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Energy legislation hot topic at sixth Propane Days
June 11, 2010
Members of the Michigan Propane Gas Association at Propane Days.
The prospects of new climate and energy legislation loom over the nation, and the propane industry continued its fight front and center on June 8-9 during the sixth annual Propane Days in Washington, D.C.
Politicians and political insiders opined on a subject that’s gaining steam in the nation’s capital. In addition, about 360 propane industry participants spent two days in meetings with their respective state representatives and senators, working to position propane favorably in any future legislation.
“A lot of things are happening in the energy arena,” said Trent Lott, a former Republican congressman from Mississippi, during the National Propane Gas Association board meeting held prior to Propane Days. “You’ll need to be vigilant. Find your allies, identify your problems and be prepared to deal with both sides of the issue.”
Lott doesn’t foresee energy legislation taking hold this year but forecasts a six-month window next year for Congress to act. The country needs energy legislation that will do more good than harm, provide more incentives than punishments and consider all aspects of the energy field, he added.
“Your organization is making progress,” said Lott, still acknowledging that many politicians don’t know how propane is used. “You need to get that one phrase or a couple of words in one of these bills to make sure propane is used more or in better ways than it has been in the past.”
Charles Cook Jr., publisher of The Cook Political Report and political analyst for the National Journal Group, was the keynote speaker at Propane Days.
Cook senses upcoming changes in the Democrat-controlled Congress as impatient and less-tolerant voters make a “hostile reaction” in mid-term elections. Cook forecasts a move toward Republican majority in the House of Representatives and estimates Republicans gaining four to six seats in the Senate election (they need 10 for a majority).
Cook also took humorous jabs at Sarah Palin and questioned whether the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico would become President Obama’s Hurricane Katrina – similar to criticism that President George W. Bush and the federal government received for their handling in that recovery effort.
“My personal hope is that the president learns something from his first two years in office,” Cook said. “He is one of the smartest presidents we’ve ever had, but he’s also one of the least experienced we’ve had. You experience a lack of judgment with inexperience.”
As a guest speaker, former Sen. John Breaux, a Democrat from Louisiana, urged Propane Days participants to educate Congress on the “disconnect between propane, natural gas and other fuels. They don’t understand the structure. Most say, ‘I didn’t know that. I’m glad you brought that up. I thought that was being done.’”
In other news from Washington, D.C.:
• NPGA elected its 2010-11 officers during the board meeting. They are Chairman Roland Penta, Chairman-Elect Carl Hughes, Vice Chairman Ray Murray and Treasurer Gary France.
• Autogas for America announced its official launch with a plan to drive immediate change in the fuel choice of America’s public and private vehicle fleets – transitioning from gasoline to Autogas (propane). For more information, visit www.autogasforamerica.org.