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Texas Propane T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R T H E T E X A S P R O PA N E G A S A S S O C I AT I O N

SEPTEMBER 2025

Texas Propane Industry Unites in Wake of Hill Country Flooding

2025 Crossroads A Record-Breaking Celebration of Community, Learning, & Giving TPGA Annual Business, Board & Committee Meetings, October 13-15

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CONTENTS FEATURES

7 TPGA Annual Business, Board & Committee Meetings, October 13-15 RSVP Now for Rockwall, Texas Meetings 8 Texas Propane Industry Unites in Wake of Hill Country Flooding How the Hill Country Propane Emergency Response Team Came to Pass, Its Role in the Recovery Efforts, and Best Practices Learned for Future Disasters 14 2025 Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference A Record-Breaking Celebration of Community, Learning, and Giving

DEADLINE IS HERE!

SPECIAL DELIVERY

Propane Fire School is scheduled for September 29-30. Time is running out to register!

Texas A&M University robots put propane to the test in the field.

Free Human Trafficking Awareness Training for Propane Service Techs

eaching the Energy of Tomorrow: T Propane’s Place in Today’s Classrooms

DEPARTMENTS

4 Highlights from Headquarters

lassified C Advertising

6 TPGA Board of Directors

Advertising Index

Calendar of Events

Inside the Industry

People in Propane

In Memoriam

Texas Propane THE MAGAZINE FOR THE TEXAS PROPANE GAS ASSOCIATION

Highlights from Headquarters Bill Van Hoy

TPGA Executive Director

In the first feature of the month (Page 8), we spotlight how the propane industry came together in the wake of devastating Texas floods, forming the Hill Country Propane Emergency Response Team. The story underscores the strength of industry collaboration, the lessons learned from responding to large-scale emergencies, and the importance of preparing for future disasters. I hope everyone was able to make it to Galveston for the 2025 Crossroads Expo + Conference (page 14). We broke the record AGAIN with 569 registered participants. Conferences are made better when there are more voices present. There are more connections, more solutions, and more problem solving. Make sure you join us next year in Las Colinas/Irving, as we partner with the Oklahoma Propane Gas Association for something even bigger and better. The Propane Fire School is back on the calendar this year (after a year off ) on September 29-30 (page 22). But the deadline to sign up is coming up fast: September 11. Make sure to sign up if you or your local VFD members are interested. An uncomfortable, but necessary topic to discuss with your drivers is recognizing human trafficking (page 23). Cetane Associates has made training on the subject freely available. On page 24, we explore propane’s role in the classroom and beyond, highlighting how the industry can partner with schools at every level to inspire the next generation of workers. From Career Day kits and free courses for ag and HVAC teachers to grants that expand hands-on training at trade schools and colleges, these resources ensure propane remains top-of-mind as a reliable, rewarding career path for students.

TPGA staff Bill Van Hoy..................bvanhoy@txpropane.com Executive Director Jackie Mason...................jmason@txpropane.com Deputy Executive Director Julie Novinger............accountant@txpropane.com Bookkeeper Christie Shook..................cshook@txpropane.com Membership & Meeting Manager Propane Service Corporation............................ sales@propaneservicecorp.com Christie Shook 800-392-0023 Publisher Kim Scheberle.............. kscheberle@austin.rr.com Account Manager/Managing Editor Sail House Publishing 512-346-0892 Joanne Pantaze..................jpantaze@zochnet.com Advertising Sales 512-273-2639 Kiki Pantaze.....................kpantaze@zochnet.com Art Director 512-924-7566

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And finally, see this month’s Propane with Purpose, where Spot (a robotic dog) is being taught to identify and zap (with propane) weeds in an agricultural setting (page 30). The experiment by the Texas A&M University professor is an interesting way propane could be used to replace harmful herbicides.

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

8408 North Interstate 35 Austin, TX 78753 512-836-8620 or 800-325-7427 512-834-0758 fax E-mail: info@txpropane.com www.txpropane.com

2024-2025 TPGA Board of Directors President: Larry Baty, Cadenhead Servis Gas, 972-771-8654 President Elect: Jeremy Gentile, Hill Butane, 409-296-2001 Secretary: Matt Terry, Matador Gas, 210-861-6545 Treasurer/Finance Chair: Bill Collins, Propane Exchange, 214-629-5118 District 1 Director: David Collett, Gas and Supply, 903-780-2488 District 1 Alternate: John Minton, Gas & Supply, 903-490-0605 District 2 Director: Billy Bob McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444 District 2 Alternate: Joe January, McAdams Propane, 254-723-4210 District 3 Director: Stephen McClendon, Ferrellgas, 972-730-0469 District 3 Alternate: Bill McHargue, Pinnacle Propane, 936-332-2901 District 4 Director: Matt Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, 281-689-3946 District 4 Alternate: Garrett Green, Green's Blue Flame Gas Co. 713-562-5341 District 5 Director: Brody Newton, Busters Propane, 361-852-8161 District 5 Alternate: Regina Betancourt, Ferrellgas, 361-429-8548 District 6 Director: Omar Garcia, Mr. G Propane, 956-581-1063 District 6 Alternate: Alex Hinojosa, Hino Gas Sales, 956-423-9178 District 7 Director: Sharon Seal, Bell Hydrogas, 210-533-7103 District 7 Alternate: Duston Cox, Chaparral Propane, 830-329-0871 District 8 Director: Rodney Sladek, Fayetteville Propane, 979-836-7044 District 8 Alternate: Doyle Fevig, Legacy Propane 830-995-5015 District 9 Director: Brad Quisenberry, Gene Harris Petroleum, 817-295-1091 District 9 Alternate: Larry Hearn, Yellow Rose Propane, 870-648-8241 District 10 Director: Josh Nowlin, McCraw Propane, 903-583-7481 District 10 Alternate: Chad Gregg, Enderby Gas, 940-482-3225 District 11 Director: Steve Adams, Hardwick LPG, 254-647-3402 District 11 Alternate: Anna May Etheredge, Enderby Gas, 940-665-3467 District 12 Director: Laci Jo Stone, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109 District 12 Alternate: Shawn Owens, Heart of Texas Propane, 325-313-0748 District 13 Director: Lane Worthington, WTG Fuels, 432-682-4349

