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Technology Standards & Safety Committee (TS&S) Manufacturer’s Section
TS&S advanced a single proposal to the NPGA was alerted by an industry manufactur-
NPGA Board of Directors for continued investment ing partner of an alleged large scale attempted theft
and development in the renewable and low carbon of hazardous materials containers. The investigation
fuels area. The Committee’s proposal centered on identified multiple other manufacturers and distrib-
creating specific fuel quality standards and testing utors that also may have identified similar attempted
requirements for blends of DME and Propane within nefarious acts. In each case a successful credit appli-
the D7901 Fuel Standard. The scope of D7901 the cation was submitted in support of the sale, but upon
“Standard Specification for Dimethyl Ether for Fuel investigation the applying company reported not com-
Purposes”, covers dimethyl ether (DME) for use as a pleting the application and the material delivery site
fuel in engines specifically designed or modified for was not a recognized address utilized by the supposed
DME and for blending with liquefied petroleum gas purchaser of the materials. NPGA urges all industry
(LPG). This specification is for use by manufacturers of professionals to remain vigilant in their organizational
dimethyl ether, by engine developers of purpose-built and sales security and due diligence. NPGA stands
engines, in contracts for the purchase of DME for fuel ready to support you should your business be impact-
purposes, and for the guidance of consumers of this ed, including contact escalation within appropriate
type of fuel. State and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies.
Based on the limitation in scope established PropanePAC
by ASTM, DME / Propane blends would be improper PropanePAC was pleased to share that it
within the D1835 Standard Specification for Liquefied surpasses its 2023-2024 election cycle fundraising
Petroleum (LP) Gases even if the majority component goals, giving the PropanePAC its most successful cycle
of the mixture is Propane. It is for this reason that in NPGA history. The PropanePAC Steering Committee
TS&S believes that a proposal should be made within met to discuss 2025 fundraising goals, prior authori-
the DME fuel standard for any and all blends contain- zation efforts, and peer-to-peer engagement, with a
ing DME and Propane regardless of the major compo- focus on engaging new donors at the upcoming 2025
nent of the mixture. Southeastern & International Propane Expo. Pictured
Member Services Committee here, PropanePAC Steering Committee Chair, Andrew
The NPGA Member Services Committee host- Vogl (Ray Murray Inc.) recognizes PropanePAC donors.
ed a panel on artificial intelligence (AI). The panel’s PropanePAC hosted its signature Propane, Politics &
goal was to provide an overview of how AI is being Coffee event. NPGA Senior Manager of Legislative
used by propane marketers and within the state/ Affairs, Rhett Johnson, hosted a fireside chat with Sam
regional associations to support their industry work. Wilson, District Director for Congresswoman Anna
The panel was moderated by NPGA Manager, State Paulina Luna (FL-13). Mr. Wilson discussed propane’s
Government Affairs Austin Wicker. The panelists were: critical role in aiding disaster relief and shared best
practices for visiting and securing meetings with gov-
• Christine Armentano, Paraco ernment officials.
• Tom Clark, State Association Executive (CO, NM,
Rocky Mountain) Women in Propane
• Meg Sharp, Ferrellgas The Women in Propane (WIP) Council intro-
The panel discussed a variety of topics in- duced the 2025 Committee Chairs and welcomed
cluding the definition of AI, operation efficiency and new groups, such as the Webinar and Sponsorship
safety, enhancing the customer experience, workforce Committees. Current WIP Chair Whitney O’Toole of
integration, strategic growth and sustainability, and AmeriGas (right) presented Past Chair Jennifer Jack-
the future trends. The panelists provided real life son also of AmeriGas (left) with the 2024 Women in
examples of AI use, and fielded questions from the Propane Distinguished Service Award. WIP also held
audience on privacy and data protection. its ever-popular luncheon, where meeting attendees
networked and discussed upcoming WIP initiatives.
12 Alabama Propane Gas Association | March / April 2025