January 21, 2022
Tell the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to Include Propane Buses in Future Infrastructure Investments
We need your help! The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is developing its education and outreach plan for the new clean school bus program as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and we need to ensure propane is included within the plan. Tell the U.S. EPA how important propane school buses are to your community!

It’s simple: click on THIS LINK, fill in your contact information, and a pre-written letter will appear. If you want, include information about how propane school buses have helped your local school district. Then hit “Send Email,” and you’re done! Once you’ve sent your letter, be sure to share the link with your co-workers, friends, and family – we need as many letters supporting propane as possible.

NPGA is working with the Propane Education & Research Council and state and regional propane associations on this effort, encouraging transportation providers and existing propane customers to also send letters of support. NPGA and PERC have already weighed in with EPA, and the state/regional associations are submitting comment letters highlighting propane’s environmental and economic benefits for school bus fleets. 

Additionally, we would encourage you to share this information with your school transportation customers and ask them to submit comments as well. For your convenience, please direct them to BetterOurBuses.com, this link will assist them with their submission.

For more information, contact NPGA’s Lesley Garland.
OHSA's Vaccine Mandate: Now What?
Litigation and rulemaking continue on the Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) following the U.S. Supreme Court issuing a stay last week on the Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for vaccination or testing and face covering policies for all companies with 100 or more employees.

By a decision of 6 to 3, the Court determined that the ETS by OSHA is outside the limits of the agency’s power as authorized by Congress. NPGA’s counsel, representing NPGA and several other associations in a litigation coalition, was one of only two litigants granted review by the Supreme Court; the other litigant being a collection of state attorney generals.

The Supreme Court’s decision also sent the litigation back to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. There, NPGA’s counsel will argue against the merits of the ETS. Meanwhile, the agency’s rulemaking process continues with NPGA advocating against the terms of the ETS to OSHA. Where does this leave employers and employees? While OSHA is prevented from enforcing the ETS, there are a few scenarios that could happen next in light of the stay:
  1. OSHA withdraws the ETS rulemaking and files to dismiss the case. This would be the quickest end to the ETS. OSHA would still retain the ability to publish a new proposal through the normal rulemaking process rather than the unique, accelerated schedule of the ETS.
  2. OSHA allows the ETS to expire and files to dismiss the case. The ETS expires on May 5th unless finalized through the rulemaking process. OSHA could allow the expiration date to naturally terminate the ETS and use the expiration of the ETS as a reason to end the litigation.
  3. OSHA proceeds with the rulemaking and files to dismiss the case. OSHA could review comments to the ETS through the rulemaking process, and propose a new rule based on the comments submitted. A new proposal would follow a normal rulemaking process, not the accelerated schedule of the ETS.
  4. OSHA proceeds with the rulemaking and the case. OSHA could request that the Sixth Circuit expedite the case schedule while simultaneously reviewing comments submitted through the rulemaking process. This is a very ambitious option for the agency to move through litigation and rulemaking before the ETS expires on May 5th; lightening fast speed for a federal agency and the court system.

To prepare for the most difficult scenarios, NPGA’s counsel is shifting focus to argue against the merits of the ETS before the Sixth Circuit. NPGA will continue to advocate for our members through the OSHA rulemaking on the ETS and provide guidance materials for the ETS, if the compliance deadlines are enforced. Material available on the Member Dashboard includes guidance and templates to develop ETS policies as well as guidance and FAQs on the primary requirements of vaccination executive orders for federal contractors and subcontractors. The heart of the NPGA’s advocacy is not premised on the value or efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, but rather the recognition that our members have taken extraordinary measures to protect our employees, customers, and communities during the pandemic and the immediate irreparable harm of losing employees, incurring substantial compliance costs, and worsening already fragile supply chains and labor markets.
NPGF Scholarship Application Now Open!
The National Propane Gas Foundation Scholarship Fund (NPGF/SF) kicked off the 2022 – 2023 scholarship program last month. Children of employees of NPGA member companies, state propane associations, or PERC are eligible to apply. 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. The deadline for applications is February 15. 
 
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! 
 
Learn more about this opportunity including important FAQs, read about the 2021 scholarship recipients, and see a list of the generous donors who make this program possible. Apply here. Questions? Contact scholarship@npga.org
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 2021-2022 academic year is March 25, 2022.

Attention propane marketers! Please help us spread the word by sharing this information with your employees. Consider posting this in a high traffic area of your office, emailing it or placing a copy in each employee’s mailbox or paychecks.
Propane Presents: Featuring Entry Level Driver Training 2.0
January 27, 2022 - 2:00 PM EST
Join us for the Propane Presents series to learn about how PERC and the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) are working together to assist the industry with the new ELDT federally mandated training requirements. PERC’s Vice President of Safety and Training, Eric Kuster, and NPGA’s Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs, Sarah Reboli, will discuss the basic components of the new rules and walk through a step-by-step demonstration on how to access the tools and programming that will help your company meet these new regulations head on.

Registration for Western Propane Trade Show is Open!
Registration is now underway for the 2022 Western Propane Trade Show and Convention; our 72nd annual show, to be held May 11-13 in Reno, NV. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the most up-to-date propane products, vehicles, and services that the industry has to offer. Join colleagues from across the United States and beyond to hear from seminar and session presenters as they discuss new technologies, how to provide safety to you and your customers, and how to position your business by leveraging propane's clean air benefits to help combat climate change.  

Don't miss this opportunity for your company to maximize its presence at the trade show. The attached "2022 Convention Sponsorship Contract" lists the many opportunities available to your company. The more your opportunities you sponsor, the more visible your company will be to all in attendance. At a minimum, your company will receive recognition in the convention on-site program, if your contract is received by March 4, and at the trade show entrance. We strive to provide your company with the most value for each sponsorship dollar spent.

Click Here to Register Online. Further details regarding the show, room reservations, seminars, training sessions, and events can also be found in the attached show invitation or by clicking here.

We look forward to seeing you at the largest propane industry event west of the Mississippi River!
Comply with Entry Level Driver Training Using NPGA's 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
Advertise with PPGA in 2022!
PPGA is accepting ad placements for the 2022 advertising year in its digital magazine, The Propane Post.
 
The Propane Post is a digital publication emailed quarterly to all independent marketer, multistate marketer, associate, individual and honorary members of the association. The publication reaches the desks of nearly 300 propane professionals across the states of Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington. The publication has an average open AND click through rate of nearly 40%. In addition, all ads are hyperlinked to the advertiser’s website and an issue archive is included on the PPGA website.
 
Tap into this highly engaged market today!
Member Benefit Programs
Marketing Services
Safety Compliance
Compliance Safety
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.