District 13 Alternate: Casey King, WTG Fuels, 432-894-4240 District 14 Director: Terry Perez, Perez Propane, 512-318-9780 District 14 Alternate: Elizabeth Perez, Perez Propane, 915-764-3382 District 15 Director: Don Heinrich, Slaton Gas, 806-828-6501 District 15 Alternate: OPEN District 16 Director: Clay Crist, Crist Fuel, 806-426-3412 District 16 Alternate: Jacob Acuna, TG Fuels, 303-514-6061 Past President: Josh McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444 Past President: Mark Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, 281-689-3946 Past President: Jack Walzel, Tri-Co Propane, 254-642-3885 Past President: John Walter, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109 Past President: Allen Wells, BayGas, 281-332-2630 Vice President: Steve Adams, Hardwick LPG, 254-647-3402 Vice President: Jeremy Gentile, Hill Butane, 409-296-2001 Vice President: Matt Terry, Matador Gas, 210-861-6545 Sr. Vice President: Todd Dorris, Roadrunner Energy, 830-278-2915 Sr. Vice President: Bill Collins, Propane Exchange, 972-442-1078 Sr. Vice President: Joe Green, Green’s Blue Flame Gas, 713-462-5414 Assoc. Supplier Service Director: Rusty Walker, Marshall Young, 817-645-9155 Assoc. Supplier Service Alternate: Andy Brus, Crum & Forster, 682-220-4812 Assoc. Producer/Marketing Gas Director: Jim Fulton, 4JEnergy, 832-529-4768 Assoc. Producer/Marketing Gas Alternate: John Becraft, Targa Resources, 713-594-7485 Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Director: Joe Ezernack, Meeder Equipment, 903-877-9401 Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Alternate: Troy Hicks, Squibb Taylor, 915-613-7534 Assoc. At Large Director: Crystelle Markley, Superior Energy Systems, 512-944-4177 Assoc. At Large Alternate: Jimmie Grant, Martin Gas Sales, 713-851-6155 Nominating Chair: John Walter, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109 NPGA Director: Mark Garrison, Allstar Fuel, 806-296-6353

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RSVP Now for the

TPGA Annual Business, Board & Committee Meetings, October 13-15, 2025 Mark your calendar! I would like to invite you to attend the upcoming meetings on October 13-15, 2025, at the SpringHill Suites Dallas Rockwall in Rockwall, TX. Everyone’s participation in these important events is needed. Thank you and see you in Rockwall!

Schedule

Larry Baty TPGA President

Monday, October 13, 2025 Cargo Tank (CT) Training Tuesday, October 14, 2025 Committee Meetings, Heat Pump Helper Training, Happy Hour & Dinner Wednesday, October 15, 2025 TPGA Board Meeting

Host Hotel

SpringHill Suites Dallas Rockwall 2601 Lakefront Trail Rockwall, TX 75032 P: (972) 961-5100 Room rate: $129 Reservation deadline: September 12, 2025

Attendance

• The TPGA Board & Committee Meetings are OPEN & EXCLUSIVE TO ALL TPGA MEMBERS. • TRAINING IS OPEN TO EVERYONE: MEMBERS + NON-MEMBERS. • Register for the meetings at www.txpropane.com Questions?

info@txpropane.com or call 800-325-7427

September 2025 • Texas Propane

Feature

Texas Propane Industry Unites in Wake of Hill Country Flooding How the Hill Country Propane Emergency Response Team Came to Pass, Its Role in the Recovery Efforts, and Best Practices Learned for Future Disasters By Kimberly Scheberle

The record-breaking flash flood that struck the Texas Hill Country began in the predawn hours of July 4, 2025. An estimated 1.8 trillion gallons of rain fell across the Hill Country and Edwards Plateau in just hours. In Kerr County alone, between 10 and 12 inches of rainfall led to well over 100 billion gallons flowing down local creeks and into the Guadalupe River—surpassing the daily flow of Niagara Falls. 8

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Feature A team of stakeholders met in Kerrville on Sunday, July 13. The Hill Country Propane Emergency Response Team was created.

River discharge measurements revealed staggering surge rates. Near Ingram, Johnson Creek gauges recorded flows around 810 cubic feet per second (cfs)—nearly three times the prior record of 300 cfs and approximately 68 times its normal median level (~12 cfs), according to Heart of Texas Propane volunteered their Ingram office to serve The Kerr County Lead. Along as the Response Team’s headquarters. Having a home base to the Guadalupe River, gauges plan out each day’s efforts, administer safety checks and bring in Hunt showed a rise from back orphaned tanks was essential to the Team’s success. around 7 feet to 29 feet in under two hours—the second highest level ever recorded there—while downstream in Kerrville the river surged to about concerning,” Riley said. “One was brush piles being burned that 21 feet, and in Comfort it peaked near 29.9 feet, exceeding all had not been processed. … the other thing we witnessed was previous observations except those seen in a 1978 event. heavy equipment with the grappling attachments trying to pick None of this is news to propane marketers, who watched with up propane tanks to relocate them, only to discover those tanks horror as the flooding catastrophe unfolded. It was front page were still full of propane.” news around the world. Most everyone heeded directives to stay Realizing that a lot of the good-hearted volunteers just weren’t put and stay out of the way while the immediate emergency retrained properly, they started trying to get the word out up and sponders did their best to save lives. But as the days wore on and down the river about the dangers and hazards that could come the task turned towards clean up and recovery, there didn’t seem with mishandling these propane tanks. to be a place for a propane industry response, other than save a Serendipity played a part when Riley happened to pass along few marketers in the direct vicinity. the warning to a friend of U.S. Congressman Chip Roy. Before he knew it, he was sending a message directly to the CongressImmediate Response man about his concerns. A burn ban on the river followed quickly One of the Texas marketers directly in the eye of the flooding after that. was Heart of Texas Propane, with 10 outlets in the Hill Country Growing Need covering 17 to 20 counties. The territory they service runs from Mark Holloway, senior director of supply chain operations for Brownwood to Austin to Kerrville, and the points in between. AmeriGas, says his job boils down to mostly problem solving. He Mark Riley, CEO of Heart of Texas Propane, and his staff imwas watching the same horrible footage that the rest of us were mediately set up conference calls with all of the managers, CSRs watching on loop. In addition to his role in logistics and safety, he and the entire team to develop their call to action. They had has a lifetime of service in emergency response. He was aching to customers up and down Highway 39 who needed to be checked help his fellow Texans. on. On July 7, Riley and Bryan Rupp, the business development Compounding this need were several personal family ties. A manager, and the local team assessed the situation on the ground grandson had been to one of the local camps this summer previand started formulating plans on how to get up and down the ous to the flood and one daughter had been a counselor at one of highway. the camps. Many of his eight children have been through the fire “You can only imagine access was very challenging in early days service, with many still involved. after the flood,” Riley said. “We were getting there just the best we “All of these tentacles, if you will, were tying this all together could. It started out really checking on customers, but it quickly for me,” Holloway said. evolved into just checking on people in general.” Holloway, of course, was not the only one watching and want“It’s hard to describe the devastation and just the sheer shock ing to jump into the void. that people were in. We just started checking on people going In the immediate aftermath of the flooding, TPGA called all place to place. It wasn’t door to door because there wasn’t always of the marketers in the flooded zone to see if they needed help. a door. Just anyplace we could gain access and check in with a They were all neck-deep helping their communities with boots property owner.” Their ability to check on properties picked up on the ground searching for survivors and, later, those who didn’t momentum on July 8 and July 9, four to five days post-flood. survive. But they didn’t have immediate needs. “Around July 10, we witnessed a couple of things that were September 2025 • Texas Propane

