TexasPropane Texas Propane March 2020
Volume 76 No. 3
T H E M AG 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
FLEET CAMERAS Can You Afford Not to Have Them?
Get Pumped! 2020 Crossroads TPGA Propane Expo & Conference TPGA Website Gets New MEMBERS ONLY Section
Maintaining the Legacy You’ve Built
You have worked hard to build your business. Pinnacle Propane is committed to preserving your legacy. Have you considered selling your propane business but concerns for your customers and employees are holding you back? At Pinnacle Propane, our values of Customer Service, Integrity, and Safety emphasize providing the best possible experience for our customers and employees. We focus on providing local service to our customers and empowering our employees via competitive pay, a robust benefits package, and advancement opportunities. As you think about next steps, let us work with you to develop a fair purchase plan and a seamless transition so that you can relax and enjoy the results of your efforts.
Bill Webb Senior Vice President Business Development 936-329-1440
Matt Terry Director Business Development 210-560-5418
Call us today for more information and a confidential assessment of your business.
About Pinnacle Propane: Pinnacle Propane is a leading propane distributor in the U.S. and is part of a global group of
LPG companies owned by SHV Energy, the largest dedicated global LPG distributor. Pinnacle Propaneʼs operations include bulk gas storage and delivery, cylinder filling and distribution, and community gas systems. Learn more at www.pinnaclepropane.com.
TexasPropane March 2020
8408 North IH 35 Austin, TX 78753 512-836-8620 or 800-325-7427 512-834-0758 fax E-mail: info@txpropane.com www.txpropane.com
T H E M AG 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
TPGA staff Bill Van Hoy Executive Director bvanhoy@txpropane.com Jackie Mason Education & Marketing Regulatory & Legislative Affairs jmason@txpropane.com Debbie Simpson Executive Assistant Membership Meeting Planner Publication Coordinator dsimpson@txpropane.com Propane Service Corporation
Debbie Simpson 800-392-0023 dsimpson@txpropane.com
Features An Eye on Fleet Cameras: Can You Afford Not to Have Them? . . . . . . 6 Get Pumped!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 2020 Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference TPGA Website Gets New MEMBERS ONLY Section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Recap: WLPGA Innovation for Growth Summit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Publisher
Kim Scheberle Account Manager/Managing Editor Sail House Publishing 512-346-0892 kscheberle@austin.rr.com Joanne Pantaze Advertising Sales 512-273-2639 jpantaze@pvco.net Kiki Pantaze Art Director 512-924-7566 kpantaze@pvco.net
Propane Education & Research Council Meeting Feb. 12 in Scottsdale, Ariz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Protecting Your Company Data: Proper Disposal of Electronics. . . . 24
Departments Highlights from Headquarters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 TPGA Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Member Perks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Safety Talk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 People in Propane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Inside the Industry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Classified Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Index to Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Propane with Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Highlights from Headquarters
Caught on Camera Bill Van Hoy TPGA Executive Director As we are becoming more comfortable with having onboard cameras in/on our vehicles – either driver-facing or forwardfacing – some folks say you cannot afford to not have them. If your driver is in an accident the footage the camera captures can be vital to proving their innocence (and your company’s!) or can alert you to the driver’s (and your company’s) fault, giving you time to manage your liability or mitigate your loss. This month’s feature article explains the benefits your business may take advantage of, and any possible concerns you and your employees may have.
Put July 23-25, 2020 on your calendars! That way you won’t miss the 2020 Crossroads TPGA Propane Expo & Conference in Austin, TX. Watch for more information on registering, purchasing exhibit space, and all the fun things to do in the Capitol City. Several of you have taken advantage of the members only discount tire program implemented last year. This program is getting an upgrade in that another top tire brand is being added. Turn to page 14 to learn more about the program and how you can sign up.
NEW MEMBER
Westport Fuel Systems – Prins Autogas Systems Dallas, TX
2020 CROSSROADS SPONSORS Golf Tournament
Convention Bags
Lanyards
All Day Expo Beverage Station
AFFINITY PARTNERS
LEnergy ONE ST R Group
2019-2020 TPGA Board of Directors President: Mark Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, 281-689-3946 President Elect: Josh McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444 Secretary: Harris Baker, HBH Systems, 512-587-8347 Treasurer/Finance Chair: Allen Wells, Baygas, 281-332-2630 District 1 Director: David Collett, Gas and Supply, 903-780-2488 District 1 Alternate: Open District 2 Director: Josh McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444 District 2 Alternate: Open District 3 Director: Jeremy Gentile, Hill Butane, 409-296-2001 District 3 Alternate: Open District 4 Director: Danny Meyers, Bellville Butane 979-865-2698 District 4 Alternate: Matt Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, 281-689-3946 District 5 Director: Ryan Tudyk, Howdy Propane Services, 361-771-1900 District 5 Alternate: Open District 6 Director: Omar Garcia, Mr. G Propane, 956-581-1063 District 6 Alternate: Open District 7 Director: Steve Smith, Smith Gas, 830-393-2533 District 7 Alternate: Sharon Seal, Bell Hydrogas, 210-533-7103 District 8 Director: Rodney Sladek, Fayetteville Propane, 979-836-7044 District 8 Alternate: Open District 9 Director: Bill McCullough, Butane Gas, 800-242-69010 District 9 Alternate: Brad Quisenberry, Gene Harris Petroleum, 888-336-4474 District 10 Director: Josh Nowlin, McCraw Propane, 9003-583-7481 District 10 Alternate: Chad Gregg, Enderby Gas, 940-482-3225 District 11 Director: Steve Adams, Hardwick LPG, 254-647-3402 District 11 Alternate: Open District 12 Director: Laci Jo Stone, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109 District 12 Alternate: Open District 13 Director: Open
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District 13 Alternate: Open District 14 Director: Terry Perez, Perez Propane, 512-318-9780 District 14 Alternate: Open District 15 Director: Don Heinrich, Slaton Gas, 806-828-6501 District 15 Alternate: Open District 16 Director: Open District 16 Alternate: Open Past President: Jack Walzel, Tri-Co Propane, 254-642-3885 Past President: John Walter, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109 Past President: Ben Wood, Northwest Propane, 972-247-6121 Past President: John Kelly, Kelly Propane, 940-586-1208 Vice President: Jeremy Gentile, Hill Butane, 409-296-2001 Vice President: Matt Terry, SHV-Pinnacle Propane, 210-560-5418 Vice President: Larry Baty, Cadenhead Servis Gas, 800-722-8654 Sr. Vice President: Don Heinrich, Slaton Gas, 806-828-6501 Sr. Vice President: Bill Collins, Collins Propane, 972-442-1078 Sr. Vice President: Joe Green, Green’s Blue Flame Gas, 713-462-5414 Assoc. Supplier Service Director: Rusty Walker, Marshall Young Insurance, 817-645-9155 Assoc. Supplier Service Alternate: Steve Johnson, Midstream Transportation, 512-787-3777 Assoc. Producer/Marketing Gas Director: Anna May Etheredge, Bishop Energy, 940-665-4672 Assoc. Producer/Marketing Gas Alternate: Jimmie Grant, Martin Gas Sales, 713-851-6155 Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Director: Jim Diehl, Squibb Taylor, 214-357-4591 Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Alternate: Joe Ezernack, Meeder Equipment, 903-877-9401 Assoc. At Large Director: J.R. Anderson, Gas Equipment Company, 972-406-3817 Assoc. At Large Alternate: John Becraft, Targa Resources, 817-416-7757 Nominating Chair: John Kelly, Kelly Propane 940-586-1208 NPGA Director: Chad Gray, Dixie LP Gas, 254-582-5359
