The State of Energy
Ignite The Propane Conversation. The State of Energy is a podcast / broadcast show that brings you everything you ever needed to know about propane. For your home, business or farm. For fleets of school buses or forklifts. We will discuss how “Propane Can Do That”.
Energy Chaos and the Propane Advantage
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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 On...
Hall of Fame Energy Talk: Robert Bryce on the Grid, Storms & the Future of Power
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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 propan...
Super Bowl Energy Myths, Bad Bunny to Bald Eagles
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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.
Winter Storm Fern: Energy Demand, Grid Stress, and Propane Solutions
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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.
Energy Choice or Energy Confusion? Propane’s Role in a World on Edge
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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 ca...
Cold Buses, Cheap Gas, and Bold Energy Predictions- New Years Episode
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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.
Nuclear in Your Backyard, Propane in Your Stocking
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What do propane pizza ovens, emissions rollbacks, nuclear power, and Santa Claus have in common? Apparently, a lot. In this festive episode of The State of Energy, Rand DeWitt and Tom Clark talk holiday propane gifts before diving into fuel economy mandates, fleet costs, nuclear power proposals, and why propane remains one of the most stable, American-produced energy sources available. Less hype, more heat
Turkey, Propane, and Policy: A Thanksgiving Energy Reality Check
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In this Thanksgiving episode of The State of Energy, Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt dive into the holiday spirit with propane-powered turkey tips, the dangers of deep-fryer disasters, and the surprising performance of propane air fryers. Then the guys turn up the heat on national energy policy, breaking down New York’s gas ban suspension, Colorado’s problematic water-heater mandate, and the rising cost of electricity. They also highlight the latest propane rebates for homeowners, builders, farmers, and fleets—including Montana’s generous 25% vehicle incentive. It’s the perfect blend of humor, holiday talk, and hard-h...
Propane, Power, and Policy Featuring Michael Baker, Chief Legislative Officer, National Propane Gas Association
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We question “zero emissions” labels, unpack Colorado’s coal-to-gas reality, and explore why propane often outperforms grid-charged EVs on lifecycle emissions. Michael Baker joins to decode the shutdown, Clean Cities funding, and how to keep energy policy pragmatic.
• Ride-and-drive insights on propane vehicles versus EVs
• The Comanche coal plant’s debt, timelines, and grid impact
• Lifecycle versus tailpipe emissions clarity for fleets
• Growth in demand from data centers and population
• Gates’s pivot to poverty and health over pure climate targets
• Shutdown timelines, LIHEAP stakes, and travel impacts
• Policy p...
Montana’s 25% Propane Truck Rebate: Big Savings, Clean Energy
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In this episode of The State of Energy, hosts Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt mix humor with hard-hitting facts about clean energy, sports, and smart preparation for winter. The duo dives into Montana’s new DEQ rebate program that covers 25% of the cost of new propane-powered trucks, a game-changer for fleet operators replacing old diesel rigs. They also roast the growing list of failed EV bus projects nationwide — from Austin to Prince Edward Island — proving that propane continues to deliver where electric struggles.
Plus, Tom and Rand share 10 simple propane...
Propane-powered touchdown: Scoring Big at the Parade of Homes
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Football season is here, and The State of Energy is kicking things off with a propane-powered touchdown! Hosts Rand DeWitt and Tom Clark, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Propane Association, dive into the grand opening of the Propane House at the Top of Utah Parade of Homes.
From propane clothes dryers and water heaters to fireplaces, ranges, and even backup generators, Tom and Randy walk through how propane powers an efficient, comfortable, and lower-emission lifestyle. They also break down federal tax credits, propane rebates, a...
Blackouts, Wildfires, and King of the Hill’s Propane Comeback
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In this episode of The State of Energy, Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt dive into a whirlwind of topics—from Hank Hill’s propane-fueled return on Hulu to real-world lessons from Utah’s wildfires and rolling blackouts. They break down how propane generators and appliances can keep homes running when the grid goes down, why California’s “clean truck” mandates just hit a wall with the FTC, and how propane continues to prove itself as the ultimate on-site energy battery. With a mix of humor, industry insight, and a shout-out to retiring board member Boyd Cook, th...
EPA Rollback, DEF Drama, and the Propane Path to Cleaner Engines
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In this episode of The State of Energy, Rand DeWitt and Tom Clark break down the EPA’s proposed rollback of the 2009 greenhouse gas endangerment finding and what it could mean for farmers, truckers, and fleets facing costly DEF systems and looming 2027 emission standards. From skyrocketing truck prices to the surprising truth about “zero emissions,” they explore how propane engines—already meeting future requirements—offer a cleaner, cost-effective alternative. Plus, they share a real-world example from Zion National Park, debate EV range anxiety, and pitch the ultimate clean vehicle concept combining electric torque with propane pow
America’s Back, Vegas Cabs, and the Propane Battery That Never Dies
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In this episode of The State of Energy, Rand DeWitt and Tom Clark celebrate America’s post–4th of July spirit, from flag-filled streets to the fireworks fallout. They reveal why Las Vegas taxi fleets are racking up over 50 million clean miles a year on propane, explore a half-billion-dollar port infrastructure grant opportunity, and tackle the looming U.S. power grid crisis. Plus, Tom makes the case for propane as the ultimate “battery” for backup generators, water heaters, fireplaces, and even EV charging—because when the lights go out, energy security starts with clean American e...