Feature With Mark Holloway at the helm of the Response Team, safety was a priority. His background in both emergency response and safety management helped guide the team.

It wasn’t until about a week after the events that TPGA received a follow-up call from a member company asking for help. That call requesting help and a call from Mark Holloway asking to give help came close together. Holloway ended up making contact with someone at the state on Friday, July 11, and with TPGA on Saturday, July 12. “I was just seeking a place to help,” Holloway said. “They asked me what my talents were. I said, well, I can be a trash picker upper, or I can hand out water. … or anything in between from there to the top.” “It didn’t matter; I just wanted a place to serve. It really wasn’t a matter what was available, it was just to be available to serve. And that’s kind of how things start in life.” When he connected with TPGA and heard that Hill Country marketers were struggling, plans started to take shape. “It became clear after later speaking with Mark Riley, the CEO of Heart of Texas Propane, that they had reached their limitations as far as staffing and people and resources. For a week, they had all been looking for customers and survivors,” he said. Holloway knew from past experiences responding to large scale events both for AmeriGas and in his capacity with his local fire service, the scale of what would be needed. “I’m not talking about just me going, I’m talking about could AmeriGas provide something. I was looking for anything where with this large-scale response going on and knowing what was happening and knowing my background, I knew that there were services needed from top to bottom: cooking, cleaning, housing, cylinder recovery, Hazmat mitigation, I mean you run the whole gauntlet.” “I knew that there would be places of need, somewhere.” Holloway and Riley discussed where there might be places to help. Part of that initial conversation was processing the idea of a large marketer helping a smaller, independent firm and wanting nothing in return. They agreed that everyone could “put down their swords” to manage the crisis and be competitors again afterwards.

Hill Country Propane Emergency Response Team

That initial conversation took place on Saturday, July 12. Holloway met with Riley at Heart of Texas Propane’s Kerrville location the following day, Sunday, July 13. Several other local TPGA

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

members participated in that initial meeting, and going forward. The Hill Country Propane Emergency Response Team was born. Heart of Texas Propane offered their Ingram satellite office to serve as the Response Team’s incident headquarters. At that first meeting they discussed how Holloway, using both his AmeriGas resources but also those of other volunteer marketers (big and small), could provide support to the local marketer. “Our only goal would be what can we do and what kind of relief could we provide to the local marketers for themselves, for their families, for their communities, that we could just come in and offer recovery services.” “We weren’t trying to sell anything. We weren’t looking to sell anything. We weren’t looking to exchange gases. Do you have a service call where somebody is disconnected and leaking? We can take care of that. We will take care of the leak and disconnect it and not cross any written boundaries for the Texas Railroad Commission.” “We had no intention of bringing any bobtails to provide propane. We would only bring service trucks to mitigate hazards.”

First Steps

The first step for the team was to develop a name. Holloway said they were very deliberate in choosing “Hill Country Propane Emergency Response Team.” “I think that was extremely important that we had a unified name but didn’t identify anybody’s branding,” Holloway said. “And that we would respond or answer calls as the emergency team.” Holloway said some local marketers were skeptical about the groups’ motivations and ambitions, and putting branding away was one way to address their concerns. Another first step was procuring a toll-free number that could be distributed throughout the region so people could call in their questions, concerns and issues. TPGA was able to quickly put a number into service that could be forwarded to the team while they were on the ground. Holloway began to assemble a team of volunteers. Both AmeriGas and Ferrellgas rotated a few service trucks with cranes, along with service techs. Instead of pooling a lot of resources and volunteers, he set up a system where both the physical resources and the labor resources could rotate. “I knew the debris fields would be our largest challenge,” Holloway said. “Trying to get something from someplace that doesn’t belong and trying to get it to where we can get it out.”

Feature The Response Team quickly found that winches were essential to their efforts to safely pull tanks close enough to use their cranes. The Oklahoma Propane Gas Association donated two winches to help with the efforts.

