PERC joins National Recreation and Park Association

In its ongoing effort to align with groups dedicated to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has been granted membership to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

“We are excited to be joining such an impressive group as the National Recreation and Park Association, which values the environment and the way it is treated at the local level,” said Jeremy Wishart, deputy director of business development at PERC. “We look forward to collaborating with NRPA members who share our vision to create cleaner, more sustainable, and cost-conscious parks departments.”

Established in 1996, PERC is a check-off program operated and funded by the propane industry to promote the safe and efficient use of odorized propane gas. PERC is authorized to carry out programs, projects, and activities in key areas including safety, training, and research and development. Its efforts are targeted at industries benefitting most from having a clean, domestic, and affordable energy alternative to traditional fuels such as gasoline. Those industries include marketers of commercial landscaping, fleet vehicle management, residential and commercial building, agriculture, and material handling.

The NRPA is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of public parks, recreation and conservation. It was established in 1965.

For municipal parks and recreation professionals, propane has financial and environmental benefits over traditional fuels to power commercial mowers and municipal fleet vehicles. Propane offers a lower total cost of operation, and refueling is safe and easy.

Propane also promotes increased productivity in the field. Due to its low emissions, crews can mow with propane during days with air-quality restrictions.. And because propane can be delivered to the customer’s location on a regular schedule, time isn’t wasted driving to and from gas stations to refuel equipment.

The environmental benefits of propane over traditional fuels are clear. An approved alternative fuel under the Clean Air Act of 1990, propane is cleaner than gasoline or diesel fuels. Propane mowers on average can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent, and reduce carbon monoxide emissions by more than 40 percent compared with gasoline mowers.