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report from npga state director by: Mark Denton

PGA hosted its Fall Board of Directors Meet- • Jacob Peterson,
ing in Burlington, VT, October 20-22, 2025. NPGA Senior
Business included Committee and Section Director of State
Nmeetings; policy discussions; a timely pre- Advocacy and
sentation on artificial intelligence (AI); a PropanePAC Affairs, held a
event; and much more. Attendees enjoyed a welcome fireside chat
cocktail cruise hosted by Ray Murray, Inc. and PGANE with Matt Cota,
aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen on scenic Lake Cham- lobbyist for the
plain. NPGA celebrated Chair Michael Hopsicker at a Propane Gas As-
tailgate-themed reception. Here are some of the key sociation of New
updates from the meetings: England, where
Steve Kaminski, NPGA President & CEO, they discussed
launched NPGAid, a new propane industry disaster industry issues, such as carbon taxes, in Vermont
relief fund. NPGAid provides emergency assistance to and across the country.
full-time NPGA member company employees who are • Austin Wicker, NPGA Senior Manager, State Gov-
in need of immediate financial assistance following an ernment Affairs, provided an overview of his newly
unforeseen disaster or personal hardship. The session drafted white paper on data center energy use and
opened with this new video introducing NPGAid, and growth opportunities for propane marketers and
Kaminski provided an overview of the program: suppliers.

• NPGAid is funded by the propane industry for the The Governmental Affairs Committee con-
propane industry. All NPGA members are encour- vened to receive updates from NPGA staff and discuss
aged to donate to the fund. key advocacy issues affecting the propane industry.

• NGPA is matching donations up to $100,000. Steve Kaminski delivered a comprehensive presenta-
• Donations to NPGAid are tax-deductible and grants tion on the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA)
are tax-free. and congressional efforts to amend it in the 119th
Congress. He detailed EPCA’s current status, NPGA’s
• 100% of donations go to those in need. NPGA is involvement in the legislative process, and the associa-
covering all administrative expenses.
tion’s four key priorities, emphasizing ongoing engage-
• NPGA is partnering with Emergency Assistance ment with influential members of Congress. Michael
Foundation (EAF), a third-party administrator. Baker and Ben Nussdorf also provided an update on the

• Grant applications are confidential and are not federal government shutdown and its implications for
reviewed by NPGA/NPGF staff. the propane industry, underscoring the association’s
chief concern—funding for the Low Income Home En-
• Help spread the word about NPGAid with this flyer.
ergy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)—and outlining both
The Marketers Section held breakout meetings the current situation and the most likely path forward.
with the districts grouped together by geography, as
well as similarities in legislative and regulatory challeng- As is customary, the Committee broke into
es. NPGA will email district summaries to the Marketers three task force sessions – federal legislative, federal
Section members. regulatory, and state.
Federal Legislative Breakout: The task force
• Tucker Perkins, President and CEO of PERC provided discussed the federal government shutdown and its
an update. Mr. Perkins emphasized the importance potential impacts on the Low Income Home Energy As-
of safety and training, and spoke of new gallon sistance Program (LIHEAP). NPGA staff also provided a
growth opportunities, especially in the power gen- detailed update on the Energy Policy and Conservation
eration and combined heat and power markets.

10 Alabama Propane Gas Association | November / December 2025