“It became quickly apparent that the most important tool, besides safety and people and all of the normal things, was a winch. Straight up.” “Almost every recovery started on a winch. Meaning that we had dragged it from someplace to an area specific enough that we could get it picked up with the cranes. It became very clear that winching was incredibly important because of where tanks ended up, whether they were in trees or piles or wrapped around something in houses or through houses. The ground was muddy. They were over cliffs and riverbanks and floated to the wrong side of the rivers.” The Oklahoma Propane Gas Association donated two winches to the team to augment what they had and support the cranes. “We also learned that it was important that each service truck that went out needed two employees. One to spot, just because of debris and hazards. And one to work with the operator.” Marketing flyers were created to get the phone number out to everyone up and down the river, including both residents and other first responders who might stumble across a propane issue. The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) quickly put together a campaign to get the word out that included radio PSAs and social media assets while ProCOT did a mass press campaign. Holloway used the business principles of incident management and followed the incident command guidelines with the team. “That incident command structure helped blend us with all of our different groups. That way, nobody was better than anybody else. You left your brands at the door, and we were able to truly integrate everybody into a single unit.” Holloway said two other things were really important aspects to the response. One was having a home base, the donated Heart of Texas building and yard, which allowed the team to communicate, run safety checks and send out the most appropriate resources. Second was having the full team stay at the same hotel in Boerne. “It allowed us to kind of debrief every day and decompress. We weren’t staying in the middle of the storm.” Throughout the two to three weeks that the team stayed on scene, they recovered approximately 50 tanks and 50 cylinders. About 10 of the cylinders were of mixed and various sizes and held other things, like helium. They additionally flared tanks that needed propane removed and moved tanks that might have floated back to their homes so that the local marketer could service the tank. The orphaned tanks were brought back to the Heart of Texas location/yard, where they can either be identified and collected by their owners/local marketers. The Texas Railroad Commis-

sion has taken over the tank disposal. Operations were scaled back the last week of July, with anything outstanding left to the local companies and the toll free number directed to TPGA. Mark Riley said the experience of working with Holloway and the Response Team was incredibly positive. “Our local team, along with Bryan Rupp, did just an outstanding job. They blended in really well with the response team. Our service group was in lockstep with them, along with the other resources brought in from around the state.” “Even though we came from different brands, everybody worked as one. You can’t ask for anything better than that.” Lessons Learned

Holloway said there wasn’t really anything that surprised him from an operational standpoint throughout the response effort. His history responding to catastrophic events had prepared him well to take the helm of this effort. Holloway emphasized that one of the biggest takeaways from the Hill Country flood response was the importance of early coordination. He noted how quickly it became clear that the region was “heavy propane country,” with countless campsites, RVs, and second homes dependent on LPG. Looking back, he observed that bringing marketers together a few days earlier could have helped identify needs more quickly and provided additional time for statewide volunteers to prepare their businesses before sending support. There was strong interest from marketers across Texas, and a little more lead time could have broadened the response even further. “[The local marketers] were all busy scrambling for their own life and property; they were all so busy in the midst of the storm. Nobody had time for them to stop and say, hey, we need help and here are the things that we need. It wasn’t until we arrived that they were like, ‘we’re exhausted. We’re out of time and people. We’re just exhausted.’” Mark Riley of Heart of Texas Propane shared a similar reflection. He pointed out that, in hindsight, conducting an equipment and resource assessment earlier might have been helpful, though September 2025 • Texas Propane

Feature he stressed that the outcome may not have been significantly different. His focus was on how lessons learned from this event can help the industry create a clear protocol for future disasters. Riley said that he hopes that what comes out of this experience is two-fold. One, that in a time of crisis, like the one the Hill Country just experienced, that it’s time for the industry to come together as one and not be individual competitors. And two, and most important as we look forward, that we take this recent experience, and similar experiences in places like the Carolinas with the massive flooding, and use it as an opportunity to develop a protocol that can work from the local marketers up through whatever state or national organizations are involved. If it's apparent propane is part of an affected disaster community, “the industry should have a seat at the table at the emergency operations command to help mitigate risk,” Riley said. “The common theme we heard as we talked to emergency responders on the VFDs is that they had never thought of propane, but they were glad we were doing what we were doing.” “Somewhere along the way, people have got to know that propane, as good an energy source it is, it’s just like natural gas or a live electrical wire that’s out there on the ground. It can pose a hazard if it is not dealt with correctly,” Riley continued. “It would make sense that as an industry we get a seat at the table, or we have representation in these emergency operation command posts as they’re set up for these disaster areas.” As it was, Riley said they had to scratch and claw just to get worked into the EOC, which “seemed very counterproductive.” Holloway felt like going forward there should be discussion on both the state and federal levels about how to address industry disaster responses. He also pointed out recent limitations in the Carolinas after the massive flooding, and how they could have

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

benefited from a more industry-wide response. He also credited the Western Propane Gas Association as being ahead of the curve with their wildfire management. “This event proved that national marketers, local marketers and regional marketers can all work together for the common good,” Holloway said. “Regardless of their size, so many people offered to contribute. We were really a unified group. I’m really proud of the work everyone did.” During the TPGA Annual Convention, both TPGA and PERC pledged to match $15,000 in donations to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. The $15,000 threshold was met and TPGA has donated $45,000 to the relief fund. Thank you to all TPGA members and vendors who donated to the cause.

Feature

Displaced Tanks from Flooding Through a partnership with local propane companies, the Railroad Commission (RRC) has identified all the unclaimed/displaced tanks located during the flood cleanup following last month’s Central Texas flooding. Those are listed in this spreadsheet at https://rrc.texas.gov/ media/2y3momaq/flood-tanks-kerr-co-301-propane-holdings.pdf To claim a tank a licensee must first provide proof of ownership to the RRC and then at the pickup from the collection site. To send proof of ownership to the RRC: Email safetynoticereply@rrc.texas.gov with the tank(s) being claimed and proof of ownership so that records can be updated and requirements for removing warning tags can be given. After documentation has been provided to the RRC, please contact the holding site to arrange pickup of your container Site pickup contact information: Bill Hassard 301 Propane – Kerrville Branch Office (830) 895-5331

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September 2025 • Texas Propane

2025 Convention + Expo

2025 Crossroads Propane Expo + Conference: A Record-Breaking Celebration of Community, Learning, and Giving

oody Gardens Resort | Galveston — This past August, the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) welcomed propane professionals from across Texas and beyond to the 2025 Crossroads Propane Expo + Conference. Over three days, the event drew over 500 attendees, ranging from marketers in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana to vendors from across the globe. The combination of training, networking, fundraising, and fun made it a year for the record books. It was a true reflection of an industry that thrives on education, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to the future.

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

“We had 569 registered this year, and the room was absolutely full. In fact, more than full compared to last year. Everywhere I looked, people were engaged, energetic, and glad to be there. That’s what made this year stand out,” shared TPGA President, Larry Baty. From the opening training sessions to the final round of applause, the Conference reflected both the industry’s strong sense of community and its forward-thinking approach to business.

