January 22, 2021
PPGA and PPERF Planning Meetings
PPGA is hosting a board meeting on Thursday, January 28, 2021. All members are invited to attend. Due to continued COVID restrictions will be held virtual. The primary purpose of the meeting is to discuss association and state PERC activities for 2021. Member feedback is always welcome. Registration is required. Please RSVP by January 26, 2021.

Agenda
9:30am-12:30pm  PPGA Board Meeting
12:30pm-1:30pm  Lunch Break
1:30pm-3:30pm   PPERF Board Meeting
Washington Legislature Hits the Ground Running
The Washington Legislature has began session on January 13 and has already taken up numerous bills impacting the propane industry.

HB 1084; “Green Buildings” Legislation
Today, the House Environment and Energy Committee scheduled a hearing to consider Governor Inslee’s request legislation that would restrict the use of natural gas and propane in the built environment (both commercial and residential) by 2030. The PPGA provided written comments to the bill sponsor and members of the committee expressing strong opposition to the legislation. The PPGA also testified virtually in opposition to the bill.

SB 5126; New “Cap and Trade” Bill
The Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee held a hearing on Tuesday, January 19 to consider SB 5126—a measure that has been requested by Governor Inslee that would establish a new “Cap and Trade” program in Washington State. The PPGA submitted written comments in opposition to the bill and provided testimony during the committee hearing.

SB 5096; Capital Gains Tax
A new 9% capital gains tax received a hearing in the Senate Ways and Means Committee on January 14. Steve Miller of American Distributing and Christophe Allen of Acme Fuels testified on behalf of the small family-owned businesses represented by the PPGA. Thank you to Steve and Christophe for being the voice of small businesses.
Don't Waste Time, Use PLAN!
Since the Propane Logistics Analysis Network (PLAN) launched in late 2019, more than 1,300 wait times have been reported at supply points around the country with over 4,000 users! 
 
PLAN is a crowd sourced online tool, which means it relies on active user reports from people like you, marketers, drivers, dispatchers, terminal managers, and wholesalers. It takes less than a minute to submit a wait time from your mobile device or desktop computer. Your use of PLAN will encourage others to use it too.  

Before PLAN, there was no centralized tool to help drivers maximize their hours of service when there is a wait at a supply point. Recently updated, PLAN displays wait times reported by users at terminals around the country. NPGA developed PLAN with the support of NPGA’s Propane Supply & Logistics Committee and with the assistance of industry members and state and regional propane associations. 
 
PLAN is available online and through an update to the NPGAction app. To get the NPGAction app, visit the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Please note PLAN does not represent supply levels, pricing, or other market variables, and may be subject to error.
 
With your help and continued use, this tool will grow and provide timely information to the industry. Please contact us with any questions.
Scholarships Available through PPGA and NPGA
$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 for the 2020-2021 academic year is March 19, 2021.

NPGA Scholarship Fund
The National Propane Gas Foundation (NPGF) Scholarship Fund was established in 1993 by a committed group of energized volunteers. Its purpose is to foster educational opportunities for the children of National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) or state association member companies along with PERC employee children by offering scholarships to colleges or vocational/technical/trade schools. Application deadline is February 15, 2021. Learn more…
Help spread the word, share with your employees!
NPGA Board of Directors Meeting is Virtual
NPGA's Committee & Section Meetings and the Board of Directors webinar are online to allow you to participate safely and easily from anywhere. Please share this information with your co-workers – registration is FREE, but you must be an NPGA member to participate.  

Participate in any committee or section meeting, hang out in the lounge to schmooze with other members, or join us for a few laughs with comedian Marty Simpson. 

Click here for full schedule, session descriptions, and other meeting details. 
 
Committee & Section Meetings, Business Basics, Social Events:
Held via Zoom on February 1 & 2
Registration closes January 29
 
NPGA Board of Directors Meeting:  
Held via webinar on February 3
Registration closes February 2
 
Separate registration is required.
Hawaii Gas Participates in Hawaii Energy Panel
The Hawaii State Energy Office, the Hawaii Energy Policy Forum and the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute presented a Legislative Energy Briefing on January 15. Speakers were asked to share their 1) current situation, 2) challenges and 3) 2021 solutions to help Hawai`i achieve a resilient, prosperous, carbon free economy.

Alicia Moy, President and CEO of Hawaii Gas, participated on the panel and spoke on the vital role gas places in reliability and resiliency to the energy system. Without the natural gas and propane provided by Hawaii Gas and other PPGA members there would be a significant energy shortage on the Islands. 
Propane Presents: Zero Net Energy
As PPGA members know, we continue to face many challenges from those pushing a “green revolution.” The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is hosting in the Propane Presents Technology Series, a webinar series that focuses on showcasing propane technology from the country's leading innovators. PPGA members may find this information valuable as builders and buyers continue to push for “green soluations.”

You are invited on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 2 p.m. EST to join us for the fifth webinar in this series to learn about how ZNE fits into the country's changing energy landscape and the important role propane plays in meeting customer's energy and lifestyle demands. David Knight of Monterey Energy Group, Bill Owens of Owens Construction, and Matt Evans, a certified home energy rater with Newport Ventures will join PERC's Bryan Cordill to provide an in-depth discussion on why propane is a crucial part of the conversation when it comes to ZNE construction, and how propane marketers can capitalize on the country's growing call for cleaner, smarter energy consumption.

PPGA Advertising Opportunities
PPGA is accepting ad placements for the 2021 advertising year in its magazine, the Propane Post. Advertising with PPGA is an easy, valuable and cost-effective way to get your service/product in front of the entire Pacific propane industry. The publication reaches the desks of over 150 propane professionals across the states of Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington.
 
With the pandemic not allowing for face to face visits as much as we would prefer, advertising in the Propane Post provides you with the ability to keep your company and your products in front of the Pacific propane industry leadership, managers, and key decision makers. The publication is emailed quarterly.
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.