Page 8 - nov-dec 2020
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from the executive director’s desk
How to Talk Propane and the Environment
This article was written by PERC. The time has protecting goals requires a smart balance of
come that we all start to think about “this talk.” power solutions, and that propane has a vital
role to play,” says Tina Wilson, PERC’s senior vice
ow does propane fit in the growing president of communications “We need to get
conversation about the world’s journey that message out ”
towards a low-carbon future? Recent market research done for NPGA
H The concept is a noble notion that and PERC indicates consumers view propane
most everyone agrees is good for our planet But in a more favorable light than other non-
the path to get there is laced with uncertainty renewable energy types But it also shows that
One vision of a cleaner, more sustainable electricity tends to have a stronger association
planet is pushing out all traditional fossil with environmental benefits.
fuels Nationwide, the National Propane Gas Those misperceptions need to be aggressively
Association (NPGA) is already tracking more challenged, according to Wilson
than 600 proposals at the state and local level “Our industry members need to be able to
to limit or outright ban the use of gas in favor of defend propane as a viable solution within the
electricity communities they serve They need to be able
Meanwhile, the debate rages over the to have an informed discussion with concerned
benefits and shortcomings of wind, solar, consumers who make energy choices in their
biomass, nuclear and a dozen more sources homes and businesses,” Wilson says
to provide clean, affordable energy today, To elevate propane’s profile in the evolving
tomorrow and into the future energy debate, PERC has added a new website
Realistically, there is no single answer resource at https://propane com/environment/
or energy source that will solve our complex to educate and engage consumers, the
challenges But propane’s low-carbon, media and assorted influencers about the
high-energy output produces significantly environmental benefits of propane. It also can
fewer greenhouse gas emissions than most guide marketers in answering questions that arise
competitors, including electricity That means in the communities they serve
our time-proven fuel can help meet the world’s Launched in May, the page offers fact
increasing energy needs while reducing carbon sheets, media kit, and stories about propane’s
in our atmosphere It can be part of the solution carbon emissions compared to competing
Yet propane is largely missing in the energy sources There’s a myth busting section
influential forums of scientific and academic where unsubstantiated claims and common
discourse where our energy future gets misunderstandings are addressed Visitors also
evaluated It’s often an afterthought among can listen to a new monthly podcast or sign up
green policy makers at the state and local for a newsletter that explores all facets of the
levels And even loyal propane customers might clean energy evolution
be surprised to know the many environmental “Our goal is to familiarize as many
benefits their trusted fuel delivers. marketers as possible with all the resources
It’s a shortcoming that needs to be they need to keep propane alive in energy
bolstered across that wide spectrum of discussions in communities across the country,”
audiences Wilson says “We welcome all feedback on the
“We have the science to prove that site and any suggestions for how to make it more
propane delivers climate-protecting power useful.”■
We can make a strong case that meeting
America’s growing energy demand and climate-
8 Alabama Propane Gas Association | November / December 2020
