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$150,000 for a Propane Truck? Exploring DERA Funding

High diesel costs have fleet owners looking for relief—and propane deserves a closer look. Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt discuss the red-dyed diesel debate, the cost of keeping diesel fleets on the road, and opportunities to replace older vehicles with propane autogas.

This episode explores EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding and PERC’s Propane Autogas Research Program, including incentives for eligible vehicles and refueling infrastructure. Learn why school districts, delivery companies, and service fleets should evaluate propane—and how to connect with resources to get started.

Plus, Tom shares highlights from the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the hosts discuss California’s low-carbon fuel standard, and they preview the propane-powered F-250 and Juice Box mobile generator headed to Denver’s Drive Clean Summit & Expo.

Presented by METSA. Visit thestateofenergy.com for more information.

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Could your fleet save money by switching to propane? Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt break down the propane autogas incentive discussed in this episode: up to $7,500 per vehicle for as many as five qualifying private fleet vehicles, plus up to $10,000 for refueling site preparation.

They also discuss a reported 5,000-gallon diesel spill at a New Jersey data center and what it reveals about backup power choices. Then it’s on to possible El Niño weather, winter propane prep, National Propane Day, and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Find more at http://thestateofenergy.com/

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When diesel gets expensive, everyone pays—even if you’ve never filled a diesel tank.

On this episode of The State of Energy, Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt discuss how fuel costs ripple through trucking, farming, and the grocery aisle. They also explore Europe’s natural gas challenges and what growing demand for American energy exports could mean for U.S. utility bills.

Could propane help protect your bottom line? Tom and Rand cover fleet-conversion incentives, on-site refueling, agricultural applications, and home energy options. Plus, Tom shares his experience driving a propane-powered Ford F-250.

Presented by METSA Tanks.

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Could Denver’s building electrification rules mean the end of flame-broiled burgers and 1,800-degree steaks in new restaurants? Tom and Rand examine Denver’s restrictions on gas appliances, the growing strain on the electric grid, and what happens when communities put all their energy eggs in one basket. Plus, they discuss Utah’s recent power outage, propane backup power, and $610 million available for cleaner public transit.

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A major federal funding opportunity could put more propane-powered buses on America’s roads. Tom and Rand discuss who qualifies, why propane can outperform costly battery-electric options, and how communities can stretch their transportation dollars further. Plus, propane-powered data centers, winter supply planning, crop drying and National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.

https://www.transit.dot.gov/notices-funding/fy-2026-notice-funding-opportunity-grants-buses-and-bus-facilities-infrastructure#Eligibility

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California’s aggressive EV mandates are facing new legal challenges, electricity rates are climbing, and America’s aging grid is being asked to power more than ever—from electric vehicles and heat pumps to massive new AI data centers.

Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt break down why the push to electrify everything may be running into economic and infrastructure reality. They look at California’s EV mandate, the growing demand for electricity, nuclear power development, grid reliability, and the rising importance of on-site power generation.

Plus, Tom explains why propane continues to make sense for fleets, school buses, homes, businesses, and power generation—offering reliable American energy, greater energy security, and potentially significant fuel savings.

Is America’s energy future really all-electric, or will practical solutions like propane play a much bigger role?

The State of Energy takes on the debate.

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As wildfires spread across the West and power outages become longer and more frequent, how prepared are you when the lights go out?

In this episode of The State of Energy, Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt discuss the growing challenges facing America's electric grid, the Department of Energy's warnings about future reliability, and why backup power is becoming an essential part of home and business preparedness. They also cover wildfire safety around propane systems, practical tips for protecting your property, and how propane-powered generators provide dependable, long-lasting energy when the grid can't.

Whether you live in the city, own a mountain cabin, or simply want peace of mind during the next outage, this episode explains why energy resilience matters—and why propane continues to be one of the most reliable backup energy solutions available.

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The State of Energy, Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt sit down with Brian Richeson, editor-in-chief of LP Gas Magazine, and Chris Markham, managing editor, for a fun and insightful conversation about the publication that has been covering the propane industry since 1941. The episode covers the history of LP Gas Magazine, the value of print in a digital world, the next generation entering the propane industry, Propane Days in Washington, D.C., the LP Gas Hall of Fame, power generation, AI, and where the industry may be headed next.