Feature
An Eye on Fleet Cameras Many Say Your Business Can’t Afford To NOT Have Them By Amber Thurlo Pearson We are in an era where if it wasn’t caught on camera, it didn’t happen, especially for our younger, technology born-and-bred generation. This mentality just may be helping fleets – and drivers – come around to heightened surveillance of their activity. 6
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Feature
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Feature more than they will ever hurt you,” Hartman said. “When people say, I’m afraid of the camera because what if it is our driver’s fault? Well, that’s also good to know right away; you can settle, manage your liability, and mitigate your loss. It can also be used as a training for a driver; you can make them better and correct for the future,” Hartman said.
THE INSURANCE PART
While privacy concerns may have been at the forefront when these video cameras first started rolling, now businesses – and drivers, are noticing that they can come out the victor if they get into a scrape – vehicular, or legal. There are forward-facing and driver-facing cameras. The forward-facing focuses on the road, and can show what drivers around the truck are doing, and to an extent, what the driver is doing. Not only that, they have an analytics program that gets sent to the company, in most cases. This is known as video telematics. There are memory cards, which can be locked into the camera, so no fraud can occur after an incident. Or, increasingly, many systems are using cloud storage for the data. Driving-facing cameras obviously monitor the driver and can show any nonadherence to laws or company rules, or negligence. Not only do both have serious implications in proving fault/innocence in accidents, but can also serve as, if nothing else, valuable training tools. “There must be someone back at the office processing through these videos, for the training aspect to be effective,” said Tom Hartman, VP/Safety Compliance of Commercial Fleet Data Systems, and 30-year law enforcement/state trooper veteran. “In the world we live in today, the cameras are a great tool to help you manage your risk. But once you have this data, you can’t NOT look at it and grow from it. If you don’t manage it, it can destroy you,” he said. “You have to develop a program for reviewing the footage and what to do with it when there are concerns on a driver, for example, and have policies and procedures, and it be in writing,” Hartman said. “But they must also be followed – or they don’t exist,” he said. “I highly recommend using cameras because they can help manage your loss runs, and help identify when the driver is in the right. We see people today trying to stage accidents to get money out of the trucks’ companies. These cameras will protect you 10 times
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However, as alluded to before, often companies will initiate camera use due to liability. There are reports that there are predatory attorneys and predatory victims, even staging a minor accident with a fleet truck, and lining up
their “witnesses” ahead of time. “If someone calls and says hey, your driver cut me off, the camera has a memory card and it doesn’t lie,” said Lon Holloway, Northwest Propane. “We’ve dodged a bullet twice when the finger was pointed at us, due to the cameras. Especially in the Dallas metro area where we are, the traffic is quite intense, and in the last two years, once the officer actually saw our video on the scene and let us go, and another time we were also exonerated due to our video evidence. At the minimum, we avoided paying for $35,000 worth of damage that time.” “In fact, we first had the forward-facing cameras installed when a driver accused that we cut them off. We had really appreciated the back-up cameras we had, which were our first foray into the cameras,” he said. “Your truck is a rolling billboard for your company,” said Holloway. “If nothing else, you can see your driver on his or her phone, tailgating, or reaching into the floorboards, depending on which types of camera you have.” Those who are opposed to implementing this technology cite privacy concerns, but in the end, many managers/owners just have to say that if the drivers don’t like it, they don’t have to work there. Owners need to think about what is best for their business, and how best to protect it. “The guy who barks the loudest is usually the one you need to watch. I say, ‘That’s my truck, not yours,’ ” Holloway said. “All trucks should have forward facing cameras at least, I believe,” Hartman said. “Driver-facing can be very helpful, but is more a choice dependent on need, especially if it’s the owner/ operator’s truck. There’s the case for violating privacy. However, they can see phone use and smoking around potentially hazardous cargo,” he said. And of course, guilt or innocence makes a huge difference in settlements and insurance. “We are seeing staged ‘accidents’ hap-
Feature pen in larger cities like Houston and Atlanta, or near ports,” Hartman said. “I’ve heard reports of $125,000 settlements for little staged nudges, with ex-cons involved, but with no camera evidence, you can’t prove they were staged.” The liability benefits range from lower premiums by having the cameras, to of course exoneration. “Video provides hard evidence when an incident occurs,”said Todd Buechler, AVP of Risk Engineering, Crum & Forster. “The majority of time and fees in transportation litigation are spent on gathering facts about what occurred – all of which could be eliminated with video evidence. Commercial drivers are often the victims of fraudulent claims, as well, and video provides unbiased evidence to prove when they’ve done everything right.”
SAFETY IS MORE THAN A FRINGE BENEFIT
In chorus with all the interviewees in this story, Buechler said even if just to gauge the safe practices of the driver for training, it is important to note that management needs to manage the information and data and not ignore it. “Poor driving behaviors need to be addressed in a prompt and positive manner with documentation,” he said – sentiments that Hartman and Holloway both echoed. “Don’t just set it and forget it.” “Vehicle accidents overall are increasing and so are the costs of vehicle accident claims,” Buechler said. “Companies have more difficulty hiring drivers and have to train less experienced drivers. So companies are looking for tools to assist them in managing their fleet exposure and reduce the risk of accidents. Overall, the use of video is positive. It provides fleet managers greater visibility into their drivers’ behaviors on the road and overall fleet operations. However, it’s important that video is actionable and accessible so fleets can get the most out of a video deployment, rather than creating more work for fleet managers,” he said.
