May 2015 DEGREE DAYS - Virginiapropaneva.com/uploadedFiles/State/Virginia/Members/... · ·...

DEGREE DAYSNewsletter of the

May 2015

PERC Re-Launches Popular Grilling For Heroes

Campaign

VAPGA DEGREE DAYS - May 2015

VAPGA Community Service Day with Habitat for Humanity Held April 18 in CharlottesvilleOn April 18, eight VAPGA members teamed up to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity in Charlottesville.

“It felt so great to roll up our sleeves and not only help to build a future home for a family but also to work alongside each other,” reflected Nicole Sullivan of Anderson Propane, who chairs the VAPGA Membership Committee. “We put in a hard day’s work but at the end of the day, I felt refreshed and more connected to the other VAPGA members who participated.” VAPGA President Mark Anderson (Anderson Propane) added, “It was a great experience and I hope the VAPGA can continue with these types of outreach programs.”

Volunteers pictured below L-R are:

• Ryan Campbell, Foster Fuels• Baron Glassgow, VAPGA• Susan Anderson, Anderson Propane Service• Mark Anderson, Anderson Propane• Nicole Sullivan, Anderson Propane• Trent Johnson, Bergquist• Renee Johnson, Bergquist

Not pictured is Ray Wright, Foster Fuels.

The next VAPGA Community Service Day will be Saturday, October 17, 2015, in Roanoke in conjunction with the VAPGA Fall Meeting. Plan now to participate and watch for more information!

VAPGA GOLF SPONSORSHIP Virginia Propane Gas Association

16th Annual Young Gassers’ Golf Tournament

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE VAPGA SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Sunday, July 12, 2015 Heron Ridge Golf Club • Virginia Beach, Virginia

Sponsoring company_________________________________________________________________________

Company name to be placed on sign____________________________________________________________

Contact name______________________________________________________________________________

Phone_________________________________ Email______________________________________________

Deadline for sponsorship is Friday, June 26, 2015.

Payment Amount @ $125 per hole = Total: [] Check (payable to Virginia Propane Gas Association) [] Credit Card Credit Card Number: Exp Date: ________ Card Holder Name: Signature:

Mail to: VAPGA, 21430 Timberlake Road, Box 313, Lynchburg, VA 24502 Fax to: 866-695-8420

Email to: [email protected]

For any questions, please call Darlene Hawk-Meigs at 941-347-7596.

SPONSORSHIP INCLUDES: • Golf-themed sign at assigned golf hole

• Company recognition in VAPGA meeting literature

• Recognition during the VAPGA meeting

• Recognition in post-meeting VAPGA newsletter SPONSORSHIP FEE IS $125 PER HOLE


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VIRGINIA PROPANE GAS ASSOCIATION

PRESIDENTMark Anderson

Anderson Propane, Fredericksburg, VA

PRESIDENT-ELECTScott Turner

Sharp Energy, Georgetown, DE

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTBill Murphy

Valley Energy, Purcellville, VA

TREASURERCarlton Revere

Revere Gas, Inc., Hartfield,VA

SECRETARYElizabeth McCormick

Phillips Energy, Gloucester Point, VA

NPGA STATE DIRECTORPeter Ryan

PAPCO, Inc., West Point, VA

DIRECTOR TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEETim Spicer

Foster Fuels, Inc., Crozet, VA

DIRECTORS

Mark DennisRay Murray Inc., Rockville, VA

John George Foster Fuels, Brookneal, VA

Caroline Hensley AmeriGas/PTI, Wadsworth, OH

Dennis HochkammerHoltzman Propane, Mount Jackson, VA

Kevin LloydAugusta Petroleum Cooperative, Staunton, VA

Steve McCoyBlossman Gas, Harrisonburg, VA

Will RudichFerrellgas, Richmond, VA

Taft YeattsDavenport Energy, Chatham, VA

Supplier RepresentativeTrent Johnson

Bergquist, Inc., Fredericksburg, VA

STAFF

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORBaron Glassgow

Phone: 866-881-6309 Fax: 866-261-4910Email: [email protected]

ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTORDarlene Hawk-Meigs

Phone: 941-347-7596 Fax: 866-6958420Email: [email protected]

OUTREACH COORDINATORDennis Cruise

Phone: 434-841-1636 Fax: 888-235-3472Email: [email protected]

PERC Safety TalksOver 45 Topics for Propane Safety MeetingsBy Dennis Cruise, VAPGA Outreach Coordinator

Regular discussion of safety topics with your staff is integral to an effective safety training program. A large series of Safety Talks are available from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)'s Propane Marketing Resource Center (PropaneMaRC) free for download.

