LP Gas, February 2018

EDITOR In chIEf BRIAN RICHESSON Economic impacts An updated report reveals propanes value at the state and national level Y our companies are under attack Local regulatory and environmental efforts are being made in parts of the United States particularly in the Pacific and Northeast regions to reduce greenhouse gas emission levels That means hydrocarbon fuels like natural gas and low carbon propane are being brushed aside in favor of electricity It also means a greater push for renewable energy sources like wind and solar Energy industry consultancy ICF warned of these new risks to residential and commercial propane markets in our December State of the Industry report Its also why some industry leaders are calling for the development of renewable propane When you hear phrases like War on fossil fuels and you see efforts taking place to oust an entire energy source such as the one on which youve built a livelihood I imagine you become a bit unsettled Maybe doubts begin to form and you wonder about the future of your business and the security of your family On the offensive The battle lines are being drawn on some pretty heavy issues and the time has come for the propane industry to fight back Why should anti fossil fuel interests make you feel as if the product you offer is inferior to other energy sources when in reality what you offer is clean portable and versatile You offer a needed service and solution to your customers in an industry thats prevailed for more than 100 years and youre not going anywhere You offer a needed service and solution to your customers in an industry thats prevailed for more than 100 years and youre not going anywhere According to the U S Energy Information Administration EIA total fossil fuel production in the United States this year will average almost 73 quadrillion British thermal units Btu the highest level of production on record see page 26 EIA expects total fossil fuel production to then set another record in 2019 with production forecast to rise to 75 quadrillion Btu Were talking hydrocarbon gas liquids like propane as well as dry natural gas crude oil and coal Thats not all The products and services you offer to your customers also add value to U S and state economies as the odorized propane industry employs tens of thousands of people and generates billions of dollars in wages And the industry has the data to prove it Propanes impact Last September the Propane Education Research Council PERC updated for the fourth time a report called Impact of the U S Consumer Propane Industry on U S and State Economies The document estimates the aggregate gross domestic product impacts due to propane industry activity as well as the contribution of the propane industry to employment and wages at the state and national level The report which ICF prepared for PERC analyzes data from 2015 and highlights key changes from the previous report in 2012 For example the odorized propane industrys direct economic impact in 2015 increased to 462 billion a near 6 billion increase from 2012 Whats more the report includes state by state summaries showing propane sales by market sector and the industrys contribution to the state economy as well as employment labor income and propane production data These state profiles are valuable for association leaders and propane marketers when talking to elected officials or other key decision makers about the industry says Bridget Kidd senior vice president of industry relations at PERC Marketers are working in an industry that positively impacts the economy of these states and it shouldnt be taken lightly Kidd says Its something to rally around and share with employees Especially in todays high stakes energy environment with outside interests jockeying for position and wanting to take away propanes market share its important to know that such a report exists Use it and other tools like it to your advantage Its available for free at propanecouncil org productcatalog search word economies Youve heard this before but if you dont promote your company your industry and the value of what you offer to your customers and community who will LPG brichesson@ northcoastmedia net 6 LPGas february 2018 www LPGasmagazine com