COST
According to our interviewees, dash-camera prices average in the $100 to $300 range. “That’s nothing by today’s standards,” Holloway said. “One small accident can cost you $10,000, and insurance costs in this industry is at the highest level yet because of these cases. Insurance companies are paying because fighting them costs too much. Cameras will reduce insurance costs substantially. I heard a story of a guy who bought a $35 dash cam video and proved his own innocence,” he said. Buechler added, “Return on investment (ROI) on these systems will vary for each company depending on a number of fac-
tors, including past claims history. One of our partners, Lytx, says the ROI has proven well for many companies. For every $1 a fleet spends on a Lytx subscription, for example, they receive about $3-$6 back annually,” he said.
THE FUTURE
As mentioned earlier, Buechler notes, “Footage and data storage done in-vehicle on digital memory cards is being phased out and replaced by cloud-connected cameras that enable near realtime access to both live and historical video. This is an important move for the industry, as it brings with it greater efficiencies and ease of use, while eliminating a common barrier to adoption,” he said.
THE BOTTOM LINE
“For the industry today as a whole, having a safety management component is critical,” Hartman said. “Be proactive, not reactive. It has to start at the top and work down. You build a safety culture within your company, but you must educate and train everyone and get them on board. We have to manage risk every day. Risk management is a major component in transportation today, because of litigation,” he said. “One unexpected benefit with the cameras is that if we have 25 drivers, we surely discovered that we didn’t have 25 perfect drivers, if nothing else” Holloway said. “We spend a lot of money on the trucks. With these cameras, one: you see what drivers are doing, and two: they just might save your hide in an accident. We’ve been very pleased with purchasing the cameras.” “The back-office software (video telematics), forward-facing and rear-facing cameras have been a great investment for us,” he said. “I don’t know of one going bad for us, either, and they are relatively low cost. What safety tool could compete for $250, that sees what your driver is doing all day?” March 2020 •
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Feature
Get Pumped! for the 2020 Crossroads TPGA Propane Expo & Conference
old while visiting family in Austin. Today, Barton Springs still attracts a diverse crowd of people and has seen record setting numbers of visitors nearing 800,000 in recent years. The pool is closed to the public from 9a-7p every Thursday to allow for the vigorous and methodical cleaning methods required to help maintain the pool area for wildlife and guests alike. Depths of the pool range from 0’ to 18’ with surrounding grassy areas for patrons to lounge upon. http://www.austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool Enjoy the show
With winter slowly ebbing away and spring wildflowers imminent, it’s a good time to start day dreaming about summer fun. One of the best ways to treat yourself and your family this summer is to make sure you put July 23-25 on your calendar to trek to Austin for the 2020 Crossroads TPGA Propane Expo & Conference. You’ll enjoy continuing education and networking, along with attending the always-important Expo. And we won’t tell anyone that you’re having fun. We’ll call it “work”! Texans know the drill about July and August. It’s hot. No way around it. You might be lucky and get a temperate day. But you probably won’t have three in a row. But that shouldn’t stop anyone from enjoying all that Austin has to offer.
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We’ve compiled a small list to whet your appetite. Here is a smattering of fun things to do in Austin, even when the temperature is sizzling. Take a dip!
Within Zilker Park’s 358 acres lies one of the crown jewels of Austin - Barton Springs Pool. The pool itself measures three acres in size, and is fed from underground springs with an average temperature of 68-70 degrees, ideal for yearround swimming. Over the years, Barton Springs Pool has drawn people from all walks of life, from legislators who have concocted state laws there to free-spirited, topless sunbathers who turned heads in the 1970s. Robert Redford learned to swim at the pool when he was five years
Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com
We probably shouldn’t tell you about this. It’s an Austin tradition. But if you come to convention, you’ll be here during the Zilker Summer Musical. Since 1959, every summer features a different musical on a hill in Zilker Park. They haven’t yet announced the 2020 show, but you can keep an eye on it at zilker.org. It’s old school. You sit on your blanket or short chairs (or you can rent chairs) and your admission is tossed into a can that is brought around by cast during intermission. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. They are great shows, with talents that have gone on to Broadway. Local tip: if it’s really hot, go take a dip in Barton Springs before the show and get your core body temperature down. You’ll be surprised how cool it will keep you. http://zilker.org/ Go see a Gutenberg
The Ransom Center is an internationally renowned humanities research library
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PERTINENT BUSINESS TRAINING Industry leading vendors, equipment & services
REGULATORY PAVILION AT EXPO Have a burning regulatory question, get answers HOST HOTEL Beautiful Fairmont Hotel in downtown Austin near the Austin Convention Center, restaurants & music venues EXPERIENCE AUSTIN'S VIBRANT ART SCENE, INSPIRING CUISINE, LIVELY ENTERTAINMENT & ENLIGHTENING CULTURE
See y'all in Austin! Source: learn.g2.com/what-is-cad
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Feature and museum at The University of Texas at Austin. When it’s hot outside, going inside is a good distraction. Though the museum’s leaders will talk to you at length about their extensive collections (which are fantastic), the real golden goose here is an original Gutenberg Bible. Go check it out! https://www.hrc.utexas.edu/
ing thousands (and thousands) of locals who consider the Hike & Bike Trail the heart of the city. Make sure to check out the maps so you know when to loop back. And don’t be shy to ask for directions. Get Your Texas On
See the bats!