September 2025 • Texas Propane

2025 Convention + Expo Hawaiian Shirts, High Stakes, and Big Hearts

Training That Delivers Value

Education has always been at the heart of the Crossroads Expo, and this year was no exception. The conference featured 11 training sessions, including a Continuing Education class with nearly 100 in attendance. Topics ranged from incorporating AI into propane operations to meter troubleshooting, providing attendees with actionable insights to take back to their businesses. “Everything was well organized and well-orchestrated — from the training classes to the social events. The quality of the sessions I sat in on was excellent, with well-prepared presenters and strong content,” Baty touted. Brad Quisenberry of Gene Harris Petroleum saw firsthand how this training makes a difference — not just for him, but for the next generation of propane leaders: “My son, Cooper, is a fourth-generation employee at Gene Harris Petroleum, Inc. He has been working with us for nearly three years now, and he grew up attending TPGA conventions. This year he wanted to be part of the business side of Crossroads. He attended the regulatory training with me on Thursday, as well as a couple of the workshops on Friday. He came away from all of those meetings with a greater understanding of what it means to be a member of TPGA. The day will come when that fourth generation will be in charge, and we hope that involving them in this part of the business early on will help them understand what a great partner TPGA can be for them in the future.”

Casting Off and Tee-Off Traditions

Outside the training rooms, attendees had plenty of opportunities to relax and connect with peers. The Fishing Tournament, sponsored by Exosent Engineering, sent 12 chartered boats into Galveston Bay for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie. Golfers gathered for the Elmer Atkins Memorial Golf Tournament, sponsored by Targa Resources. 81 golfers teed off for a morning of sport and networking, with special thanks to Ed Varney and Larry Baty for volunteering to make the tournament run smoothly. Golf Tournament Winners: Cody Heriford, Heriford Tanks & Trucking LLC; Darren Moore, Blackburn Propane; Warren Van Wyck and Warren Van Wyck, Jr., Energy Tech Solutions.

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Saturday evening’s dinner brought the community together for an unforgettable night. The Hawaiian Shirt Contest, won by the McAdams Family, brought smiles and laughter to the room. But the highlight of the evening — and perhaps the entire convention — was the Booze Wagon Auction, organized by Larry Hearn of Yellow Rose Propane. The auction raised an incredible $20,000 for the TPGA Scholarship Foundation, thanks to the generous donations of the McAdams and Green families. In an interview after the event, Hearn called it his standout memory of the weekend: “The most memorable moment for me was the night of the gala — raising $20,000 for the TPGA Scholarship Foundation and kicking off the $30,000 in fundraising for flood victims in the Kerrville area. That was truly special.” The evening took on even greater meaning when TPGA announced it would match up to $15,000 in donations for flood relief. Within seconds, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) stepped forward to pledge an additional $15,000. The combined generosity underscored the propane industry’s commitment to helping Texans in need.

Thank You to Our Silent Auction Donors 4J Energy AJA Tanks, LLC Bark Box Chicken N Pickle Courtyard Austin Courtyard by Marriott Waco Cunningham Gas Products Gas Equipment Company HD Supply Hilton Waco Hotel Contessa Kendra Scott Messina Hof Bryan Estate Winery Moody Gardens Hotel SPA & Convention Center NGL Supply Terminals / Legend LLC Parafour Perry’s Restaurants SpringHill Suites by Marriott Austin Cedar Park Squibb Taylor Targa Resources Taurus Systems Inc. Westin Las Colinas Visit Irving Visit Corpus Christi

September 2025 • Texas Propane

2025 Convention + Expo A Convention Worth Planning For

For Hearn and his wife, Emily, the Crossroads Propane Expo + Conference isn’t just another industry event — it’s a tradition. “Over the years, we’ve built so many friendships with different companies and people. The convention is a great mix — you get good training, it’s a real family atmosphere, and you can bring your kids and grandkids. Everyone’s having a great time together, and the vendors and attendees just all get along.” It’s such a priority for them that they structure their year around it. “We plan our year around the first week of August so we can be here. No other vacations — we make sure that time is free because we enjoy it so much. Everything about the way this event is put on keeps us coming back.” Hearn has also compared the Texas event to others across the country: “I’ve talked to people who go to other states’ conventions, and every one of them says Texas is number one.”

The Strength and Direction of TPGA

For Brad Quisenberry, the 2025 Crossroads Expo confirmed what he already knew: the Texas propane community is thriving. “My biggest takeaway was the strength and direction of our association. When I hear vendors talk about attending other shows and only having 10–12 visitors stop by their booth, I realize that we are in a very unique situation. Crossroads was well attended for a reason — people know it will be worth their time and effort. It offers so many opportunities to visit with industry leaders in parts/service/ sales as well as the regulatory side of the industry. I love to hear the representatives from ProCOT & NPGA brag on our association in comparison to other state associations. This proves that we have an active membership and a wonderful staff leading us at TPGA.”

Thank You to Our Sponsors Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Golf Tournament

Lone Star Lounge

Expo Lunch | Regulatory Pavilion

Conference Program

President’s Happy Hour

Fishing Tournament

Golf Beverage Cart

An Expo Floor Full of Opportunity

The heart of the convention was the Expo Hall, featuring nearly 100 vendors showcasing products, services, and technologies designed to help propane businesses grow and operate more efficiently. The Expo also hosted a silent auction benefiting the TPGA Scholarship Foundation, offering everything from Dallas Cowboys tickets to a spa day in Austin. The auction not only raised funds for a worthy cause but also showcased the generosity and creativity of TPGA members and supporters. Additionally, The Petersons of Buster Brown Propane donated a rifle with proceeds benefiting the TPGA Scholarship Foundation. Wendy Fietsam of Tex Propane was the winner of the Ruger American Predator rifle.