PERC's Propane Safety Talks series is designed to help marketers create an environment to discuss specific or timely safety topics with employees, identify potential problems, and highlight targeted concerns. These are intended to act as brief refreshers or training supplements. Each talk (safety meeting) can be presented in 10-15 minutes or less.

Below is a snapshot of what is included in each series. Visit www.PropaneMaRC.com for a complete listing of what is included in each series.

Customer Care & Service• Providing Quality Customer Service• Odor Complaints, Gas Leaks and Service Interruptions• Handling Out-of-Gas Situations

Using Personal Protective Equipment• Personal Risk Assessment• Using Good Body Mechanics• Reducing Slips, Trips and Falls• Safety Precautions When Performing Maintenance Activities

Vehicle Inspection & Safety• Performing Pre- and Post-Trip Vehicle Inspections• Safe Driving Practices• Selecting Safe Delivery Routes and Protecting Property• Handling Vehicle Accidents and Emergencies• Entering and Exiting the Truck• Vehicle Parking and Security

Filling & Delivery of Containers• Properties of Static Electricity• Static Discharge Prevention Tips• Handling Cylinders• Inspecting Cylinders• Requalifying DOT Cylinders by Visual Inspection• Using Cylinder Dollies and Lift Gates• Delivering Cylinders to Residential Consumers• Delivering Cylinders to Commercial Consumers• Safety Precautions When Filling Containers

Bulk Propane Delivery & Transfer• Bulk Propane Delivery• Handling Vehicle Accidents and Emergencies• Hazards and Precautions for Propane Transfers


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The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is celebrating National Military Appreciation Month by re-launching its Grilling for Heroes campaign to increase awareness of safe grilling practices and raise charitable donations for military members and their families.

Partnering with Food Network personality Sunny Anderson, PERC crowdsourced recipes from grilling enthusiasts across America and compiled them into the Grilling for Heros Cookbook that includes 50 original grilling recipes and is currently available to download at GrillingForHeroes.com in exchange for a goodwill donation. One hundred percent of all proceeds from the campaign will go to Hope For The Warriors, a nonprofit whose programs enhance the quality of life for post-9/11 wounded service members and their families.

At facebook.com/PropaneCouncil, propane industry members are invited to share photos and stories of up to 300 words about themselves, family members, friends, and colleagues who have served in the military or are currently supporting the U.S. Armed Forces. The stories will be featured in PERC's Grilling for Heroes campaign, and will create a public record of the industry's dedication the military.

"Grilling for Heroes has always been about celebrating our American pasttimes and honoring those who have served," said Roy Willis, PERC president and CEO. "The propane industry has a long history of serving in the military and supporting our armed forces here and abroad. We're honored to be able to collect and share our industry's stories and celebrate them through this new facet of the campaign."

To get involved in the campaign visit http://www.propanemarc.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=2117 for Grilling for Heroes materials or visit http://www.propane.com/residential/grilling-for-heroes/ to donate and download the cookbook.

2016 F-150 Offers Class-Exclusive Propane Capability Responding to customer requests, 2016 Ford F-150 with the 5.0-liter V8 engine will offer a gaseous-fuel prep option, making it the only light-duty pickup capable of running on propane.

Ford has sold more than 57,000 vehicles prepped to run on clean, low-cost compressed natural gas and propane – seven times more than all other major U.S. automakers combined – since 2009.

Ford has the broadest portfolio of natural gas and propane offerings, including 2016 F-150 and Super Duty trucks, and Transit and Transit Connect vans and wagons

Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifiers offer a wide variety of

options to help customers find the best, most cost-effective solution to their diverse operating needs.

Ford, America's truck leader, will offer the 2016 F-150 with an available gaseous-fuel prep package that enables 5.0-liter V8-powered models to run on clean, low-cost compressed natural gas or propane, making Ford the only manufacturer of a CNG/propane-capable half-ton pickup.

