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report from npga state director
by: Mark Denton
PGA hosted its Winter Board of Directors & Service Proposal, while
Related Committee Meetings in Henderson, Michael Baker provid-
Nevada January 27-29, 2026. Business at the ed an outlook on the
Nmeeting included Committee and Section current state of federal
meetings; policy and supply discussions; and guest government funding.
speakers presenting on a variety on timely topics, Federal Regulatory
including featured guest speaker Cinch Munson of the Breakout
World Liquid Gas Association, who presented on the The Regulatory
opportunities and challenges of the global market. Task Force discussed
Attendees also enjoyed social events and much more.
its recent actions to
Here are some of the key updates from the meetings: engage the Trump

Section Meetings Administration on a
variety of issues impacting the propane industry. NPGA
Past Chair Brian Brooks presided over the Mar-
keters Section meeting. Tucker Perkins, President and staff outlined key advocacy priorities for the FMCSA,
CEO of PERC delivered an update from PERC, empha- FERC, DOE, PHMSA, and STB, with a particularized focus
sizing the importance of safety and training for market- on the 5 Year Oil Pipeline Index, Hours-of-Service Emer-
ers. He also discussed the opportunities and challenges gency Waivers, and the pending merger between the
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Railroads.
the propane industry faces with power gen technology.
Eric Sears, NPGA Senior Manager for State Association State Breakout
Relations, moderated a Supply Interruption Panel fea- During the state breakout session, NPGA provid-
turing Mark Porth of CHS, JD Buss of Westlark Advisors, ed an overview of the laws enacted in 2025 to strength-
Aaron Huizenga of Lakes Gas, Brian Brooks of Brooks en energy choice protections for buildings and engine
Gas, and Ben Nussdorf of NPGA. The panel discussed applications across numerous states, including Arkan-
strategies, challenges, and opportunities for marketers sas, Florida, Iowa, and Maine. The industry also secured
in preparation for and during supply interruptions. wins to delay and eliminate Clean Heat Standards in
The Producers & Wholesalers/Transportation Massachusetts and Vermont. The discussion touched on
& Storage Sections met, with Chair Frank Long moder- opportunities to grow gallons at data centers when pro-
ating discussions on the section’s business. Discussions pane is used for bridge and backup power applications,
covered tariffs on aluminum and steel and NPGA’s as well as propane-air systems and synthetic natural gas
appeal of FERC’s retroactive billing of pipeline fees. facilities. Furthermore, members of the task force talked
New business topics included unlifted allocation fees, about zero-emission space and water heating rulemak-
communication strategies with shippers and pipelines, ings in California and Maryland, and state efforts to
and refinery closures and their effects in California. The increase English proficiency standards for CDL drivers.
Transportation discussion focused on rising costs and The PropanePAC hosted a reception for all
two items from FMCSA. FMCSA is seeking to revert to winter board meeting attendees, where they enjoyed
a 30-day declaration period from the current 14-day refreshments, local magicians, and an overview of the
period and is considering a pilot split-duty program. PAC. The PropanePAC Steering Committee met to up-
Members noted that the split-duty pilot program date prior authorizations for 2026 and discuss Propane-
needs volunteers and further refinement; more infor- PAC with new donors. During the Board of Directors
mation will be available later in 2026. Meeting, Chair Andrew Vogl of Ray Murray Inc. provided
Committee Meetings an update on PropanePAC, noting that the committee
The Governmental Affairs Committee re- was on track to meet its overall goals for both the PAC
ceived updates from NPGA staff and discussed current and the Administrative Fund. Vogl also thanked mem-
bers for their involvement, noting a consistent rise
advocacy issues affecting the propane industry. Ben in the number of members in the PropanePAC giving
Nussdorf shared updates on the FMCSA Hours of
clubs.

10 Alabama Propane Gas Association | March / April 2026