The State of Energy

Hosted by Rocky Mountain Propane Association

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Episodes

190

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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”.

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60 recent

October 12, 2026Episode 1927 min

Red dye diesel band aid. Propane has real solutions

Send us Fan Mail $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.

September 26, 2026Episode 1826 min

Up to $7,500 Per Vehicle: The Propane Autogas Incentive

Send us Fan Mail 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 thestateofenergy.com

September 18, 2026Episode 1726 min

The $6 Diesel Squeeze: Propane to the Rescue

Send us Fan Mail 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.

August 31, 2026Episode 1627 min

Denver Turns Off the Gas, say goodbye to Flame-Broiled Whopper

Send us Fan Mail 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.

August 21, 2026Episode 1526 min

Propane’s $610 Million Transit Opportunity

Send us Fan Mail 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

July 30, 2026Episode 1425 min

California’s EV Mandate Meets Reality

Send us Fan Mail 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.

July 18, 2026Episode 1325 min

No Power, No Problem

Send us Fan Mail 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.

June 24, 2026Episode 1226 min

The Voice of Propane: Inside LP Gas Magazine

Send us Fan Mail 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.

June 12, 2026Episode 1126 min

Fuel, Freedom, and the Future

Send us Fan Mail 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.

May 29, 2026Episode 1025 min

Fuel Prices, Data Centers & Propane’s Big Moment

Send us Fan Mail 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.