Industry Update from IPGA Executive Director – June 2024

I hope you are all enjoying the weather the month of June is bringing us so far and have not been carried off by the cicadas that are invading us here in central Illinois.

I have just returned from  Washington after taking a delegation of propane marketers to NPGA Propane Days on Capitol Hill. Here is a brief run down on the event. I started out on Sunday afternoon with the Presidential forum for state directors with an update from NPGA President Steve Kaminski and PERC President/CEO Tucker Perkins. We also had an open forum where state directors discussed issues form their states.

On Monday out Meetings continued with briefings on Propane Days, a panel discussion on Propane Autogas where I sat on the panel to discuss our success in Illinois with awarded grants. I also told the success story of Township High School in Palatine, IL. Others talked about infrastructure and Roush Technology in Blue Bird Buses. Over all we had good discussions.  The afternoon continued with the NPGA Board Meeting. Monday evening, the IPGA hosted a dinner for all the Illinois delegates.

Tuesday kicked off with a presentation of how to conduct a successful congressional office visit presented by a congressional staff member and Michael Baker from NPGA. Then, off to Capitol Hill.

Our delegation consisted of 8 marketers and myself. We split into two teams and met with twelve representatives and both senators offices. The meetings lasted around 15-20 minutes and covered Consumer Energy Choice, Propane Farm Bill Priorities, Appropriations for Propane, Alternative Fuel Tax Credits, and Considerations for Propane in National Defense Fuel for CHP and Micro Grids. After all the visits, the NPGA hosted a reception for the members we met with and their staff.

I feel that it was a very successful trip to Washington. I think all involved now understand how important it is to these members of Congress to hear from their constituents. I also think that the on Representative my group met was glad we made the effort to come talk to her in person.

It was not all work.  We did have some time for a little group sightseeing tour and dinners together. I want to thank all that attended and want to invite others who may be interested to attend next year to please reach out to our office.

Brad Blair