Blackouts, Wildfires, and King of the Hill’s Propane Comeback

Send us a textIn 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-hitting energy insight. 

Send us a textWe 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 pendulum and durable strategies for propane• Clean Cities funding outlook and all-of-the-above approach• School bus wins and local chapter engagement• Zion’s propane buses and an EV tow truck• Montana VW funds: 25% toward new propane vehiclesGet 25% of a new vehicle paid for by the Montana DEQ by getting rid of one of your diesel trucks and buying a propane-powered truck. That funding request ends December 4th.https://deq.mt.gov/energy/Programs/fuels

Send us a textIn 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 safety tips to keep your family safe and warm this winter, and highlight a new $10,000 PERC grant program for high schools teaching propane vehicle maintenance. Stay warm, save big, and laugh along the way — only on The State of Energy. https://deq.mt.gov/energy/Programs/fuels#accordion1-collapse1

Send us a textFootball 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, and builder incentives that homeowners and contractors can take advantage of before they expire. Along the way, there’s plenty of NFL banter—Tom Brady, Teslas, and why propane is the ultimate “natural gas” that checks all the boxes: saving money, cutting emissions, and boosting comfort. 👉 Learn more at thestateofenergy.com, follow us on Instagram @thestateofenergy, and don’t miss your chance to tour the Propane House September 25–27 at the Top of Utah Parade of Homes. 

Send us a text 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, this episode reminds us why propane isn’t just a fuel—it’s peace of mind. 

Send us a text 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 power. 

Send us a textIn 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 energy. 

Send us a text 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 Acthttps://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/news/local-news/2025/06/legislation-aims-to-secure-propane-supply/The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the opportunity to apply for $1.1 billion in competitive grants for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 Low or No Emission Grant Program (Low-No Program) under Federal Assistance Listing Number 20.526 and approximately $398 million in competitive grants for the FY 2025 Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program (Bus Program) under Federal Assistance Listing Number 20.526.https://www.transit.dot.gov/notices-funding/fy-2025-notice-funding-opportunity-low-or-no-emission-grant-program-and-grants#Program-Descriptions

Send us a textIn 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.

Send us a textIn 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 spotlight renewable propane as a real-world solution making a difference today.Learn how combined heat and power (CHP) units fueled by renewable propane are helping businesses cut emissions and energy costs—and how you can get up to $30,000 in rebates through a PERC incentive program.Learn more about the CHP rebate at propane.com/alttechTune in and fuel your mind with energy that works.