April through October, Austin is home to North America’s largest urban bat colony; between 750,000 and 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats. These nocturnal wonders emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge in search of insects. People watch from the top of the bridge, boats on Lady Bird Lake and local restaurants and hotels as the mammals roll out at dusk and shadow the Austin sky. This event has become one of the most spectacular and unusual tourist attractions. Get on the water
If you’re anywhere near Lady Bird Lake
(still “Town Lake” to “wiser” generations), your family might like some time in (or on) a canoe, kayak or paddle board. There are multiple places to rent. A quick google search on your phone might find the closest one to you. But a few choices are Congress Avenue Kayaks and Lady Bird Lake/Canoe and Paddle Board Rentals. Sweat it up
If you’re craving a walking, running, or biking outing, take advantage of the Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail. You can access it at any of the bridges that cross the lake. In the morning, you’ll be join-
It’s always a good time to brush up on your Texas history. And the air conditioning might prove handy during Convention. Head over to the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Opened in 2001 as the official history museum of the State of Texas, it engages the broadest possible audience to interpret the continually unfolding Story of Texas through meaningful educational experiences. Right now, amazing additions to Austin are afoot. Congress Avenue north of the Capitol all the way to the UT campus is being turned into a park/green space that will end up being a gem for the state. What that means for you is avoiding the area in front of the museum. Don’t be “detoured” by the construction! https:// www.thestoryoftexas.com
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1305 South First Street • Lufkin, Texas (936) 634-3326 • 1-800-223-1289 Emails: john.porter@lumbermen.net • mark.vandover@lumbermen.net mmcfann@austin.rr.com • www.lumbermen.net 12
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Member Perks
TPGA Expands Member Tire Discount Program ID’ as well as a purchase order number, name of individual making the purchase and a vehicle number if applicable. Dealership will submit the purchase details to tire brand headquarters for processing at national account pricing. Pricing
Still use your local dealer
Cooper Tire will be among the top brands that will be offered in the association’s discount tire program along with current brands: Michelin, BF Goodrich, & Yokohama. Getting Started
TPGA member companies interested in participating in this program must first be members of the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA). Companies must also pass the credit requirements to be enrolled into the program. This credit requirement also includes verification of creditworthiness of company principals. TPGA members can call the association at (800)32-LPGAS to request a credit application or download one at www.txpropane.com/discounts under the Member section of the website.
clude receiving a ‘bill to ID’ and the company’s unique ‘ship to ID’. These IDs can be used at dealerships nationwide when making tire purchases. Purchases can be made at dealerships nationwide (including your local dealer) by providing the dealership with the ‘bill to ID’ and the company’s unique ‘ship to
Periodic price adjustments do occur based primarily on raw material cost fluctuations. All program participants will be notified of any impending price adjustments prior to those adjustments taking place so purchases can be planned in advance of any unfavorable price increase. Invoicing
Once the tire manufacturer’s headquarters receives the purchase details, the tire manufacturer will invoice our partner for the purchase. Our partner will then invoice the company for their purchase. Invoices from our partner will include purchase order numbers, names of individuals making the purchase, dealership contact information and vehicle number if provided on the invoice to aid companies in matching invoices with delivery receipts (DR). DR numbers will also be included on the invoices. Invoices are due within 30 days of the invoice date.
Real World Member Savings One member using our discount program
Making Purchases
Credit applications must be filled out in their entirety, which includes placing a credit card on file for delinquent accounts. Once creditworthiness is established, tire manufacturer’s headquarters will be notified to process the member company in their national network. This usually takes a few days. Our member will be notified when the tire manufacturer has completed the process to add to their system. This will in-
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Local Dealer $2,669.64 for 4 Michelin tires Vs. TPGA/TXTA $2,412.20 for the same 4 Michelin tires The $AVING$ add up over multiple vehicles within a company
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TPGA News
TPGA Website Gets New MEMBERS ONLY Section
Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) has enhanced the MEMBERS ONLY section of its website www.txpropane.com to make it easier for association members to access information. The new MEMBERS ONLY section has information on the many discounts that Texas Propane Gas Association members can take advantage of through
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our newly expanded tire program, discounted emergency response number, competitive workers compensation premium rates and savings through the Propane Service Corporation (PSC). Propane Service Corporation is a one stop shop for propane compliance signs, decals, tags, and books, but also offers customized items such as Service By decals,
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RIN decals, meter tickets, door hangers, hats and more. Also, PSC offers a suite of consumer educational materials like bill stuffers and brochures. In addition to discounts, TPGA offers a wealth of information through our many communications. TPGA has archived the last year’s worth of the Monday Morning Messenger, the weekly association newsletter, replete with pertinent industry information including regulatory alerts, bi-annual peak roadside enforcement notifications, compliance guidance, upcoming deadlines, tax tips, and more. Additionally, the association has plucked out the most relevant, critical regulatory alerts and updates and added them to its own page of the Members Only section of the website called Regulatory News. The rules, regulations, standards and codes are constantly changing. Be in the know. Join TPGA to start getting alerts. Don’t wait until an audit or inspection to find out
TPGA News what the new requirements are. In addition to regulatory hot topics, TPGA has a compliance tab, which offers quick links to the state and federal regulations that affect our industry. Members can also get access to propane supply and pricing information that we posted in our Members Only Winter Weekly Report sent every week during the heating season (October – March). Our website also hosts special section tax incentives and grants as well as a legislative section to stay on top legislative
news during the upcoming legislative session. Lawmakers will start pre-filing legislation during the fourth quarter of 2020. Additional benefits. In addition to access to our MEMBERS ONLY portion of the website, TPGA members also get customer referrals when prospective customers call, a FREE listing on our Find a Propane Retailer Tool accessible to the public, one on one compliance guidance and assistance as well as local, state & federal government representation on legislative and regulatory changes as well as
compliance matters. Join today! Call (800)325-7427. Be in the know, gain access to our weekly alerts and time-sensitive information. Texas Propane Gas Association, the voice of the propane industry for over 75 years. Propane Buyers Guide. One item we have accessible to everyone is our Buyers Guide. Find a TPGA Member Supplier that offers a product or service you are looking for, visit www.txpropane.com and click on Buyers Guide to find marketing services, insurances, trucks, tanks and more.
