Meeting the Nations Energy and Environment needs through the Sale of Propane!
Learning about ‘Propane Days’ and National Propane and Gas Association (NPGA) - co-organizer of ‘Propane Days’
WLPGA Interview with Rick Roldan, CEO, NPGA
WLPGA: Describe the US propane landscape and its evolution.
Rick Roldan: The overall energy industry landscape has changed in the U.S. Rising prices of oil and gas have been dominating the energy sector and both consumers and the government are becoming increasingly aware of environmental issues like the effects of carbon emissions and climate change. Industry is more engaged today with all distinguished stakeholders and the exchange and interaction with the federal government is, therefore, much larger and even more important. Many new and different types of laws are being debated that could impact the propane industry and since 9/11, there has been much more intensity on regulations that focus on security rather than on workplace safety, transport safety, and the storage and handling of propane. Committees have come into being with aggressive plans for regulating chemicals and propane has been kept outside the reach of these regulations to date. This could have something to do with the fact that 400 people from the propane industry have been coming up on the Hill for the last four years! Every energy source is under pressure today and NPGA’s role is to help meet the nation’s energy and environment needs through the sale of propane.
WLPGA: What is the overall goal of Propane Days?
Rick Roldan: This is the perfect educational role for the propane industry. Overall it is our industry keeping itself up-to-date, presenting itself to policy makers and improving overall knowledge. It is the perfect opportunity for PERC to discuss its programs and for NPGA to present its national and global policies. Propane Days offers members of our industry a venue to learn firsthand the direction Congress wishes to direct national energy policy as well as how the micro and macro economic impacts it will have. In addition, members have the chance to address industry-specific issues, such as role of small businesses and federal chemical facility regulations. We increase the propane industry’s footprint when we bring 400 people to town; there is definitely strength in numbers. NPGA has a staff of 24 professionals, including an 8 member, full-time advocacy team. This is a small group of people to carry a message to 535 members of the House and Senate and their staffs.
WLPGA: Do you use ‘Propane Days’ to launch new ideas?
Rick Roldan: Absolutely! Right now our message is that the 50 cent-per gallon tax credit needs to be extended. Tax considerations need to be authorized for propane as these are set to expire soon. Congress needs to reauthorize the current vehicle tax credits, infrastructure tax credits, and fuel tax credits. The entire tax package needs to be reauthorized.
WLPGA: How available do you find the elected officials?
Rick Roldan: We are proud of our excellent and open relationship with officials.
At ‘Propane Days’ the top energy policy official in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Honorable Rick Boucher, accepted our invitation to speak at our event and the fact that he spoke to us as an industry shows mutual respect.
WLPGA: What do you focus on when meeting with officials?
Rick Roldan: There are many different issues coming to the fore this year.
- - Energy providers are feeling the impact of price augmentation and strict regulations. In terms of ‘Propane Days’, it is refreshing to have constituents tell officials their story.
- - There is a growing consensus in the U.S. on the fact that the climate is indeed warming and that human activity (automobiles and industry) are contributing to the effects of a warming climate. I believe that there is a majority in Congress that favors the enactment of a Cap & Trade program.
- - The most topical issue has been a carbon emissions program similar to the program in place in Europe.
WLPGA: Which key Congressional committees do you work with?
We work primarily with the energy, environment, and transport committees. In addition, we are predominantly involved with the committees handling taxation because of the beneficial incentives they extend to the propane industry. We communicate to our members on all these issues through our website, a weekly newsletter, regular meetings, and at NPGA’s national trade show. We also communicate through industry trade publications.
WLPGA: Do you work in an issue-based fashion?
Rick Roldan: In order to be successful at what we do, we need a far reaching radar screen. There is always pending legislation that could have an impact on the propane industry. Good monitoring skills and a wide network are essential. In 2005, we celebrated 75 years of NPGA and strategically mapped out the future of the organization. Some 300 people from the American propane industry actively contributed to putting this plan together. We are currently focused on enacting specific policies to enhance residential demand for propane.
The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) is the national trade association representing the U.S. propane industry. Its membership includes small businesses and large corporations engaged in the retail marketing of propane gas and appliances; producers and wholesalers of propane equipment; manufacturers and distributors of propane gas appliances and equipment; fabricators of propane gas cylinders and tanks; and propane transporters.
With a membership of more than 3,500 companies in all 50 states, 38 affiliated state or regional associations, and members in 28 foreign countries, NPGA represents every segment of the propane industry.
For more information, please contact Rick Roldan, CEO, NPGA by email on rroldan@npga.org or visit the website: www.npga.orgPlease click here to learn more about the American Political System: http://www.rogerdarlington.me.uk/Americanpoliticalsystem.html
