Congressman Bob Goodlatte visits Dixie Gas & Oil

Discusses current and proposed regulations impacting the propane industry
 
Verona, VA – November 28, 2017 – Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) visited Dixie Gas and Oil Corporation’s headquarters facility in Verona, Virginia this morning.  As part of a tour of the Company’s operations, equipment was displayed to illustrate how certain current and proposed federal regulations impact propane marketers, like Dixie.
 
Chris Earhart, president of Dixie Gas and Oil, highlighted the many safety and operator enhancements that have been made in trucking equipment and highway systems over the years to show how the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) 100 air-mile radius regulation has become outdated. Also, related to proposed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations for crane operation, Dixie boom trucks used to load and unload propane tanks were shown.  The proposed regulation would place the same requirements on this type small equipment as it does on large construction cranes, and an exemption for these low-weight, low-height boom trucks is being sought. 
 
“I’m always pleased to visit with companies in Sixth District and learn more about their operations,” said Congressman Goodlatte. “Smaller companies like Dixie provide millions of jobs in the United States. They are critical to our nation’s economy and are drivers of innovation here in Virginia and throughout the country.  It’s important for Washington to understand the impact government regulations can have on businesses in the real world, and we need to do all we can to promote the growth of small businesses by freeing them from unnecessary regulation. I’ve been working on legislation in the House to lessen the burden of federal red tape, and hope that Congress will act to provide small businesses with much-needed regulatory and tax relief.”
 
Along with several members of the Dixie staff, also attending were Debbie Garrett, Congressman Goodlatte’s district director, and Philip Squair, senior vice-president of public and government affairs for the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA). Dixie’s Chris Earhart currently serves as chairman-elect for NPGA and will assume the role of chairman for a one-year term beginning in June 2018.
 
“We were delighted to host Congressman Goodlatte here at Dixie,” said Mr. Earhart.  “Some government regulations may be well-intentioned, but many do not universally apply or make sense for companies of all sizes in all industries.  We appreciate the Congressman taking his time to see our operations and to discuss how certain regulations impact the propane industry.”  
 
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About Dixie Gas and Oil
Dixie Gas and Oil Corporation, founded in 1946 and headquartered in Verona, Virginia, is a leading provider of propane and petroleum products to residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial customers in Western and Central Virginia.  Products include propane, gas hearth and heating equipment and accessories, heating oil, kerosene, diesel fuel, gasoline and a full range of bulk and packaged lubricants distributed from locations in Verona, Lexington, Elkton and Covington, Virginia. Detailed information about Dixie Gas & Oil is available at www.dixiegas.com.

Pictured are (from left): Danny Alexander, executive vice president, Dixie Gas & Oil; Phil Squair, senior vice president of public & government affairs, National Propane Gas Association; Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.); and Chris Earhart, president, Dixie Gas & Oil.