The 2016 Ford F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever – with 5.0-liter V8 engine will be available to order this summer with a factory-installed, gaseous-fuel prep package that includes upgraded intake and exhaust valves and valve seats to ensure the engine performs to Built Ford Tough standards customers expect.

"We surveyed customers likely to use natural gas or propane, and 72 percent told us they want to have these alternative-fuel capabilities available on F-150 with the 5.0-liter V8 engine," said Jon Coleman, Ford fleet sustainability and technology manager. "We expect the gaseous-fuel prep package will be even more popular than it was on the 2014 F-150 with the 3.7-liter V6 engine, given the capability of the 2016 F-150 5.0-liter V8."

2016 F-150 trucks running on propane will be able to tow the same amount as if they were running on gasoline. Payload capability is the same as well – minus the weight of the installed propane system. Thanks to the use of advanced light-weighting materials, the 2016 F-150 with an installed propane system can haul hundreds of pounds more than a similarly equipped 2014 F-150.

Converting to Propane

Propane engine prep from the factory costs $315 before the customer chooses a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier to supply fuel tanks, fuel lines and unique fuel injectors. Upfits run approximately $7,500 to $9,500 depending on fuel tank capacity.

Growing Demand for Ford Propane-prepped vehicles

Ford has sold more than 57,000 CNG/propane-prepped vehicles – seven times more than all other major U.S. automakers combined – since 2009. Sales have grown each of the last five years, reflecting Ford's commitment to sustainability and offering customers true power of choice in alternative fuels.

Ford sold a record 16,821 commercial vehicles with CNG/propane gaseous engine-prep packages in 2014, and 2015 is shaping up to be an even stronger year.


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VAPGA Rebate Programs

The VAPGA offers a number of rebate programs, including:

Commercial Mower Data CollectionThis project provides a $1,000 incentive for data collected on a new propane-powered commercial mower of at least 25 horsepower, as well as a data collection incentive of $1,000 for a conventional fuel mower converted to run on propane using an EPA-approved conversion kit.

Propane On-Road Vehicle Purchase/PlacementThis project provides $1,000 incentive payments to qualified purchasers who agree to collect and report data on new technology purchase/placement for on-road vehicles.

Safe Appliance Installation RebatesThis rebate program has been expanded to include all vented and direct vent propane heating appliances, including B-vent propane heaters.

These rebate programs require pre-authorization of individual rebates.

Contact the Association office for complete information and rebate documents. Email: [email protected]: 866-881-6309.

Calendar of Events• June 8-10, 2015: Propane Days, Washington, DC

• July 12-14, 2015: VAPGA Summer meeting, Hilton Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach

• October 18-20, 2015: VAPGA Fall meeting, Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke

• April 8 -10, 2016: NPGA Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo, Nashville

• April 17-19, 2016: VAPGA Spring meeting, Kingsmill Resort, Williamsburg, VA

• July 17-19, 2016: VAPGA Summer meeting, Hilton Virginia Beach

• October 15-17, 2016: VAPGA Fall meeting, The Omni Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, VA

Complete information for each event will be posted to www.propaneva.com

"The growth in interest for CNG/propane-prepped vehicles shows a shift in fleet customers' mindsets," says Dick Cupka, Ford commercial vehicle sustainability leader. "They are becoming more forward-thinking about alternative fuels, taking into account their total cost of ownership and looking for ways to reduce their vehicle emissions."

The most popular vehicles for CNG/propane prep packages are F-Series Super Duty trucks, while prep kits for the 2014 F-150 exceeded expectations by more than 40 percent. Ford sold more than 2,000 units in less than a year – and announced today it expects to sell even more gaseous fuel prep packages on the 2016 F-150 with 5.0-liter V8 engine.

The new 2015 Ford Transit has sold an impressive 836 CNG/propane-prepped vans and wagons since it became available in the United States in June 2014. Transit is America's best-selling commercial van, based on total U.S. reported sales in the first quarter of 2015, contributing to Ford's best first-quarter overall commercial van sales performance since 1995.

Ford Transit Connect is the only compact van sold in the United States with a CNG/propane-prepped engine option. Sales of CNG/propane-prepped 2015 Transit Connect vans and wagons have hit 838, already surpassing the 762 vehicles sold in the 2014 model year.

