The State of Energy

40 Episodes
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By: Rocky Mountain Propane Association

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”.

National Strategic Propane Reserve- Could the Gov plan have any value to consumers?
Last Thursday at 8:00 PM

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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/lo...


Watt the Heck? Why Propane Still Makes Sense
#8
06/10/2025

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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.


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Rockets, Renewables, and Real-World Solutions
#7
04/29/2025

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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 Ra...


Protecting American Energy from State Overreach
#6
04/14/2025

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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
#5
03/28/2025

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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
#4
02/21/2025

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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...


Fracking pioneer Chris Wright confirmed as Energy Secretary
#3
02/16/2025

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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
#2
02/08/2025

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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...


Special Guest Robert Bryce: Energy Realism is Energy Humanism
#1
01/17/2025

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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
#23
12/28/2024

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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
#22
12/13/2024

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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
#21
11/27/2024

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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
#20
11/03/2024

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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
#19
10/18/2024

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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...


Storms, Strikes and Schools
#18
10/10/2024

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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
#17
09/13/2024

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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 sur...


State of the Air
#16
08/29/2024

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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”
#15
08/07/2024

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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
#14
07/24/2024

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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
<...


Rocky Mountain Power asks for 30% rate increase
#13
07/18/2024

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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
#11
06/15/2024

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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
#10
05/18/2024

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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
#9
05/09/2024

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Forecast group predicts busiest hurricane season on record with 33 storms



Earth Day Green Washing
#8
04/19/2024

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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
#7
04/03/2024

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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
#6
03/26/2024

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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/


Finding Clean Energy in the Depths of Hell
#5
03/12/2024

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The State of Energy Hosts Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt Discuss finding an energy source 63,000 ft below the surface of the earth in new geothermal drilling.
60 million dollars of federal money to a Utah company to start drilling.

https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/quaise-energy-geothermal-earth-drilling/

https://gephardtdaily.com/local/feds-announce-millions-in-funding-for-geothermal-

https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/19/us/utahs-sovereignty-act-overrule-federal/index.html

https://www.colorado.gov/governor/news/governor-polis-launches-updated-comprehensive-climate-action-plan-reduce-greenhouse-gas

https://www.cbc.ca/news...


World Liquid Gas Association - Cinch Munson
#4
02/28/2024

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Special Guest - World Liquid Gas Association - Cinch Munson, Business Development Director.
Cinch talks about the most important propane meeting in the last decade.
The Innovation Summit brings together key industry leaders from the global LPG industry to consider strategies for advancing innovation in our industry. We will be bringing together nearly 200 industry leaders and innovators who are shaping the future of energy to discuss how we can adopt innovation in our organizations and move the industry forward. The event is co-hosted with the National Propane Gas Association and the...


Special Guest - Steve Goreham author of four books on energy, climate change, sustainability, and public policy
#3
02/01/2024

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The State of Energy hosts Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt interview Steve Goreham.
Steve is an independent scholar, researcher, and futurist in the fields of energy and environmental policy, as well as a former engineer and business executive with 30 years of experience at Fortune 100 and private companies. He’s Executive Director of the Climate Science Coalition of America and a policy advisor to The Heartland Institute.

Steve is author of four books on energy, climate change, sustainability, and public policy with over 100,000 copies in print. He’s a freelance columnist and...


Live from Winter Fire School in St George Utah with Boyd Cook
#2
01/27/2024

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Live from Winter Fire School in St George, Utah, with Boyd Cook.
Rand, Tom, and Boyd discuss propane safety in fire service.
Ebike fires in New York 
https://news.yahoo.com/electric-bikes-start-record-number-203832823.html#:~:text=According%20to%20figures%20released%20by,200%20per%20cent%20in%202023.


