The industry can thwart threats by banding together

In the early 17th century, German Lutheran theologian Rupertus Meldenius coined the phrase “In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”

As true today as it was then, the wisdom found in this phrase is a good reminder for groups and organizations with a common purpose. The propane industry in the United States would be well served to reflect on this when considering the role of our National Propane Gas Association (NPGA).

Many members of the propane industry, consumed by the challenges of running a business, often have little time to understand the association’s value. To skeptics, the benefits reported by the association are often obscure, irrelevant and abstract. NPGA’s value is not tangible to them. Is this a fair conclusion about its value? Consider the following:

The U.S. business climate is increasingly regulated due to the current political landscape. This makes NPGA’s work to protect our industry from increased regulation, onerous rules and mountains of bureaucracy more important than ever. Most government officials who craft these laws and regulations have little understanding of the propane business. The advocacy programs of NPGA help educate them on the consequences of their rules.

In addition, the propane industry is a very small player in the vast energy sector. Propane’s continued omission from legislation to give tax incentives for alternative fuels is the perfect example of this point.

Finally, the entire propane industry coalescing together is the best way to defend our businesses and customers from the onslaught of legislative threats and unfair regulations. Not even the largest MLP propane producers or marketers can defend themselves in the legislative battles on Capitol Hill. We need the association to work on our behalf. Read more here.