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Congress Passes Propane systems development.

Alternative Fuel Tax Credits and In addition, NPGA will continue to advocate for H.R.
5089, the Alternative Fuel Tax Credit Extension Act of
R&D Appropriations 2019, which would extend the alternative fuel tax credit
prospectively for several more years. “Long-term credits
Congress passed H.R. 1865 on December 19, 2019, give customers and communities certainty, providing the
which will provide the propane industry with best incentives to increase investment in low-emission,
prospective tax certainty as well as valuable research propane-powered vehicles,” Kaminski said. “The
and development funding. association looks forward to working with Congress in the
National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) President and coming years to build on this significant victory and bring
CEO Stephen Kaminski applauded the work of Congress value to propane customers across the country.”
on passing critical year-end legislation that supports Contact Michael Baker with any questions.
small businesses and energy consumers across the FMCSA Increases Minimum
country.
NPGA NEWS “When Congress and the private sector work together, Random Substance Testing

America wins,” Kaminski said. “This legislation will
On December 27th, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
motivate consumers to make smart, green energy
Administration (FMCSA) published a notice increasing the
decisions, drive the development of modern technology
minimum annual percentage rate for random controlled
using resilient energy sources such as propane, and
promote the growth of small businesses.”
to 50 percent of the average number of driver positions
H.R. 1865 includes an extension of the alternative fuel substance testing for commercial motor vehicle drivers
tax credit and the refueling property credit, covering the in the motor carrier operation. The increase is effective
years 2018-2020. These credits incentivize the use and January 1, 2020. The minimum annual rate for random
adoption of propane as an engine fuel. These propane- controlled substances testing for 2019 was 25 percent.
powered vehicle credits are worth more than $500 FMCSA is legally mandated to increase the testing rate
million, putting more clean vehicles on the road and when the reported positive rate is equal to or greater
money back in the pockets of consumers. than 1 percent. The 2018 FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Testing
Survey demonstrates an increase to 1 percent.
For the first time since 2015, Congress has extended
these credits prospectively — through December 31, The increase in the minimum annual percentage rate for
2020. “Congress is sending a clear message to the random controlled substances testing does not change
country that it recognizes propane as a clean and the minimum annual percentage rate for random alcohol
green fuel of the future,” said Kaminski. NPGA thanks testing. The minimum annual percentage rate for random
Representative John Larson (D-CT) and Senator Richard alcohol testing remains 10 percent. The FMCSA notice is
Burr (R-NC) for their bipartisan and bicameral leadership available online here.
to advance these essential policy initiatives. Please direct any questions to or share new information

Recognizing the advantages of propane as an with Sarah Reboli, NPGA Deputy Counsel, Regulatory
independent energy source with wide-ranging Affairs.
applicability, H.R. 1865 also provides funding for U.S.
Department of Energy research, development, and
demonstration projects, including $5 million for propane
vehicle engine technology development and access to
up to $10 million for propane combined heat and power

PAGE 18 GPGA PROPANE MARKETER February 2020