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report from npga state director by: Mark Denton

s your elected State Director, I'm happy to Dr. Helena
provide an update on the activities at the Boschi, a world-re-
NPGA Annual Meeting, Summer Board of nowned applied
ADirectors Meeting, and Propane Days in neuroscience psy-
Washington, DC, June 8-10, 2025. Business included chologist, had the
Committee and Section meetings, policy discussions, entire room active,
a fascinating presentation on the brain, a PropanePAC engaged, and roaring
event, social events and much more. Outgoing Chair with laughter with
Tom Van Buren passed the gavel to new Chair Michael her presentation,
Hopsicker. Neuroscience of Per-
Here are some of the key updates from the suasion in an Uncer-
meetings: tain World.
The Presidential Forum, an exclusive meet- Propane Days – Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill
ing for State Association Presidents, Chairs, and State To kick off NPGA’s Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill,
Association Executives, enjoyed its highest attendance Michael Baker, NPGA’s SVP and Chief Legislative Officer,
in years. Attendees engaged in discussions related to provided a comprehensive legislative briefing outlining
the state of the industry, as well as specific challenges the association’s top priorities, including LIHEAP and
facing their associations and propane businesses. Mar- the Energy Choice Act. Steven Dyke and Lauren Medlin,
keters Section Outgoing Chair Brian Brooks welcomed NPGA’s Managers of Legislative Affairs, shared their in-
the incoming Chair, Steve Farkas of Tri-Gas & Oil, and sights as former Hill staffers and prepared attendees for
Vice Chair Ryan Jackson of DF Richards to their new the variety of situations they might encounter during
positions. their meetings with Congressional members and staff.
The Marketers Section held breakout meet- Throughout the day, 270 NPGA members and
ings with the districts grouped together by geography, staff engaged in meetings with over 300 Congressional
as well as similarities in legislative and regulatory offices across both the House and Senate. The day con-
challenges. NPGA will email district summaries to the cluded with a well-attended Congressional reception at
Marketers Section members. the Dirksen Senate Office Building, where NPGA mem-
Eric Kuster, Vice President of Safety, Compli- bers and staff welcomed lawmakers and their teams.
ance, and Education at PERC provided an update. Mr.
Kuster emphasized the importance of safety and train- PropanePAC
ing and spoke about the opportunities and challenges PropanePAC hosted a private reception at The
the propane industry faces. International Spy Museum to recognize its donors.
Jacob Peterson, NPGA Senior Director of State Guests enjoyed an exclusive look at the Bond in Motion
Advocacy and Affairs, held a fireside chat with Ben exhibit and had the opportunity to be evaluated by a
Nasta, NCSL’s Legislative Director for Natural Resources, handwriting analyst at this popular event.
Energy, and Environment, where they discussed the PropanePAC Steering Committee Chair Andrew
current state legislative landscape and energy policy Vogl of Ray Murray Inc. announced that PropanePAC
trends in state capitals. is on track to meet its 2025 goals for both the PAC and
Austin Wicker, NPGA Senior Manager, State Administrative Fund and noted that membership in the
Government Affairs, hosted a fireside chat with Cassie PropanePAC giving clubs has increased.
Powers, Chief of Staff for the National Association of The PropanePAC also hosted Propane, Politics,
State Energy Officials (NASEO), where they discussed and Coffee, an engaging discussion with bipartisan
propane’s role in state energy security planning, work- consultants Trevor Kolego and John Christie from the
force development initiatives, and propane opportuni- Smith-Free Group in Washington, D.C. Moderator Mi-
ties for data center power demand. chael Baker facilitated the conversation, analyzing the

10 Alabama Propane Gas Association | July / August 2025