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On this episode of The State of Energy, Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt recap Propane Days in Washington, D.C., where propane professionals met with congressional offices to talk about energy choice, LIHEAP, and propane’s role in America’s energy future. They also dive into propane power generation, the new JuiceBox generator, Nexio’s purpose-built propane delivery truck, propane’s unexpected role in space, and finish with timely grilling safety tips for summer.

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On this episode of The State of Energy, Rand and Tom dive into the wild energy headlines—from Skinwalker Ranch and Utah’s proposed data center boom to rising gasoline and diesel prices. Tom shares his costly Memorial Day fuel adventure, including a diesel truck, a gas-hungry boat, and a near-sinking brand-new boat at Bear Lake.

The conversation turns to why propane remains one of America’s most stable, affordable, and domestically produced fuels, especially during global oil uncertainty. Tom also breaks down the opportunity for propane in fleet vehicles, temporary construction heat and power, and the new Juice Box mobile propane generator now available for demonstrations through RMPA, CPGA, and NMPGA.

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This week on The State of Energy, Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt take on the fast-growing world of AI, data centers, and the energy demand that comes with them. From Utah’s proposed massive data center projects to the global movement of LPG through the Strait of Hormuz, the conversation shows how connected energy, technology, and propane really are.

Special guests Kevin Jaffe and Matt Tredinnick from Mopeka join the show to talk about why data matters in the propane industry, how tank monitoring is evolving, and why products like Sentinel and GaugeLink are helping marketers improve safety, efficiency, and customer service. It’s a conversation about propane, power, technology, and the digital future of the industry.

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The State of Energy is live from Nashville for Best of Nashville: Part 2 at the NPGA Propane Expo!

In this episode, Tom and Rand continue their conversations from the show floor with industry leaders covering propane technology, agriculture, tanks, insurance, and field equipment.

First, Bert Warner, Director of Commercial Business Development at PERC, joins the show to talk about combined heat and power, cooling applications, and how propane can help businesses improve energy reliability and efficiency.

At 19:34, Michael Newland, Director of Agriculture Business Development at PERC, discusses propane’s role on the farm, including ag applications, propane use incentives, and a new propane-powered tractor that could help expand clean, reliable energy options for agriculture.

At 48:33, Daniel Quiroga, Sales Manager at METSA, and Hernan Elizondo, Account Manager at METSA, talk propane tanks, including new aboveground/underground hybrid tanks and innovations like the new underground tank dome.

At 59:30, Tom Mullaney with AEGIS General Insurance Agency Energy Insurance Solutions joins the conversation. As a commercial insurance risk control expert, Tom explains rising insurance costs, industry protections, and what propane companies should be thinking about when managing risk.

At 1:25:55, Dan Cramer with First West Insurance discusses insurance needs for propane businesses and how operators can better protect their companies, employees, and customers.

At 1:34:56, Steve Clayton and Tracy Wells from Gas Equipment Company highlight the new tank evacuation compressor. The GEM gas transfer and recovery compressor provides a cost-effective way to remove liquid and vapor from aboveground and underground tanks before tank exchange or valve replacement. With more than 150 units in operation worldwide, the GEM compressor is known for reliability, speed, and fast return on investment.

From CHP and farm fuel to tank innovation, insurance, and real-world service tools, this episode brings another round of conversations from Nashville focused on helping the propane industry work smarter, safer, and stronger.

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The State of Energy is live from Nashville at the NPGA Propane Expo!

In this episode, Tom and Rand sit down with industry leaders to talk safety, training, compliance, technology, and advocacy across the propane industry.

First, Kirstain McArdle, Senior Manager of Industry Engagement at PERC, and Elena Bennett, Senior Manager of Industry Training and Education at PERC, join the show to discuss the Everyday Safe program and other PERC resources designed to support propane marketers, employees, and safety culture across the industry.

At 23:45, Stephen Kaminski, President and CEO of the National Propane Gas Association, and Andrea Pavon, Director of ACE Services & External Relations at NPGA, break down the NPGA ACE program and how it helps companies navigate the red tape around Entry Level Driver Training, known as ELDT. NPGA’s Administrative Compliance Experts™ program gives propane businesses support in staying compliant and keeping drivers on the road.