Available CNG/propane engine prep from the factory costs approximately $315 before the customer chooses a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier to supply fuel tanks, fuel lines and unique fuel injectors. Upfits cost approximately $7,500 to $13,000 depending on fuel tank capacity.

Ford estimates as many as 70 percent of its vehicles purchased with CNG/propane packages are upfit before customers take delivery and another 20 percent are upfit within a year of purchase.

Ford F-150 Qualified Vehicle Modifiers

Ford has established a rigorous qualification program for alternative-fuel vehicle modifiers. IMPCO Automotive, based in Sterling Heights, Michigan, is committed to offering propane bi-fuel and dedicated kits for the 2016 F-150 – providing true power of choice to Ford commercial customers who have unique vehicle requirements in different vocations:

Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifiers offer a wide variety of CNG and propane options to help customers find the best, most cost-effective solution to their diverse operating needs. Ford maintains the engine and powertrain limited warranty (five years or 60,000 miles) for the vehicle. The modifier is responsible for the system component warranty and can provide additional details.


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Ford maintains the engine and powertrain limited warranty (five years or 60,000 miles) for the vehicle. The modifier is responsible for the system component warranty and can provide additional details.

Ford Commercial Vehicle Qualified Vehicle Modifiers

A total of six Qualified Vehicle Modifiers are able to convert the full range of Ford CNG/propane-prepped engines to run on natural gas or propane at 36 locations across the United States:

Altech-Eco, based in Asheville, North Carolina

IMPCO Automotive, based in Sterling Heights, Michigan

Landi Renzo USA, based in Torrance, California

ROUSH CleanTech, based in Livonia, Michigan

Venchurs Vehicle Systems, based in Adrian, Michigan

Westport, based in Dallas

News Source: Ford, US Energy Information Administration

Be the Industry's Voice on Capitol Hill Join us in Washington, DC, on June 8-10 for the 11th Annual Propane Days. Hundreds of propane industry members will come to Washington, DC to talk candidly with Members of Congress about important issues facing our industry, including: tax policy, autogas promotion, and the creation of a favorable business environment. While most Members of Congress know the propane industry, the 2014 election brought 58 new Representatives and 13 new Senators. We need to educate them about our industry, and hearing from us - their constituents - is the best way to reach them. This is a critical time for our industry, and we hope to see you at Propane Days! Learn more at: www.PropaneDays.comCru


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VAPGA Educates Codes Officials about Propane

On April 8, VAPGA Outreach Coordinator Dennis Cruise taught a Fuel Gas Code class in Front Royal, VA, for 85 building code officials at the annual meeting of the Virginia Pluming and Mechanical Inspectors Association.


U.S. Senate Begins Work on Energy Bill

On Thursday, April 30, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a legislative hearing on 22 energy efficiency bills. The purpose of this hearing was to review the legislation and how it would fit into a broader energy bill that Chairman Lisa Murkowski has made a priority in the 114th Congress. The energy efficiency component is the first of four elements that Sen. Murkowski has indicated make up her energy bill framework. The other components are infrastructure, supply, and accountability, which will each receive legislative hearings in turn. Several bills were discussed in which NPGA has taken a particular interest. S. 869, the All-of-the-Above Federal Building Energy Conservation Act of 2015, would remove the 2007 mandate that all federal buildings eliminate fossil fuel-generated energy by 2030. When originally imposed, this mandate sought to eliminate the dependence on foreign oil and increase the use of alternative power sources. However, the energy boom of the last decade has significantly shifted the energy landscape, and this mandate would have detrimental impacts on the propane and natural gas industries. This legislation was introduced by Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND), and NPGA remains committed to working with the committee to have it included in the final package. Also introduced by Sen. Hoeven and considered at the hearing was S. 1089, which would postpone the

Department of Energy's "furnace rule." This rule would place onerous requirements on new furnace installations, which could lead to the marketplace rejecting propane furnaces in favor of electric units. NPGA has been active in making its case to DOE about the shortcomings and impact of the furnace rule, and NPGA was pleased that the Senate discussed this legislation as part of the energy bill. NPGA will continue to engage the relevant committees in both the House and Senate as they craft a broad energy bill to ensure that the propane industry's interests are properly represented.

