionally, last week, the TDLR sent an alert with sticker guidance. Please read on the second story of the morning as we break down how this applies to LPG.

Also, per the association's request, the Alternative Fuels Safety section of the Railroad Commission issued a waiver this past Spring. The waiver is still in effect, but the association wants to remind you what needs to happen as soon as ends, so you are prepared, and it does not surprise you if it ends during the winter months.

December will be here shortly. Check out all things that are due or that are December 1, 2020. It's looking to be the most popular date on our 2020 calendar.

Lastly, do not forget to check out our Quick Links section for some reminders and fast access to sign up forms and items.
In this issue

  • In Brief
  • TDLR Letter
  • TDLR Sticker Clarification
  • RRC Certification Waiver
  • Quick Links
Please Respond to Letters
from the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR)
This linked letter from the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) went out via postal mail to all propane businesses with registered liquid petroleum gas (LPG) meters at beginning of November. Propane companies are being asked to certify whether they sell LPG for use as a motor fuel in a vehicle. If the business does or does not sell motor fuel, then they must respond by mailing, emailing, or faxing the letter back to us within the next 30 days. If they fail to respond, until TDLR hears otherwise, they will remain an active account and receive invoices prior to meter renewal.

For those that respond:
·        If they do not sell LPG for motor fuel, TDLR will remove them as an active business (they will be listed as not regulated by TDLR so it doesn’t affect measures) and they will not receive a renewal invoice prior to their next expiration.

·        If they do sell LPG for motor fuel, they will get a renewal invoice from TDLR and they must also continue to register their meters with TDA.

A letter with the name of each facility went out to the business owners which will allow them to respond accordingly per location.

“This will eliminate the requirement of dual registration for businesses that do not sell LPG as motor fuel,” TDLR's attorney stated in a recent email communication with the Texas Propane Gas Association.
TDLR Sticker Compliance
Deadline is December 1, 2020
Beginning December 1, 2020, all "motor fuel" meters that dispense any propane motor fuel for consumer on-road vehicle use must display a Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) motor fuel sticker in addition to their Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) sticker. Do not remove the TDA stickers on propane pumps and dispensers. TDA still regulates propane meters and scales.

You can remove the TDA stickers on gasoline and diesel pumps. TDA no longer regulates gasoline and diesel motor fuel.
Have you bought your TDLR stickers?
Bobtail & Transport Driver
Certification Waiver
This past spring, a waiver was issued by the Railroad Commission of Texas per the Texas Propane Gas Association's request. This waiver allows both bobtail (local) and transport (regional) drivers to perform delivery operations without a Railroad Commission of Texas certification while Governor Abbott's State of Disaster remains in effect.

The Governor's COVID-19 Disaster Declaration is still in effect and continues to be renewed every 30 days.

Although the COVID-19 Disaster Declaration is still in effect, once it eventually concludes, all drivers seeking certification must immediately take and pass the required certification exam before resuming activities requiring certification.

As we approach the winter months, we want to remind anyone that may be operating under this waiver so they can prepare. Drivers are welcome to take exams now and do not have to wait until the waiver concludes. Online & Austin in-person exams are open and currently available through the Railroad Commission. Click here for the exam schedule.
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