National Strategic Propane Reserve- Could the Gov plan have any value to consumers?
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In this Independence Day episode of The State of Energy, Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt unpack everything from rain-soaked propane showcases in New Mexico to billion-dollar federal grants for low-emission transit. They break down the push for a national propane reserve, the real state of propane supply, and how your community can tap into major funding for propane-powered buses.
U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, was joined by Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines of Montana in introducing the Securing Our Propane Supply Act
https://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/news/local-news/2025/06/le...
Watt the Heck? Why Propane Still Makes Sense
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In this episode of The State of Energy, Tom Clark and Rand Dewitt ask the big, burning question: “Watt the heck is going on with energy policy?” From the push to electrify everything (including your toaster, your truck, and possibly your dog) to propane’s starring role as the quiet hero of reliable, clean energy—this show cuts through the static. The guys talk real-world energy needs, resilience, affordability, and why propane should never be the punchline in the clean energy conversation. Tune in for facts, laughs, and a propane-powered reality check.
Rockets, Renewables, and Real-World Solutions
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In this episode of The State of Energy, hosts Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt take listeners on a journey from outer space to backyards and boiler rooms. They break down the staggering environmental impact of Blue Origin’s recent 11-minute space flight, which reportedly emitted more carbon than the average person will over their entire lifetime.
The conversation then pivots to a cleaner path forward—highlighting Orbex’s use of low-emissions bio-propane to power its eco-conscious rocket launches. From the stars to the streets, Tom and Rand s...
Protecting American Energy from State Overreach
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The State of Energy hosts Tom Clark and Reand DeWitt to discuss propane Autogas conversions, the water heater standard, and protecting American Energy from State Overreach.
Underground tank corrosion
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The State of Energy talks with Matt Tredinnick and Kevin Jaffe with mopeka about underground tank corrosion and how to monitor your tank protection annodes
Clean the Air with Special Guest EV Auto Owner Alex Lawrence
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The State of Energy hosts Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt with Special Guest EV Auto Owner Alex Lawrence.
Alex spent his first 20 years in business as a self made entrepreneur that started, led and sold multiple companies. These ventures were built across software, consumer Internet, commercial real estate, venture capital and franchising. Alex raised over $25MM in capital and had one partnership reach #34 on the Inc. 500 list. Five years ago Alex left the world of entrepreneurship to join Weber State University full-time as Vice Provost. Alex worked on a number or projects...
Fracking pioneer Chris Wright confirmed as Energy Secretary
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Fracking pioneer Chris Wright confirmed as Energy Secretary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mq9-QB6Zl78
https://nypost.com/2025/02/03/us-news/fracking-pioneer-chris-wright-confirmed-as-trumps-energy-secretary/
https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinessdevelopmentcouncil/2025/02/05/why-the-energy-crisis-demands-an-all-of-the-above-approach-and-where-renewable-propane-fits-the-picture/
https://robertbryce.substack.com/p/ford-loses-another-51b-on-evs-a-question
Tom buys a Tesla... for research
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The Rocky Mountain Propane Association (RMPA) announced the renewal of the home builder incentive program, offering up to $1,500 per home for installing propane appliances, effective March 1. Last year, the program distributed $2 million. The hosts emphasized propane's cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits, particularly in areas with dirty electricity. They also discussed the challenges of building a propane-powered home, including dealing with homeowners associations and the efficiency of propane appliances. Additionally, they highlighted President Trump's executive orders aimed at reducing costs associated with climate policies and leveling the playing field for energy sources, including the removal of...
Special Guest Robert Bryce: Energy Realism is Energy Humanism
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The State of Energy hosts Tom Clark and Rand Dewit welcomes Robert Bryce to discuss Energy, Power, and Propane.
https://robertbryce.com/
https://robertbryce.substack.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@JuiceTheSeries
EPA approves California ban on gas cars
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The State of Energy hosts Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt discuss energy in the news. The EPA has approved California's ban on gas-powered vehicles by 2035
The State of Energy will buy an EV and report back each month, giving our audience real-world insight into EV ownership.
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/18/epa-approves-california-plan-to-ban-gas-only-cars-starting-in-2035-.html
Top 5 Propane Christmas Gifts
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The State of Energy hosts Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt talk about the California ban on disposable propane tanks and how you can get a refillable 1lb propane tank.
And the top 5 propane gifts for Christmas
The next Secretary of Energy Loves Propane
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The State of Energy hosts Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt discuss the next Energy Secretary and why he loves propane.
https://robertbryce.substack.com/p/chris-wright-an-unapologetic-energy
Montana DEQ Grant pays 50% of new propane powered vehicle
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Montana DEQ Grant pays 50% of new propane-powered vehicles.
