Page 30 - mayjune2026

NPGA corner

FMCSA Issues Temporary Exemption to Support NRII at the end of the fiscal year to maximize emergency
Transition flexibility, prevent program over- and underfund-
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administra- ing, contingency reallocation, and meet legislative
tion (FMCSA) has issued a temporary exemption to requirements. However, this release occurred even
support the National Registry II (NRII) transition. Ef- though the White House’s FY27 budget, like last year’s,
fective from April 11, 2026 through October 11, 2026, proposes eliminating the LIHEAP program. Ultimately,
interstate CDL holders, CLP holders, and motor carriers the White House does not have the legal authority to
may continue relying on a paper copy of the medical end the program, as the President’s budget is more of
examiner’s certificate as proof of medical certification a blueprint for Congressional spending and is a mes-
for up to 60 days after the certificate is issued. This saging piece to drive policy changes. Congress has the
exemption provides additional time as State Driver’s final say in funding for the program through the ap-
Licensing Agencies and certified medical examiners propriations process. Given this critical development,
complete the transition to secure electronic transmis- the LIHEAP program will again be one of NPGA’s top
sion of medical data. FMCSA recommends that certi- advocacy issues during Propane Days 2026. This event
fied medical examiners continue issuing paper medical provides a vital opportunity for the propane industry
examiner’s certificates (Form MCSA-5876) to drivers to urge Congress to provide timely administration
in addition to submitting results electronically until and adequate funding for LIHEAP. The event is also
further notice. No additional nationwide NRII waivers well-timed and central to the bipartisan Congressional
or exemptions are expected after the six-month period focus on advancing energy security and affordability.
ends on October 11, 2026. For the full exemption and If you have any questions about the LIHEAP program,
more NRII resources, visit the FMCSA NRII Learning please reach out to Lauren Medlin, NPGA’s Manager of
Center. Questions? Contact Director of Regulatory Federal Legislative Affairs, at lmedlin@npga.org.■
Affairs and Associate General Counsel Kate Gaziano.■ Jones Act Extension

FY26 LIHEAP Funds Released Despite Push to Elimi- On April 24, the Trump Administration an-
nate Program nounced a 90-day extension of the current 60-day
Jones Act waiver originally issued in March 2026. The
In April, the Department of Health and Hu- extension will continue to permit foreign vessels to
man Services (HHS) released the remaining balance operate between U.S. ports, in an attempt to further
of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program strengthen domestic supply chains and lower costs
(LIHEAP) FY26 funds to states and tribal entities. This is amid the ongoing conflict in Iran. According to the
a standard practice for the program, as HHS withholds White House, “New data compiled since the initial
a portion of each year’s funds and disburses them
waiver was issued revealed that significantly more
supply was able to reach U.S. ports faster”.
NPGA is pleased to see the Administration
extend the waiver, as they have long urged both Con-
gress and the Administration to recognize the benefits
of easing Jones Act restrictions. This extension con-
tinues to provide a valuable test case for the propane
industry, highlighting the potential advantages of a
seasonal waiver during periods of prolonged supply
disruption, as well as peak harvest and heating sea-
sons. NPGA will continue engaging with Congress and
the White House to advance policies that expand flex-
ible shipping options under the Jones Act. If you have
any questions, contact Ben Nussdorf, NPGA’s General
Counsel & Senior Vice President, Regulatory & Industry
Affairs, at bnussdorf@npga.org.■

30 Alabama Propane Gas Association | May / June 2026