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Propane News
Recap: WLPGA Innovation for Growth Summit
The WLPGA Innovation for Growth Summit took place at the Conrad Hilton Hotel in Washington D.C. on February 4, 2020. The event was cohosted by the World LPG Association (WLPGA), the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) and Propane Education and Research Council (PERC). The event welcomed more than 150 attendees from over 20 countries throughout the day. The summit put together four sessions covering the success the industry has had using new applications and technologies, as well as the shortcomings of the industry regarding innovation leading to
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reduced competitiveness and even obsolescence. The summit invited top speakers in the industry and leaders in innovation. The summit opened with Tucker Perkins, President and CEO of PERC, and Steve Kaminski, President and CEO of NPGA, followed by the keynote address from Gordon Feller, Founder of Meeting of the Minds. The first session, Innovate or Die, chaired by Neil Murphy, VP Business Development, UGI International, looked at the business landscape being littered with cautionary tales of huge companies that failed due to lack of in-
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novation. An unwillingness to innovate puts any company at risk of failure but refusing to evolve with the market can be even more devastating. This session welcomed a special guest, Rodney Allam, NET Power LLC and 2007 Nobel Peace Prize Winner. Fuel Innovation for Tomorrow, session 2 chaired by Rebecca Groen, Director Biofuels, SHV Energy, looked at how our industry has been fueled by fossil-derived propane and butane for over a century. The session asked what the future will hold in a low/zero carbon world? The third session titled Applications
Propane News Innovations for Tomorrow was chaired by Tucker Perkins. This session dove into how the LPG industry can only prosper if we can be assured of competitive and efficient appliances. The audience was left thinking about how and what technology pathways in applications we should be following. The last session of the day was chaired
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by Steve Kaminski and focused on the Supply Chain and Digital Innovation, ensuring a future safe, reliable and efficient supply chain to the customer. What can the LPG sector learn and what is being applied? The Summit was closed by Henry Cubbon, WLPGA president and Managing Director, DCC LPG. The highlights and key takeaways
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were the industry coming together to focus on the ability to adapt and innovate in order to remain competitive in fast changing world. Discussions focused on new applications and innovations in all segments of the industry. The event also highlighted an ability of the industry to cooperate with NPGA, PERC and WLPGA coming together to host this global event. Reprinted with permission from the World LP Gas Association.
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PERC News
Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) Meeting Feb. 12 in Scottsdale, Ariz. The Council approved four funding requests totaling a little over $1.1 million to support safety and technical training initiatives for the propane industry workforce, including updating the Certified Employee Training Program (CETP) into a new, more user-friendly format to include transitioning the 14 different certification areas to 47 task-based training modules. Stuart Weidie, chairman of the Council’s Environmental Task Force, gave a report on work since early November to develop messages that the industry can use to combat inaccurate perceptions about propane’s relevance as a fuel of the future.
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The goal is to develop a coordinated outreach campaign for rollout to the industry at the Southeast Expo in April. Weidie divided the work among three sub-groups to address messaging to different audiences: Policy/Public Influencers, Propane Industry/Consumers, and Opposition/ Electric Competition. PERC’s Senior Vice President, Communications Tina Wilson shared the results of a national perceptions study by Kelton Global to understand Americans’ knowledge of different types of energy, perceptions of propane versus other energy types, and understanding of environmental associations and messaging opportuni-
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ties for PERC. The Council announced a new appointment to the Advisory Committee since the November meeting: Matt Solak, Indiana Propane Gas Association and Pacific Propane Gas Association (Lansing, MI), to the Research and Technology Development Working Group. The Council approved the following funding requests: Docket 22213: 2020 Partnerships with Industry Organizations, $1,495,000 Docket 22395: 2020 CETP Program Support, $304,850 Docket 22396: 2020 Learning Center Support, $305,500 Docket 22397: 2020 CETP Modularization Project, $485,370 Docket 22405: Propane Emergencies Strategic Planning, $25,000
PERC News
PERC Adds Staff to Business Development, Industry Relations Teams PERC has named Steve Whaley as the New Director of Autogas Business Development with the retirement of Mike Taylor. Steve is no stranger to alternative fuels helping advance propane autogas and green fuels at Agility Fuel Solutions, Roush Cleantech & Blossman Propane. He is responsible for growing propane autogas market share in on-highway light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicle markets. He will focus on new product research and development, product launches, maintenance and growth in existing market segments, and potential new market development opportunities. PERC has named Joseph Calhoun as Associate Director of Business Development. Joseph now leads PERC initiatives to grow propane demand by working directly with partners across multiple industries. He is responsible for business development, product development, and market development activities, which includes outreach, com-
munications, education, research, product development, technical integrations, and product commercialization. His past experience includes working for Rego, TransTech Energy, Ray Murray, Paraco Gas as well as American Welding & Tank. PERC has hired Erin Lee as an Industry Relations Coordinator. Erin will provide customer support for the fulfillment center, primary support for grant administration and assists with preparation and planning for industry programs and meetings. Rachel Hrabik is also a new addition to the PERC. Rachel will be the Business Development Coordinator Rachel will administer PERC incentive programs and rpovide support the business development team. Most recently she was worked Farm Bureau Financial Services. Prior to that, Hrabik was an account manager with Swanson Russell, where she worked on the PERC account.
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Safety Talk
Mobile Crane Safety: Daily Inspections Safety Meeting contain very hot oil and can be under extreme pressure. 3 Controls — Check all control mechanisms for proper operation of all functions. Look for leaks, cracks, and excess wear. 3 Remote Control (if applicable) — Check all remote functions for proper operation and damage. 3 Electrical Systems — Check all lights and alarms for proper operation. 3 Hardware — Check pins, sheaves, nuts, and bolts for breakage, excess wear, and tightness. 3 Covers and Guards — Check for missing or improperly maintained covers and guards. 3 Hooks — Check for the presence and proper operation of a safety catch or hasp. Check hooks for cracks or damage. 3 Slings and Wire Ropes or Cables — Check for frayed edges, broken strands, kinks, flat spots, and end attachments. Check wire rope traveling around drums and sheaves for damage. 3 Overall — Check crane for damage or missing parts, leaking cylinders, and cracked welds. 3 Fire Extinguisher — Make sure a properly sized and rated fire extinguisher that is fully charged is on the vehicle. If any problems or deficiencies are observed during the inspection, do not operate the crane until they have been repaired or it has been determined by a qualified person that the problems do not constitute a safety hazard. DISCUSSION TOPICS 1. Why is it important to inspect your crane prior to each use? 2. How can your safety and the safety of others be at risk if a crane defect or problem is not identified and repaired in a timely manner? 3. Whose responsibility is it to keep the crane in good working order
Cranes and rigging equipment must be inspected regularly to identify potentially unsafe conditions. A thorough inspection program can help to reduce equipment failures and malfunctions. Every type of crane should be inspected by the operator prior to each use. Make sure you check the manufacturer’s operating manual for inspection routines and items to check for on your specific crane. PROPER INSPECTION OF YOUR CRANE AT START-UP GENERALLY INCLUDES: 3 Vehicle and Chassis — Check oil level, battery, lights, and
brakes. Check tires for proper pressure, cuts, and loose or missing wheel lugs. 3 Operation and Safety Decals — Make sure all load charts, safety decals, and control decals are present and legible. 3 Anti-Two-Block System (telescopic cranes) — Check for proper operation. Inspect for cracks, grooves, or damage. 3 Hydraulic System — Check for proper oil level. Check hoses and fittings for leaks. Use caution as hydraulic systems can
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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com
LEARNING ACTIVITY Have a crane available on site and adjust it to have deficiencies (missing equipment, burnt-out light bulbs, uncharged extinguisher, etc.). Have participants inspect the crane and note problems they find. Discuss how to remedy each issue. More Information This is just 1 of 45 safety meeting topics called Safety Talks developed by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). PERC has developed a set of Safety Talks to help companies create an environment to discuss specific or timely safety topics, identify potential problems, or highlight specific safety concerns. Safety Talks are designed to be much briefer than full-scale training sources. They are meant to supplement or refresh – not replace – formal training. Each Safety Talk can be presented in 10 to 15 minutes. Safety Talks will help companies keep employees engaged and actively thinking about safety. Download other safety talks like this and order additional training tools like a USB with PowerPoints at https://propane.com/resource-catalog.