Industry Partnerships in Action

One of the defining features of the 2025 Crossroads Expo was the strong presence of government agencies, fostering collaboration between the propane industry and regulators. Participating agencies included the Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas Highway Patrol, CDL Section of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Alternative Fuel Safety Division of the Railroad Commission of Texas, Pipeline Damage Division of the Railroad Commission of Texas, American Energy Institute and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Welcome Reception

Casino Party

Dinner Sponsorship

Tote Bags Lanyard Expo Hall Refreshment Regulatory Training Lunch

Training Workshop Break Sponsor Entertainment

2025 Convention + Expo These agencies and organizations brought valuable information, resources, and direct access to regulatory experts, making the Expo not just a networking and learning event, but also a venue for meaningful policy and compliance discussions. “I was really proud to see so many national leaders at Crossroads — from the NPGA president to PERC’s leadership. They were impressed by what they saw, and it says a lot about the strength of TPGA that they make it a point to be here,” Baty touts

Sense of Community

For Brad Quisenberry, what makes Crossroads truly special isn’t a single highlight — it’s the whole experience: “For me, there is not one particular moment that stands out, but it is the culmination of the entire event. It is always encouraging to be around people that are in the same boat you are in. They understand the craziness of a bone-chilling winter as well as what seems to be a never-ending summer. Much like Cooper, I grew up attending these conventions, so many of the members of TPGA are life-long friends. Crossroads is a lot like a family reunion where conversations just seem to pick up where they left off the year before. We are thankful for our fellow marketers as well as the wonderful vendors who help make Crossroads a must for us every year.” Larry Hearn echoed that sentiment: “The friendships, the training, the family atmosphere — it’s all there. And every year, it just gets better.” TPGA President Larry Baty added:

For more info on these lines or any of the many other products we carry, contact our customer service at Cody McSperitt 800-845-5301 Equipment 405.668.0513 or ask your CUI Salesperson

“What stood out was how our members, vendors, and guests not only showed up but also supported the fundraisers, participated in sessions, and truly made this event a success. It shows what a close-knit industry we are.” Together, the words of Quisenberry, Hearn, and Baty capture the spirit of Crossroads — an event that feels less like a convention and more like a family reunion, where business, camaraderie, and community all come together under one roof.

What’s Next?

“This year proved how engaged our membership is, but it also sets the bar high. We’ve got our work cut out for us to make next year even better — and I’m confident we will.” “Next year’s venue in Las Colinas is going to be very exciting. The convention center and hotel are top-notch, and the entertainment district is perfect for vendor dinners and outside activities. It’s a vibrant, energetic area that people will really enjoy. The excitement and commitment we saw in Galveston will carry right into Irving. We’re also partnering with the Oklahoma Propane Gas Association next year, which should bring in new attendees and perspectives. That collaboration will only make the event stronger,” Baty shares.

Check out photos from the Convention at www.txpropane.smugmug.com

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Thank You to All Our Exhibitors

4J Energy, LLC Advantage Route AJA Tanks, LLC All Propane LPG Alleviate American Standard Anova Arrow Trucking Ben Spurgin Insurance Bergquist Inc Big Way Sales BLT Tanks Cactus Tanks LLC CageWatch Cargas Cordell & Company Crum & Forster (USFI) CUI Cunningham Gas Products Energy Tech Solutions LLC Enterprise Products Evergreen Mobile Power Exosent Engineering Fisk Tank Carrier Folsom Propane Services F-Rams, Inc. FuelMor Propane Software Gas Equipment Company, Inc., - A Makeen Energy Company

Grammer Logistics Gray, Gray & Gray, LLP HD Supply Heriford Tanks & Trucking LLC Higginbotham Insurance Holt Truck Center Hubbell Gas Solutions Intermountain Truck Rebuilders Jack Olsta Co. Jarco Kendra Scott Kozy Operations Lin’s Propane Trucks Linscot Enterprises, Inc. Lux Industries Manchester Tank Martin Gas Sales Meeder Equipment Company/Ransome Mfg. Metsa Tanks Midstream Transportation Lounge Mopeka Products MSG Payment Systems Nexio NGL Supply Terminals / Legend LLC Omega Flex, Inc. ONE-TANK Otodata.com P3 Propane Parafour Innovations

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PDI Technologies PERC Phoenix Park Energy Quality Steel Rinnai American Corporation Rural Computer Consultants Smith Pumps Squibb Taylor Inc. Superior Energy Systems Swain & Baldwin Insurance Tank Spotter Targa Resources Tauber Oil Taurus Systems Inc. TerraVest Industries Compressed Gas Tiger Payment Solutions Total Control Systems TransTech Energy TRIARC Tank Unified Sales and Distribution Visit Irving Warm Thoughts Communications Westmor Industries White River Distributors Worthington Enterprises

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September 2025 • Texas Propane

Time is Running Out! Deadline is Here! Propane Emergencies School Scheduled for September 29-30 It’s been two years since this unique training was last offered, and the Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) doesn’t want the propane industry and their local emergency responders to miss out. ProCOT invites you to the Propane Incident Management Training—better known as Propane Emergencies Training—returning September 29–30, 2025, at Texas A&M University’s TEEX Brayton Training Field in College Station, TX. As the world’s largest liquid-fueled live fire training facility, it hosted responders from 75 countries last year. Over two action-packed days, participants will experience both classroom instruction and live-fire scenarios designed to prepare them for real-world propane incidents. WHY ATTEND

• Engage with fire departments from all over Texas • Walk away with Propane Emergencies resources + assets • Learn about real world incidents & how they were handled • Earn Continuing Education credit from the RRC “To me the value is ensuring that emergency responders have accurate information. Attending the training allows for the propane industry employees to learn how to communicate effectively with emergency responders.” - Mark Holloway, Lead Instructor

TRAINING LOCATION

TEEX Brayton Fire Field • College Station, TX THE SCHEDULE

Monday, September 29, 2025 7:30 am Breakfast 8:00am – 5:00pm Training 6:00pm Reception & Dinner Tuesday, September 30, 2025 7:30 am Breakfast 8:00am – 4:00pm Training REGISTRATION

Firefighter Registration $140 per person Registration includes: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 2 days of training, & TEEX certificate. Propane Industry Registration $75 per person Includes all of the above except live fire and TEEX certificate.

