Propane represented at energy summit

Photo: Propane Education & Research Council

The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) and other propane industry stakeholders participated in the 2017 Energy Independence Summit, which highlighted the benefits of propane and other alternative fuels, hailed the clean transportation policy accomplishments of 2016 and examined the congressional outlook for 2017.

The annual event, held in Washington, D.C., aims to convene fuel industry leaders from across the United States to advocate for policies that will increase the use of propane and other alternative fuels.

Phil Squair, vice president of public and governmental affairs for NPGA, addressed more than 100 attendees on propane industry issues.

“There are great opportunities for propane and other alternative fuels in the new administration,” he says. “Specifically, lessening the regulatory burden and decreasing corporate taxes will help us grow alternative fuel use during the next decade.”

Squair also addressed propane as a vehicle fuel to promote energy security, support local business and sustain the environment.

“Every year, the United States exports 10 billion gallons of propane, which is enough to fuel 4 million fleet vehicles or 12 million homes,” he adds. “We should pursue public policies that encourage all this propane stays in the U.S. to heat our homes, fuel our vehicles and power the tools needed in modern farming and manufacturing.”

According to NPGA, propane employs about 80,000 people in primarily locally owned and independent businesses. In addition, about 600 school districts, private schools and bus contractors use propane-powered school buses, which adds up to more than 12,000 propane-fueled buses transporting about 700,000 students to school every day.

Opportunities for propane in the Volkswagen mitigation settlement were also identified during the summit. One of the best ways states can use these dollars is to replace older, diesel-powered school buses with new propane-powered versions, NPGA says.