The State of Energy hosts Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt discuss the Montana DEQ spending the last of their VW money on 50% vehicle grants for propane-powered vehicles.
https://deq.mt.gov/energy/Programs/fuels
https://www.fleetowner.com/equipment/article/21145001/vws-traton-set-to-acquire-navistar-for-37-billion
https://electrek.co/2024/10/28/ford-tops-q3-earnings-but-ev-losses-weigh-profits/
https://propane.com/about/incentive-programs/propane-farm-incentive-program/
One Billion Dollar Giveaway
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One billion dollars is available in rebates for clean propane powered school buses.
Tom and Rand talk and the latest round of funding from the EPA for Clean Propane powered school buses. Contact your local school district transportation manager and let them know how to get $35,000 rebate per school bus.
This is not a grant program. Rebates have less red tape and are easier to get.
https://www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus
https://propane.com/pcrp/
https://propane...
Storms, Strikes and Schools
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The State of Energy dives into recent events, including the recent hurricanes, port strikes, and Tech schools propane education programs
https://cloudinary.propane.com/images/v1637260326/website-media/21PERC0565_9014-NL-21_Weather-Safety-Top-10_Winter-Storms_LR/21PERC0565_9014-NL-21_Weather-Safety-Top-10_Winter-Storms_LR.pdf?_i=AA
https://cloudinary.propane.com/images/v1724258733/website-media/TSGP-Brochure-2025-1/TSGP-Brochure-2025-1.pdf?_i=AA
https://www.davistech.edu/programs/heating-and-air-conditioning/course-details?pk=242&pn=Heating%20and%20Air%20Conditioning&school=Construction
Zions National Park transitions to Coal Powered Buses giving up Clean Propane Buses
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Zions National Park has recently made a transition from propane to coal.
Following a $33 million taxpayer-funded investment after 25 years of clean and affordable transportation powered by propane. A study from NREL suggests that this transition in Utah could result in 30% more emissions compared to the old propane buses. However, there is optimism for the future, aiming to power these electric buses with clean electricity….
The key questions that arise are whether these new electric buses will match the longevity of the propane fleet and if Utah can achieve cleaner electricity surpassing the...
State of the Air
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The State of Energy hosts Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt discuss the American Lung Association State of the Air Report 2024.
Learn how propane use can clean up the air in your community.
Special guest Steve Goreham Author of the “Green Breakdown”
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The State of Energy welcomes back Steve Goreham author of the Green Breakdown.
Sponsored by One-tank.com
Utah's Energy Boondoggle
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The Quest for an Energy “Holy Grail”
Utah's power plant will tap into the federal government's 9.5 billion dollars in tax credits for hydrogen production. The power plant claims it will make 100,000 KG of hydrogen per month. This would allow them $300,000 per day in tax credits for making hydrogen from electricity and then burning it to make electricity again.
Making 1 kg of hydrogen from electricity requires 49KWH of electricity.
1 kg of hydrogen makes 40KWH of electricity. Loosing 9 KWH each time the cycle is completed. The largest Energy Boondoggle in history
h...
Rocky Mountain Power asks for 30% rate increase
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Rocky Mountain Power asks for a 30% rate increase.
Pacific Corps "Rocky Mountain Power," which provides electricity to Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming, asks the Public Service Commission for a 30% rate increase.
Propane Days
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https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/ban-on-gas-grills-colorado-mountain-hoa/
https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/grilling#safety-tips
https://monumentgrills.com/
https://www.metsa.com/
The Best of Reno 2024 feat Mopeka, NPGA, Alliance Autogas, Kohler Generators
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The State of Energy at the 74th Annual Western Propane Trade Show and Convention.
Interviews with-
Matt Tredinnick Chief Marketing Officer- Mopeka
Kevin Jaffe Chief Operating Officer - Mopeka
Michael Baker Chief Legislative Officer - NPGA
Josh Budworth Vice President Business Development - Alliance AutoGas
Jeff Anderson- Kohler Energy
Forecast predicts busiest hurricane season on record with 33 storms
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Forecast group predicts busiest hurricane season on record with 33 storms
Earth Day Green Washing
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Don't be green washed this Earth Day
Propane is a clean alternative to traditional coal electricity.
https://www.earthday.org/recycling-is-a-crying-shame/
Crying Indian you tube
New EPA Emissions Rule for Semi-Trucks
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The epa has release its final rules for 2027 Model year diesel emissions.
Ford cuts Lighting production by 2/3
Will propane save the day again?
https://fortune.com/2024/03/29/ford-f150-lightning-ev-michigan-sales-cuts-production-epa-emissions-rule-hybrids/
https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/news/business-inputs/article/2024/03/29/epa-rolls-worlds-toughest-emission
"Powercast" America is running out of power. Propane can help
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Chat GPT uses as much power as 17,000 homes. America is running out of power, propane can help.
Rand and Tom discuss AI tech booms insane energy demand. Propane Microgrids and how propane can help.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/03/07/ai-data-centers-power/
https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/the-obscene-energy-demands-of-ai
https://cointelegraph.com/learn/bitcoin-halving-how-does-the-halving-cycle-work-and-why-does-it-matter
https://www.businessinsider.com/chatgpt-uses-17-thousand-times-more-electricity-than-us-household-2024-3
https://www.mainspringenergy.com/solutions/utility/