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

HOTEL RESERVATIONS

The George 180 Century Court | College Station, TX Reservations: 844-599-3871 (corrected) https://www.thegeorgetexas.com/ Group Code: 2509AWBCDV Reservation deadline! September 11, 2025 “Class was above & beyond my expectations.” - Kayla Buch, Cuero VFD “Great course, excellent instructors with great experience & knowledge.” - Douglas Dawson, Cove Fire & Rescue TEXAS FOREST SERVICE (TFS) REBATES

Firefighters may be eligible for full tuition reimbursement through the Texas Forest Service. This does not apply to hotel or travel. APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED TO TFS BEFORE TRAINING STARTS. Apply at https://fireconnect.tfs.tamu.edu/. REGISTER

www.procot.org/propanefiretraining

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Phone: (800) 325-7427 Email: info@propanecounciloftexas.org

Free Human Trafficking Awareness Training for Propane Service Techs Trafficking Can Be on Your Route

Cetane Associates has partnered with the Safe House Project—a nonprofit dedicated to combating child sex trafficking and providing safe housing and holistic care to survivors—to make this training freely available. The initiative is designed to equip propane service technicians and other in-home professionals with the knowledge to spot potential signs of trafficking and take safe, appropriate action. Target Audience – The program is aimed at professionals in in-home service industries—such as propane delivery, HVAC, pest control, heating oil, lawn care, landscaping, and plumbing—who have unique access to homes and businesses where trafficking could be occurring. Training Format – Participants complete a series of online training videos that illustrate how to identify potential signs of human trafficking. The content includes real-life scenarios, environmental cues, physical indicators, and behavioral red flags. Certification Process – After watching the videos, participants take a short 5-question quiz to test their understanding. Upon successfully completing the quiz, they receive a co-branded certificate (from Cetane and Safe House Project) confirming completion of the training. Reporting Tool: Simply Report App – Trainees are encouraged to download the Simply Report app—a discreet, easyto-use tool powered by Safe House Project. The app helps determine whether observed situations may indicate trafficking and guides the user on how to report them properly. Rationale & Impact – The training addresses the alarming statistic that 99% of trafficking victims in the U.S. go unnoticed, emphasizing the critical potential role service providers can play. Cetane sees this initiative as an extension of its mission to protect value and fairness, now broadened to safeguarding individuals in vulnerable circumstances. The partnership em-

powers everyday professionals—with just a few minutes of training—to possibly save lives through awareness and action. The training is offered online, free of charge, and can be accessed through Ce-

tane’s Safe House Training webpage. Participants across the U.S. can take part at their own pace. Access the training here: http://www.cetane.com/resources/safehouse-training/.

MEMBER

Disability Insurance • Farm & Ranch Employee Benefits • Long Term Care Business & Commercial Insurance Home & Auto • Life Insurance

Isn’t it time to trust that your insurance works as hard as you do? • You will receive good old fashioned customer service. • You will be educated about your policy coverages and shown where you might be vulnerable. • You will receive multiple options for your insurance.

Yellow Rose Propane Marshall Young Insurance has been our insurance agent for over 10 years. The team at Marshall Young continues to provide the same excellent service they did in day one. They are there for us day and night, hot or cold! Their involvement within TPGA helps them stay up to date with the industry and they help the insurance companies understand our business needs. If you aren’t working with them currently, we recommend you reach out to Rusty or Chuck and the team as soon as you can

401 N. Ridgeway Drive, Cleburne TX 76033 817-645-9155

WWW.MARSHALLYOUNG.COM September 2025 • Texas Propane

Teaching the Energy of Tomorrow: Propane’s Place in Today’s Classrooms As students and their families return to school, it’s never too late to share how propane can fuel both education and future careers. Connecting with local community colleges, technical schools, and other educational institutions in your area helps the industry find, train, and retain the next generation of the propane workforce. A variety of resources are available on propane.com to engage learners of all ages— from elementary students to adults.

Visit propane.com to learn more about available programs and eligibility requirements. The demand for reliable, environmentally friendly energy is growing. Now is the ideal time to build relationships with schools to help students understand how

a career in propane is beneficial, dependable, and rewarding. Whether students choose college, trade school, entrepreneurship, or another path, your local outreach keeps propane top-of-mind—and fuels their future.

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Ways to Get Involved

1. Partner with Local Schools Volunteering for Career Day is a great way to give back while sharing your unique perspective as a propane provider. PERC’s Career Day Kit makes it easy, with activities and experiments tailored to each grade level. High school students can also explore propane career paths through additional resources in the kit. 2. Support Educators Agriculture Science Teachers can use 13 free PERC courses to teach the role propane plays in farm and ag operations. HVAC and Plumbing Instructors can benefit from the free course, Overview of Propane Distribution Systems, which includes curriculum, quizzes, and materials that broaden student qualifications for future employment. If your local high schools are interested in using these resources, encourage them to apply for the HVAC Technical School Grant Program, which provides funding and support to enhance hands-on learning experiences. 3. Engage with Post-Secondary Schools Community colleges and trade schools are also eligible for the HVAC Technical School Grant Program and the Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Program, which supports expanding automotive programs with propane-specific training. Applications for the 2025 school year are now open through December.

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

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September 2025 • Texas Propane

Inside the Industry

New Materials, Same Low Cost: Duty to Warn 2025

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 2025

September 14–20 “From Highways to Homes: We Appreciate Truck Drivers” The Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) Duty to Warn Program is now open for the 2025 heating season while supplies last. This proven program gives Texas propane providers a simple, economical way to deliver important propane safety information to customers—while also providing documentation that you’ve fulfilled your duty to warn. Last year, over 300,000 safety brochures were mailed to Texas households through this program. For 2025, participants will benefit from PERC’s newly enhanced safety brochure—an updated, consumerfriendly piece designed to better engage and educate your customers. Low-Cost Participation (same as last year): $38 per company registration 9.5¢ per address ProCOT covers the brochures and postage to Texas consumers when mailed through our program—keeping your costs minimal while extending your reach. Don’t wait—reserve your spot today to ensure your customers receive updated propane safety information before the heating season. Learn more & register at www.procot.org/dutytowarn

People in Propane Chris Hill, President and CEO of Meritum Energy Holdings in Houston, has been selected the new chairman of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). He is the third Meritum executive to earn the position, following Tom Van Buren (2015-2017) and Rob Chalmers (2018-2019). Hill’s selection comes as PERC prepares its new strategic plan, now in development for 2026-28. Congratulations on the appointment!