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Business Beat
Protecting Your Company Data: Proper Disposal of Electronics
Why is it important to dispose of electronic devices safely? In addition to effectively securing sensitive information on electronic devices, it is important to follow best practices for electronic device disposal. Computers, smartphones, and cameras allow you to keep a great deal of information at your fingertips, but when you dispose of, donate, or recycle a device you may inadvertently disclose sensitive information, which could be exploited by cyber criminals. Types of electronic devices include:
Computers, smartphones, and tablets — electronic devices that can automatically store and process data; most contain a central processing unit and memory, and use an operating system that runs programs and applications; Digital media — these electronic devices create, store, and play digital content. Digital media devices include items like digital cameras and media players; External hardware and peripheral devices — hardware devices that provide input and output for computers, such as printers, monitors, and external hard drives; these devices contain permanently stored digital characters; and Gaming consoles — electronic, digital, or computer devices that output a video signal or visual image to display a video game.
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What are some effective methods for removing data from your device?
There are a variety of methods for permanently erasing data from your devices (also called sanitizing). Because methods of sanitization vary according to device, it is important to use the method that applies to that particular device. Before sanitizing a device, consider backing up your data. Saving your data to another device or a second location (e.g., an external hard drive or the cloud) can help you recover your data if you accidently erase information you had not intended to or if your device is stolen (this can also help you identify exactly what information a thief may have been able to access). Options for digital storage include cloud data services, CDs, DVDs, and removable flash drives or removable hard drives (see Using Caution with USB Drives for more information). Methods for sanitization include:
Deleting data. Removing data from your device can be one method of sanitization. When you delete files from a device— although the files may appear to have been removed—data remains on the media even after a delete or format command is executed. Do not rely solely on the deletion method you routinely use, such as moving a file to the trash or recycle bin or selecting “delete” from the menu. Even if you empty
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the trash, the deleted files are still on device and can be retrieved. Permanent data deletion requires several steps. Computers. Use a disk cleaning software designed to permanently remove the data stored on a computer hard drive to prevent the possibility of recovery. Secure erase. This is a set of commands in the firmware of most computer hard drives. If you select a program that runs the secure erase command set, it will erase the data by overwriting all areas of the hard drive. Disk wiping. This is a utility that erases sensitive information on hard drives and securely wipes flash drives and secure digital cards. Smartphones and tablets. Ensure that all data is removed from your device by performing a “hard reset.” This will return the device to its original factory settings. Each device has a different hard reset procedure, but most smartphones and tablets can be reset through their settings. In addition, physically remove the memory card and the subscriber identity module card, if your device has one. Digital cameras, media players, and gaming consoles. Perform a standard factory reset (i.e., a hard reset) and physically remove the hard drive or memory card. Office equipment (e.g., copiers, printers, fax machines, multifunction devices). Remove any memory cards from the equipment. Perform a full manufacture reset to restore the equipment to its factory default. Overwriting. Another method of sanitization is to delete sensitive information and write new binary data over it. Using random data instead of easily identifiable patterns makes it harder for attackers to discover the original information underneath. Since data stored on a computer is written in binary code—strings of 0s and 1s—one method of overwriting is to zerofill a hard disk and select programs that use all zeros in the last layer. Users should overwrite the entire hard disk and add multiple layers of new data (three to seven passes of
Business Beat new binary data) to prevent attackers from obtaining the original data. Cipher.exe is a built-in command-line tool in Microsoft Windows operating systems that can be used to encrypt or decrypt data on New Technology File System drives. This tool also securely deletes data by overwriting it. Clearing is a level of media sanitation that does not allow information to be retrieved by data, disk, or file recovery utilities. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) notes that devices must be resistant to keystroke recovery attempts from standard input devices (e.g., a keyboard or mouse) and from data scavenging tools. Destroying. Physical destruction of a device is the ultimate way to prevent others from retrieving your information. Specialized services are available that will disintegrate, burn, melt, or pulverize your computer drive and other devices. These sanitization methods are designed to completely destroy the media and are typically carried out at an outsourced metal destruction or licensed incineration facility. If you choose not to use a service, you can destroy your hard drive by driving nails or drilling holes into the device yourself. The remaining physical pieces of the drive must be small enough (at least 1/125 inches) that your information cannot be reconstructed from them. There are also hardware devices available that erase CDs and DVDs by destroying their surface. Magnetic media degaussers. Degaussers expose devices to strong magnetic fields that remove the data that is magnetically stored on traditional magnetic media. Solid-state destruction. The destruction of all data storage chip memory by crushing, shredding, or disintegration is called solid-state destruction. Solid-State Drives should be destroyed with devices that are specifically engineered for this purpose. CD and DVD destruction. Many office and home paper shredders can shred CDs and DVDs (be sure to check that the shredder you are using can shred CDs and DVDs before attempting this method). For more information, see the NIST Special Publication 800-88 Guidelines for Media Sanitization.
How can you safely dispose of out-of-date electronic devices?