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VAPGA GOLF SPONSORSHIPVirginia Propane Gas Association

16th Annual Young Gassers’ Golf TournamentSunday, July 12, 2015

Heron Ridge Golf Club • Virginia Beach, VASPONSORSHIP INCLUDES:

• Golf-themed sign at assigned golf hole• Company recognition in VAPGA meeting literature

• Recognition during the VAPGA meeting• Recognition in post-meeting VAPGA newsletter

SPONSORSHIP FEE IS $125 PER HOLEContact Darlene Hawk at [email protected] for

more information.

2015-04 Revised: April 16, 2015

Enforcement of Medical Examiner’s Certificate Integration with the Commercial Driver’s License

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This Inspection Bulletin is provided to enforcement personnel who stop commercial driver license (CDL) and commercial learner permit (CLP) drivers for a Driver/Vehicle Examination (a.k.a. roadside inspection). This bulletin applies to CDL and/or CLP holders only. Background: On December 1, 2008, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published a final rule adopting regulations to implement section 215 of the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 (MCSIA). The MCSIA requirements, for the most part, had a compliance date of January 30, 2012, which has been extended several times. Those extensions will end on January 29, 2015. Beginning January 30, 2015, a driver required to have a CDL and who submitted a current medical examiner’s certificate to the State Driver’s License Agency (SDLA) in accordance with §383.71(h) documenting that he or she meets the physical qualification requirements of part 391, no longer needs to carry on his or her person the medical examiner’s certificate after 15 days following the issuance of the medical certificate. The CLP version of this exception is effective on July 8, 2015. Issues: Roadside – Currently, CVSA’s 2014 North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria (OOSC) refers to “valid medical certificate in possession” in Part I section 4b(3) and (4). The new Final Rule effective January 30, 2015 for CDL and CLP drivers will no longer require the physical possession of one’s medical certificate. Without enforcement guidance on this rule, drivers could be declared out-of-service (OOS) when: 1) a CDL/CLP driver operating a passenger-carrying vehicle is not in possession of a valid medical certificate, or 2) a CDL/CLP driver operating a property-carrying vehicle having a previous history of not being in possession of a valid medical certificate is not in possession of a valid medical certificate. Guidance: Roadside – On or after January 30, 2015, if at the time of a roadside inspection a check of the CDL driver’s information via CDLIS or NLETS indicates that the driver is medically qualified, this shall constitute “possession of a valid medical certificate” and compliance with §391.41(a)(1). This applies to the operation of all commercial motor vehicles (CDL and non-CDL alike) being driven by a CDL holder. On or after July 8, 2015, this will also apply to a CLP driver.

2015-04 Revised: April 16, 2015


2

While there are numerous combinations of the CDL medical requirement scenarios, personnel shall base their enforcement on the CDLIS or NLETS response(s). A basic guide for the proper identification and documentation of medical certificate violations is as follows: CDL Vehicle

1. CDL is valid, medical indicator shows medical information on file. No violation. 2. CDL is valid, medical indicator shows no medical information on file, no medical

certificate in driver’s possession. Cite §391.41(a)(1) 3. CDL is valid, medical indicator shows no medical information on file, current medical

certificate in driver’s possession. No violation, if this is within 60 days after the medical certificate has been issued (date of examination). 61 days or greater, violation, cite §383.71(h). (NOTE: This is not a violation of §391.41(a)(1) and would not result in an OOS)

4. CDL is not valid (e.g. cancelled, downgraded, disqualified, revoked, suspended,

etc.). Driver OOS, cite §383.23(a)(2).

Non-CDL Vehicle

1. The driver of the non-CDL vehicle must have either the medical certificate in their possession, or if they hold a CDL the medical information must be contained on their State driver’s license file or be in possession of their medical certificate.

NOTE: This medical qualification process is new for most of the States and personnel will be encountering drivers that state they have submitted the required documentation and complied. However, if the home State has cancelled, downgraded, disqualified, revoked, suspended, etc. their license the driver must deal with that State to correct the issue. The fact that they have a medical certificate in their hand does not change the status of their license.

2015-04 Revised: April 16, 2015


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May 2015 DEGREE DAYS - Virginiapropaneva.com/uploadedFiles/State/Virginia/Members/... · ·...

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