In Memoriam

Each September, America pauses to honor the men and women who keep our nation moving. This year’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week takes place September 14–20, 2025, under the theme: “From Highways to Homes: We Appreciate Truck Drivers.” In the propane industry, most drivers are navigating rural backroads, city streets, tricky highways, and farm-tomarket routes to ensure Texas homes, farms, and businesses have the fuel they need. These propane drivers are the familiar faces customers trust, often braving long hours, unpredictable weather, and challenging conditions to safely get the job done. For company owners and managers, this week is the perfect chance to recognize drivers’ hard work and dedication. From hosting a cookout at the shop to handing out appreciation gifts, even simple gestures go a long way in showing propane drivers they are valued professionals.

Don’t Have Your Customers Miss the Fall/Winter Propane Living Newsletter

Willis “Lee” Smith, Jr., 62, departed this life peacefully on July 27, 2025. A proud Texan, Lee built a life rooted in hard work, family, and service to others. One of his greatest accomplishments was coowning and operating Propane Plus with his brother, Michael Smith, serving Central Texas for over 15 years. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Don’t have your customers miss out on timely seasonal propane information! Each quarter, nearly 150,000 Texas

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Inside the Industry consumers receive the Propane Living newsletter—an outreach tool from the Propane Council of Texas designed specifically for propane retailers to engage and educate their customers. How to Participate Visit www.procot.org/propaneliving to register. Deadline: September 19, 2025 Choose Your Delivery Method: 1. Mailing List Upload • Provide a customer mailing list • Th e Council covers printing and postage; we mail directly to your customers 2. Bulk Shipment • Receive newsletters in bulk for in office distribution, bobtail routes, or as bill inserts • Shipping is free Cost to Participate: The Propane Council of Texas subsidizes most of the cost. • Retailers pay just $40 per edition • Plus less than 5¢ per address to imprint your company’s name or logo Questions? Call (800) 325-7427 ext. 2 or email info@propanecounciloftexas.org

The LPG Charity Fund has a proud tradition of giving back, having honored 100% of qualified applicants for financial assistance through the years. These contributions are made possible by the continued success of the Fund’s Golf, Bowling, and Texas Hold’em tournaments.Support from industry members remains vital. Sponsorships and team participation help ensure that the majority of proceeds go directly to the Fund, allowing it to continue providing much-needed assistance to

LPG industry employees in need. The LPG Charity Fund provides direct financial assistance to propane industry employees and their families facing unexpected hardships such as serious illness, injury, or loss. In addition to covering urgent medical expenses, the Fund has helped with funeral costs, housing support, and other critical needs, ensuring that members of the LPG community are not left to shoulder these burdens alone. Register at www.lpgfund.com

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The 30th Annual LPG Charity Fund Fall Classic Golf Tournament will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Tour 18 Golf Course, 3102 FM 1960 East, Humble, TX. Registration opens at noon, with a 1:00 p.m. tee time. The tournament will be played in a “Scramble” format with handicap adjustment and will feature contests for Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive. Following play, participants will enjoy dinner and cocktails.

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INDEX TO ADVERTISERS

Texas Propane T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R T H E T E X A S P R O PA N E G A S A S S O C I AT I O N

SEPTEMBER 2025

ASM- American Standard 24 BLT Tanks 5 CUI 19 Enterprise Products 20

Texas Propane Industry Unites in Wake of Hill Country Flooding

Fisk Tank Carrier Inc. Outside Back Cover

METSA Inside Front Cover Nixon & Lindstrom Insurance 25 OtoData 21 Propane Service Corp. 25 Quality Steel 27

Gas Equipment Company 13

Tarantin Industries 6

Lock America 25

White River Distributors 12

Lone Star Energy Group 29 Longhorn Propane 31 Marshall Young Insurance 23 2025 Crossroads A Record-Breaking Celebration of Community, Learning, & Giving TPGA Annual Business, Board & Committee Meetings, October 13-15

Meeder Equipment Co. 7

For advertising opportunities, please contact Joanne Pantaze at 512-273-2639 or at jpantaze@zochnet.com

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

1 TPGA Offices Closed Labor Day

7 National Propane Day

8 Pros4Care Golf Tournament Plano, TX 9-11 LPG Growth Summit Orlando, FL 15-17 NPGA TS&S Committee Meeting Pittsburgh, PA 18-19 NPGA Benchmarking Council Meeting Providence, RI 29-30 Propane Emergencies Training College Station, TX 30 - October 1 PERC Advisory Committee Meeting Tampa, FL

13 Cargo Tank (CT) Inspection Training Rockwall, TX 14-15 TPGA Board & Committee Meetings Rockwall, TX 20-22 NPGA Board of Directors Meeting Burlington, VT

NOVEMBER

11 TPGA Office Closed for Veterans Day

27 TPGA Office Closed for Thanksgiving Day

DECEMBER

2-3 PERC Council Meeting Destin, FL

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September 2025 • Texas Propane

PROPANE with PURPOSE 30

Texas A&M University Robots Put Propane to the Test in the Field

The idea that propane can power precise weed control is not new. The agricultural community has long used propane for this specific purpose. But one professor/researcher at Texas A&M University is trying out a new level of propane weed control. Professor Dezhen Song and his colleagues have developed a weed control system that uses a brief burst of heat from a propane-powered torch controlled by a robotic arm, attached to a Spot robot manufactured by Boston Dynamics. If you’re not familiar with “Spot”, you owe it to yourself to search it out. The robotic dog is being used for a variety of purposes, including routine inspections and hazardous conditions. Professor Song was looking to develop a replacement for harmful herbicides in agricultural settings. Rather

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

than incinerating the weeds, the robot is designed to identify and heat up the center of the plant, which can stop it growing for several weeks, the idea being that if you suppress their growth it gives your crop a chance to outmuscle the weed. Song and his team first tested the flame nozzle to make sure they could accurately target the weeds’ center. Then they deployed the robot in a cotton field planted with weeds native to Texas, like common sunflower and giant ragweed. In five trials, they

found that the robot could locate and torch the weeds with an average of 95 percent of the flame focused on the weed. One large limitation is the battery life of the Spot robot, which can only run for around 40 minutes in this setup before it needs to be charged, says Song, but the team is working on upgrading to a longer-lasting device. They are also looking at equipping the robot dog with an electrocution device capable of delivering more than 10,000 volts, which will stop weed growth for longer, he says.

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