Electronic waste (sometimes called e-waste) is a term used to describe electronics that are nearing the end of their useful life and are discarded, donated, or recycled. Although donating and recycling electronic devices conserves natural resources, you may still choose to dispose of e-waste by contacting your local landfill and requesting a designated e-waste drop off location. Be aware that although there are many options for disposal, it is your responsibility to ensure that the location
chosen is reputable and certified. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Electronics Donation and Recycling webpage for additional information on donating and recycling electronics. For information on recycling regulations and facilities in your state, visit the EPA Regulations, Initiatives, and Research on Electronics Stewardship webpage. This information was provided by The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). This article, plus other tips, can be found at us-cert.gov/ncas/tips.
GO
FURTHER
March 2020 •
Texas Propane
25
Inside the Industry
People in Propane Rodolfo “Rudy” De La Garza, 65, passed away November 23, 2019 in Weslaco, Texas. Rudy had a dedicated devotion to God, loved life and would say his greatest legacy were his children and grandchildren. He retired from the Alternative Fuels Research & Education Division (AFRED) of the Railroad Commission of Texas in 2014, where he worked for 20 years as a marketing field representative for South Texas, as well as other roles within AFRED. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Rita Monette Mead passed away on December 17, 2019. In addition to working at their hearing aid service center and their propane company, Monette volunteered in many ways but mostly at her children’s schools, at the churches she attended, with the Marble Falls Soroptimists and with the Spicewood Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Retired Master Sgt. Clifford Dale Watson, 82, of Killeen, passed away on January 17, 2020. Mr. Watson was a devoted husband and father – whenever the Cowboys would play, the whole family would be watching and cheering them on. He taught his daughter to fish as well as archery; he would play games like Operation and was known to take over her Spirograph on occasion. He retired from the Army in 1987. He worked at Killeen Propane from 1987 to 2003 when the business sold. He was offered a job at Smith and Smith Propane and served as Hardware Propane Manager until his death. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time. Glenn Steele Connor, 96, of Bryan, passed away on January 22, 2020. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was the owner and operator of Connor Shell Station located at 26th and Texas Ave in Bryan until he retired in 1978. He then began a second career with Cal-Gas and AmeriGas Propane companies. After retiring from his second career, he assisted his son with his business and worked well into his eighties and retired when his health declined. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time. James A. “Jimmy” Urbanosky, 87, of Caldwell, TX, passed away on January 28, 2020. He was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus member and played many roles in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, but most important was the bell ringer before mass. Jimmy retired after 33 years at Alcoa in 1984. After retirement he spent time refurbishing antique tractors, gardening, going to polka dances, farming maize and corn, and still running his propane business. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Knights of Columbus Scholarship Fund.
PERC Expands Propane Farm Incentive Program
The Propane Education & Research Council has announced the addition of an agronomic heat treatment systems equipment category for its 2020 Propane Farm Incentive Program, which offers up to $5,000 off of qualifying propane-powered equipment. This year’s list of equipment includes irrigation engines, generators, water heating systems, building heating systems, flame weed control systems, and agronomic heat treatment systems.
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Sponsored by PERC, the Propane Farm Incentive Program is a nationwide research and demonstration initiative that offers farmers financial incentives toward
Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com
the purchase of new propane-powered farm equipment, in exchange for sharing feedback and real-world performance data. The program helps offset the cost of new agricultural equipment so that farmers can experience the many benefits of propane technology with upfront savings. “This year’s program is similar to those of the past, but we’re excited to introduce a new category of qualifying equipment with agronomic heat treatment systems— which use heat to reduce pesticide use, improving crop quality and offering a new organic, sustainable solution for farmers,” said Mike Newland, Director of Ag Business Development at PERC. “We hope these incentives will help more producers take advantage of the many benefits of new propane-powered equipment, and we appreciate the valuable feedback they provide to help us continue to make improvements. We have a limited amount of funds available for this program, so we encourage producers to apply as soon as possible to take advantage of these savings.” For more information about the incentive program, a list of qualifying equipment, and the online application, visit http://www.propane.com/About/ Incentive-Programs/Propane-Farm-Incentive-Program/. US Department of Ag Grant for Propane Powered Irrigation Engines Deadline is Approaching
In addition to the Propane Farm Incentive from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a grant for ag producers and rural small businesses to receive 25 percent off the cost of purchasing a propane-powered irrigation engine when replacing a diesel engine. The program is called: Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants. The category to apply for this diesel to propane irrigation
Inside the Industry engine grant is “Replacement of energyinefficient equipment.” Deadline to submit an application is March 31, 2020. Learn more at https://www.rd.usda. gov/tx For more information about the Propane Education & Research Council and engines available for agricultural and industrial use, visit http://www.propane. com/Agriculture.
Propane in Ag FFA Lesson Plans
The Propane Education & Research Council recognizes that the future of farming lies in the hands of the next generation of farmers, our Future Farmers of America (FFA). To support the organization, connect firsthand with students, and share information about propane and its role in the ag industry now and moving forward, previously PERC sponsored a booth at the FFA convention and has created lesson plans for advisors and educators, which offer valuable information about the propane and agriculture industries for junior high and high school students. These FFA lesson plans are available to download for free. “We hope these lesson plans are a valuable resource for advisors to use when educating students, offering up-to-date information on new propane-powered equipment, and much more,” said Newland. “We look forward to working more with the next-generation farmers to ensure we’re supporting them in their future careers.” Download and forward these propane lesson plans to your FFA at https://propane.com/for-my-business/agriculture/ ffa-ag-lesson-plans. Lessons include: • Lesson 1. Introduction to Energy and Fuels in Agriculture - Give students s a broad overview of the energy and fuel sources that drive modern agriculture. • Lesson 2. Today’s Propane IndustryTeach students about career options in
fuel and energy markets, and recent developments in the propane industry. • Lesson 3. Sources and Processing of Propane - Give students a closer look into the extraction process for propane, and the steps that turn it into a clean, efficient fuel. • Lesson 4. The Science & Nature of Gases - Take a deeper dive into chemical properties, scientific laws, states of matter, combustion, and more. • Lesson 5. Measurements and Calculations with Propane - Give students insights into the way various fuels are measured and priced. • Lesson 6. Safety Considerations with Propane - Teach students about combustion, odorants and the practices that prevent accidents and injuries. • Lesson 7. Personal Safety with Propane Give students concrete tips for avoiding leaks and using propane in the safest way possible. • Lesson 8. Handling Propane Fuel Teach students about propane filling, cylinders, delivery, and more. • Lesson 9. Storing Propane Fuel - Give students a closer look at the considerations of pressurized-gas storage.