Dieselgate 2.0
#1
01/10/2024

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https://www.freightwaves.com/news/cummins-will-pay-1-675b-fine-for-engine-emissions-violations

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/ecodiesel-engine-emissions-repairs-damaged-trucks-fiat-chrysler/


https://calcoastnews.com/2024/01/berkeley-cant-enforce-natural-gas-ban-and-neither-can-slo/


Leave The World Behind
12/15/2023

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Tom and Rand discuss the Massachusetts Public Utility Commission's attempt to stop natural gas growth.  Why gas infrastructure is essential for energy security, and food security.

Propane on the farm and farm incentives   
Propane-Powered Industrial Engines – New, EPA- and/or CARB-certified

industrial engines used for agricultural purposes can qualify for the following

incentives:

$300/liter of displacement for pumping applications and up to $3,000 for certified

dual fuel systems.

 

Power Generation

• $30/kW for prime power ge...


"California needs $68 Billion for Christmas" with special guest Colin Sueyres
#19
12/09/2023

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California is short 68 Billion- feat Colin Sueyres WPGA CEO.
Teacher wages or electric school buses?  What will California cut from the budget to make ends meet? 
Colin describes the California shortfall and the impacts to clean energy. 
Propane can help 


Energy Security
#18
11/01/2023

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Tom and Rand discuss energy security. Propane can provide energy security for your family, business, farm and your community.


Propane trucks, Heat pumps, and Bourbon
#17
10/20/2023

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Tom and Rand recap this month's visits to Roush Clean Tech, the NPGA meeting in Louisville, and the PERC Advisory meeting in Providence.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a43546970/new-strict-epa-mpg-rules-for-2027-2032-vehicles/

https://www.morningstar.com/stocks/our-10-year-utilities-forecast-renewable-energy-triple-by-2032

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/19/greta-thunberg-joins-second-climate-protest-in-london-this-week

https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/colorado-oil-gas-the-north-face-award/


"Propane Hero" Ruby's Inn @ Bryce Canyon National Park
#16
09/20/2023

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"Propane Hero" Ruby's Inn @ Bryce Canyon National Park
https://hydronicshub.com/historic-rubys-inn-resort-honored-with-national-award-for-its-environmental-impact

https://www.fleetowner.com/emissions-efficiency/article/21271416/more-fleets-finding-alt-fuel-success-with-propane-autogas



NPGA CEO Steve Kaminski @ RMPA Fall Conference
#15
09/08/2023

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Interview with NPGA Steve Kaminski @ RMPA Fall Conference

Second Nobel Prize Winner Signs Letter With 1,600 Scientists Declaring Climate ‘Emergency’ A Myth


Research Leads to Groundbreaking Green Propane Production Method
#14
08/25/2023

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The State of Energy hosts Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt discuss a breakthrough in technology to produce renewable propane from carbon dioxide.  

A paper recently published in Nature Energy based on pioneering research done at Illinois Institute of Technology reveals a promising breakthrough in green energy: an electrolyzer device capable of converting carbon dioxide into propane in a manner that is both scalable and economically viable.

As the United States races toward its target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, innovative methods to reduce the significant carbon dioxide emissions fr...


Electric bus manufacturer that Zions National Park was testing files bankruptcy.
#13
08/11/2023

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Electric bus manufacturer that Zions National Park was testing files bankruptcy.
Zions still don't have EVs, and the propane buses are getting old.
Let's get Zions to replace the buses with new Propane buses and clean the air.  

https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/09/what-led-to-ev-darling-proterras-bankruptcy/

Check out document Page 43 pdf page 53 of the study from NREL that shows EV Test Bus produces more SOX and NOX than 24-year-old propane bus
https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy21osti/78012.pdf


National Energy Assistance Directors Association Says Power bill up 11.7% this summer
#12
07/28/2023

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Record heat has air conditioners at their max.
Las Vegas residents see $700 power bills.
National Energy Assistance Directors Association Says Power bill up 11.7% this summer 
 
 
Credit cards and carbon footprints Qualpay is our guests on the State of Energy
https://www.qualpay.com/