At 35:56, Brian Humphreys, CEO of One-Tank, and George Kanuck, COO of Myriota, discuss the future of satellite-based tank-level monitoring and how new technology is helping propane companies improve deliveries, reduce runouts, and better serve customers in remote areas.

At 53:40, Michael Baker, Chief Legislative Officer for NPGA, joins the show to talk DC politics, federal advocacy, and the upcoming NPGA Propane Days event in Washington, D.C.

From Nashville to Washington, D.C., this episode covers the people, programs, and technology helping move the propane industry forward.

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This week on The State of Energy, Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt break down rising fuel costs, the U.S. Postal Service adding fuel surcharges, new relief efforts for farmers, and why propane keeps showing up as the affordable, reliable American-made answer. From fleet vehicles to farm equipment to backup generators, this episode is packed with real-world energy talk, industry humor, and practical solutions.

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This week on The State of Energy, Rand and Tom break down rising oil-market tensions, wild swings at the gas pump, and the growing cost of bad energy policy. From Iran-driven price volatility to Colorado’s water-heater mess, they explain why propane gives consumers more control, more reliability, and fewer surprises.

Propane incentives

Commercial Combined heat and power https://propane.com/alttech/

Farm Program https://propane.com/about/research-programs/propane-farm-research-program/

Home Builder https://propane.com/pcrp/

Sponsored by One-Tank

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Welcome to a special Hall of Fame edition of The State of Energy, hosted by Rand DeWitt and Tom Clark, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Propane Association in alliance with the Colorado Propane Gas Association.

This episode features a heavyweight guest in the energy world — author, journalist, and documentary producer Robert Bryce — for a wide-ranging conversation on the biggest issues shaping America’s energy future.

The discussion dives into Winter Storm Fern vs. Winter Storm Uri, why duration and fuel diversity matter during extreme weather, and how hydrocarbons like propane and natural gas continue to prove critical when the grid is under pressure. Tom and Rand also explore Department of Energy emergency orders, data center power demand, and whether behind-the-meter generation actually helped stabilize the grid during recent cold snaps.

Robert Bryce shares insights on:

• The real lessons from major winter storms and grid resilience
• Chris Wright and the current direction of U.S. energy policy
• The nuclear comeback and the rise of mini-reactors
• Why Big Tech and data centers may consume the next wave of new power generation
• Energy poverty, global electrification, and supply chain constraints
• Court battles over electrification mandates and fuel choice

The conversation also brings it back home to energy consumers — highlighting how propane for heating, water heating, cooking, and backup power can reduce grid demand, improve resilience, and strengthen energy security for rural and urban communities alike.

With signature humor, policy insight, and a few off-the-grid moments (including UFO energy theories and baseball rule reform), this episode blends serious energy analysis with the classic State of Energy banter listeners expect.

Presented by Metsa Tanks and fueled by real-world energy conversations that matter — from the Rockies to the national stage.

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This week on The State of Energy, Ran DeWitt and Tom Clark go beyond the Super Bowl headlines to talk gas prices, power grids, wildlife impacts of renewables, and why propane remains one of the most reliable energy sources in America. Add a little humor, a lot of facts, and zero political spin—this is energy you can trust.

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This episode examines the energy impacts of Winter Storm Fern, including widespread power outages, natural gas supply disruptions, emergency electricity orders, and rising utility costs. Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt explain how propane provides reliable, affordable energy for homes and businesses during extreme weather—and why energy storage and diversification matter more than ever.

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As global conflicts escalate and electricity demand surges from AI and data centers, energy reliability has never mattered more. In this episode, Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt explore how international oil disruptions, nuclear power agreements, and state-level regulations impact everyday consumers.

They also break down a federal judge’s decision to block Colorado’s gas stove warning law—and why misinformation around indoor air quality misses the real issue. The conversation comes back to a simple truth: propane delivers stable, clean, domestic energy without the volatility of global markets.

If you care about energy independence, affordability, and facts over fear, this episode is for you.

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It’s the New Year’s episode of The State of Energy, and Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt are making bold predictions for 2026—from the Super Bowl and crypto to interest rates, electric school buses, AI threats, and where gas prices are really headed. They dig into EV reality checks, grid failures, driverless car chaos, and why propane keeps winning as the most reliable energy option for homes, fleets, and businesses. Informative, irreverent, and unapologetically real.