Lesson 10. Propane Use in the Home and Agribusiness - Show students the broad range of applications for propane at work and at home. • Lesson 11. Power Technology Applications of Propane Fuel - Teach students how propane fuels ag operations in a number of ways. • Lesson 12. Heat Applications of Propane in Agriculture - Take a closer look at the value of propane as a heat source in numerous ag applications. • Lesson 13. Pest Management and Sanitation Uses of Propane in Agriculture Take a deeper dive into the ways propane is used to manage pests and sanitize ag operations. Subscribe to the The Ag Post from PERC
Great things are happening where propane and agriculture intersect. Get the latest news about propane in farm marketplace delivered directly to your inbox by subscribing to The Ag Post eNewsletter. Sign up for the digital newsletter at https://propane.com/for-my-business/ agriculture/subscribe-to-the-ag-post/
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March 2020 •
Texas Propane
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Classifieds
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1970 Arrow Tank – 2,600 Gallon with Blackmer Pump, LC Meter, Hannay Hose Reel w/125’ of 1” Hose. $5,000 Contact Chad 254-582-5359 Admin@dixielpgas.com
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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com
Calendar MARCH
12-14 Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Expo New Orleans, LA
19-22 GPA Midstream Convention New Orleans, LA
APRIL
MAY
6-8 NPGA Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo Nashville, TN
19-20 TPGA Board & Related Committee Meetings Waco, TX
3-6 The Work Truck Show 2020 Including the Green Truck Summit Indianapolis, IN
9 PERC Council Meeting Nashville, TN
25 TPGA office closed for Labor Day
8-10 NPGA Spring TS&S Comm. Meeting San Antonio, TX
10 TPGA office closed for Good Friday
12-13 NPGA Spring Benchmarking Council Meeting Irving, TX
13 PERC webinar: Marketing to Recruit New Hires
1 HVAC/Plumbing Training Contest Deadline 2 PERC Webinar Email Marketing www.candotraining.com 3-4 TPGA Board & Committee Meetings Lakeway, TX
6-8 Manufactured Housing Institute 2020 Congress & Expo Las Vegas, NV
11-14 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo Long Beach, CA
JUNE
14-17 NPGA Presidential Forum, Annual Meeting & Propane Days Washington, D.C. 15-18 NFPA Conference & Expo Orlando, FL
Index to Advertisers
Click LIKE on the Texas Propane Gas Association Page Follow Us with TPGA’s twitter @txpropane1
BLT Tanks 5 Cunningham Gas Products 23 Enterprise Products 31 Ferrellgas 17 Fisk Tank Carrier Inc. Outside Back Cover Gas Equipment Company 21 Genconnex Direct 31 Lone Star Energy Group 23 Longhorn Propane 28 Lumbermen’s Insurance Agency 12 Marshall Young Insurance 19 Meeder Equipment Co. 15 Metsa Tanks Inc. 20 MK Gas 13 Pinnacle Propane Inside Front Cover Propane Service Corporation 27 Quality Steel Corporation 17 Rural Computer Consultants 19 Westmor Industries 25 White River Distributors 16
March 2020 •
Texas Propane
29
Propane With Purpose
Propane: Keeping Austin (City Limits) Fed By Amber Thurlo Pearson
In Central Texas, after two months of relative quiet, March brings spring wildflowers and festival “season”. South by Southwest (which has now morphed into multiple “festivals”) is just the start of non-stop outdoor events that are often keen to use propane for outdoor cooking and heating devices. The ACL (Austin City Limits) Music Festival, which started in 2002, feeds the souls of many Texans and people visiting from around the world, through music. Additionally, propane has a star role in feeding attendees’ bellies, in addition to artists in attendance. Amerigas supplied the 4,800 gallons of propane that ACL used in 2019. This powered the kitchens for not only the array of local restaurants providing onsite dining options in the “Austin Eats” area, but also the backstage kitchens used to feed artists and crews. Attendance is roughly 450,000 annually. Artists at the 2019 Austin City Limits included Guns N’ Roses, The Cure, Lizzo and Kasey Musgraves, and over a hundred others. “Propane was used in every aspect of the event that supplied food,” said Justine Staub, Director, Workforce Development. “We supplied propane to the main food court, mini food court, both VIP lounges, two general admission areas, the VIP tent for C3 Productions (event coordinators) and the catering tent for all crew and staff of the event,” she said. Although ACL has used propane in the past, Amerigas has supplied the fuel to help, in part, the air quality at ACL for the first time this year. Beyond greening efforts of ACL, such as recycling and refilling water bottles, the fest offsets 950 metric tons of carbon dioxide created by production emissions that have been calculated. The use of propane in cooking application has safety benefits as well. “Safety is a core value at AmeriGas,” Staub said. “AmeriGas personnel
30
Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com
worked with the Austin Fire Department to collaborate on a safety plan for the event. In the past, the vendors would be required to transport their empty cylinders to a centralized depot to exchange them for full ones. To minimize handling of cylinders during the event, AmeriGas provided a larger 420# cylinder at each vendor so they could run off of one propane tank throughout. We filled the tanks between 5 a.m.-7 a.m. to limit exposure during the event. We also provided onsite technicians throughout Zilker Park to address any immediate questions or concerns during the event. We were able to set tanks, fill them and do any connections or maintenance before and after the event, which had a positive impact on the overall success and safety of the event,” she said. Further, cooking with propane is being touted throughout the world as a safer alternative to cooking on open fires, which is often done in many developing countries. Not only is the burn and fire risk stronger, the particulate matter in cooking in an enclosed space is a known carcinogenic. Liquid propane gas can also remove sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides from the air. According to the World LPG Association’s Cooking for Life program, 4.3 million people die a year from indoor pollution attributed to solid fuels (such as wood) and kerosene. These cooking situations can cause respiratory illness that can lead to premature deaths. More than 1 million people a year die from Obstructive Respiratory Disease in settings such as cooking inside on more primitive stoves. Further, 70 percent of burns throughout the world are sustained cooking on open fires. The World Health Organization echoes this, saying that indoor or household air pollution is the tenth leading cause of preventable death, and that it is the second most important cause of preventable disease behind waterborne contaminants. You can experience delicious food and fun, while breathing easier, at this year’s ACL, which will run the two weekends of Oct. 2-4 and Oct. 9-11, 2020.
CALLIE STEWART Marketing Representative o / 713.381.4586 m / 832.264.4775 CBStewart@eprod.com
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