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October 9, 2023

In Brief

Welcome to the latest edition of the Monday Morning Messenger!


In our first story of the morning, we inform you about the pre-publication of a federal rule restricting gas furnaces and what our representatives on the Hill, the National Propane Gas Association, are doing to combat this rulemaking.


Secondly, TPGA has scheduled our Fall 2023 Board and Committee meetings for later this month. Learn more about the Q4 meeting and RSVP below.


Thirdly, in breaking news, the Governor has called for a Special Texas Legislative Session commencing today. Stay tuned as we keep you informed about the developments and decisions that unfold during this session.


Lastly, Sunday is the deadline to sign up for our Propane Emergency Response Railroad Commission Continuing Education course being held next month in College Station.


Also, check out our Quick Links section of the Messenger to access the latest Winter Weekly newsletter and get fast access to PSC.


Stay well-informed each week with the Monday Morning Messenger!

In this issue


  • In Brief
  • Furnace Restrictions
  • Fall TPGA Meetings
  • Texas Special Session
  • Important Deadline
  • Quick Links
Calendar

October 10, 2023

Texas Propane magazine Ad Deadline

October 15, 2023

Propane Emergencies Hotel Deadline


October 15, 2023

TPGA Board Meeting Hotel Deadline


October 16-18, 2023

NPGA Fall Board of Directors, Committee, & Section Meetings

October 17, 2023

LPG Charity Fund Fall Class Golf Tournament

FULL CALENDAR

Affinity Partners

Lone Star Energy Group Workers Comp Insurance

&

Basys Credit Card Processing

&

NoCell Technologies

Gas Furnace Restriction Rule

Pre-Published

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued the “pre-publication” version of its final consumer furnace rulemaking. The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) – along with natural gas coalition partners – submitted four separate and extensive comments on this proposal in 2022. The 575-page rule would be effective in late 2028 and eliminate non-condensing gas furnaces. The rule will remain in “pre-publication” until at least November 13th, after which NPGA will be able to respond.


NPGA has been tracking this rulemaking diligently and is disappointed in the DOE’s action. It would directly harm consumers by forcing costly retrofits or fuel switching, thus disproportionately impacting socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.


NPGA has geared up its regulatory, legal, lobbying, engineering, and economic experts, as well as forming a response coalition. Rest assured, combating any and all anti-gas furnace rules is NPGA’s number 1 priority.


On the Congressional front, NPGA has already worked with Representatives Fallon (TX) and Fischbach (MN) to introduce an amendment to the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Water bill that would “prohibit any funding to be used to finalize, implement, or enforce the proposed rule.” The amendment is Number 35 on Page 8. NPGA will push for traction on this amendment across the halls of Congress.


Some highlights of note on the Final Rulemaking include:

  • The Final Rule establishes an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency of 95 nationwide, which a non-condensing furnace cannot achieve.
  • The DOE acknowledges that 58.4% of current furnace shipments do not meet the standard established in the Final Rule.
  • The DOE acknowledges that 18.7% of consumers would experience a net added cost for a new furnace as a result of the new standards, and the real cost of installing a new non-condensing furnace could be as high as $6,336.
  • In the Final Rule, the DOE chose not to modify their emissions analysis to distinguish between natural gas and propane emissions, despite receiving a comment highlighting that propane emits lower carbon dioxide levels compared to natural gas.
  • The DOE considered regionalizing the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, consistent with the regional requirements on furnaces from ENERGY STAR, but chose a nationwide standard despite different product designs for different regions and heating needs.


NPGA is evaluating strategy for the propane industry, alongside other impacted industries, and will be active in response following the publication of the Final Rule.


Source: The National Propane Gas Association

Join Us for the Fall 2023 TPGA Board & Committee Meetings

Join us for the Texas Propane Gas Association's Board & Committee Meetings on October 24-25, 2023, at Courtyard by Marriott in New Braunfels, TX.


SCHEDULE

October 24, 2023

10:30a - 11:30a: Convention Planning

1:00p - 2:30p: CETP Informative Session by PERC

2:30p - 3:30p: Executive Committee

3:30p - 5:00p: Finance Committee

5:00p: Oktoberfest Social

6:30p: Dinner


October 25, 2023

9:00a - 11:30a: Board of Directors


BOARD AGENDA: 2023 financials, 2024 budgets, 2024 Convention, and Railroad Commission Update.


ABOUT THE CETP SESSION: Learn about CETP with Eric Kuster, VP of Safety, Education, & Compliance at PERC. CETP equips propane industry professionals with essential skills.


RESERVE YOUR ROOM: Book your room at Courtyard by Marriott New Braunfels River Village for $139/night (incl. parking & and internet) by Oct 15, 2023. Call (830) 626-4700 or click here.


SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE: Support our meeting with sponsorships: Day 1 coffee break ($300), Day 2 coffee break ($300), or dinner ($1,500). Contact accountant@txpropane.com.


RSVP REQUIRED: Please RSVP to ensure seating and space. Meetings are open to all TPGA members.

RSVP

Governor Calls Texas Special Legislative Session

Governor Greg Abbott has officially announced the commencement of a third special session of the Texas Legislature, scheduled to commence today, October 9th. Governor Abbott emphasized his intention to build upon the accomplishments of the 88th Regular Legislative Session and two previous special sessions held this summer.


The agenda for this third special session encompasses issues such as school choice, border security, public safety, and the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions.


Furthermore, Governor Abbott has conveyed his unwavering commitment to the school choice proposal. Should this proposal face legislative hurdles, he has affirmed his readiness to convene additional special sessions until something is passed. He has also indicated potential political repercussions for those obstructing this initiative.


The Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) will be monitoring all legislation filed, but it is unlikely any legislation not on his agenda will pass.

Last Chance to Sign Up. Reservation Deadline This Sunday

On November 6-7, 2023, the Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) is hosting a two-day training for the propane industry and firefighters on propane incident management and emergency response. Join us for the 2023 Propane Emergencies Training. Here are the top reasons you want to attend this year's training.

 

  • Learn about propane emergency response training and get propane emergency response information from experts
  • Get Continuing Education credit from the Railroad Commission
  • Connect with Texas fire departments and emergency responders
  •  See the largest liquefied gas training fire field in the world
  • Walk away with emergency response tools and resources
  • Learn how to use that little orange book in your bobtails and transports
  • All training day meals are provided

 

Take advantage of the 2023 Propane Emergency Response Training this November.


The hotel block expires this Sunday, October 15, 2023.

RESERVE ROOM
REGISTER 

Quick Links

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