[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7615]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 WESTERN PROPANE GAS ASSOCIATION HONORED ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR 50TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 27, 1999

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Western Propane 
Gas Association on the auspicious occasion of their 50th anniversary.
  Western Propane Gas Association has spent the last fifty years 
breaking down the barriers and building bridges between its members in 
the West and legislators in California and Washington. From legislative 
advocacy to economical insurance, its efforts promote industry 
awareness and provide a great service to their members and to the 
legislators representing our shared constituency.
  Western Propane Gas Association maintains constant communication with 
state regulatory agencies through its interaction and lobbying. At the 
state level, WPGA is a pivotal voice at the California Assembly and 
Senate hearings, presenting the industry position on legislative 
topics. Through their Government Affairs Committee, WPGA informs its 
members of valuable federal regulatory alerts, safety bulletins and an 
industry specific bi-monthly newsletter. WPGA provides its members with 
professional and knowledgeable assistance on numerous issues that 
impact the propane industry.
  Recently WPGA accepted the responsibility of managing the propane 
industry's interests in the growing field of Clean Air Alternate Motor 
Fuels. They assembled a Clean Fuels Task Force to bring their members 
research, testimony, and technical information from regulatory boards 
and engine manufacturers. WPGA's leadership in alternative fuel 
regulations is crucial not only to the success of their members, but 
also to the safety and preservation of its environment.
  In addition to its legislative review and advocacy agenda, the 
Western Propane Gas Association also provides liaison advisory services 
to its members. For example, WPGA maintains contacts and facilitates 
interaction with statewide organizations such as the California Highway 
Patrol, the Air Resources Board, The Department of Industrial Safety, 
and many other local regulatory agencies.
  In an industry where change is constant and technology is king, WPGA 
has taken a leadership role in developing standards for safety and 
training. The Association holds educational seminars on topics ranging 
from an Emergency Response Rollover Program and the Certified Employee 
Training Program to the Gas Check Program. WPGA also brings crucial 
situation training to its members through its Fire School Seminars. The 
fast-changing regulations and technologies of the propane and fuel 
industry needs a membership organization dedicated to upholding the 
highest standards of safety and service, and WPGA has proven its 
commitment to its industry and community.
  Mr. Speaker, Western Propane Gas Association brings a united, 
regional voice for local businesses that might otherwise be lost 
amongst today's regulatory environment. I rise today to commend the 
organization and its members for their successes and offer my best 
wishes for the future.

                          ____________________