LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Readers,

Something is happening to the “Coyote vs. Acme” movie that was not initially in its destiny: It’s being shown in theaters. Originally a tax write-off doomed to never reach audiences, the movie is finding unexpected success across theatres globally; it has now surpassed the $82 million mark as I write this.

The live-action animated movie focuses on the story of Wile E. Coyote attempting to seek justice against the corrupt, opportunistic corporation Acme. I wasn’t expecting to walk out of the theater with a renewed appreciation of the value of our collective laws and the plight of underdogs seeking justice in a system that often seems built to keep them down.

It is in this same spirit that BPN offers the Legal & Liability Challenges feature section to our readers. The majority of propane companies are still small and/or family-owned businesses serving local communities — and those that have found success in acquisition deals make a point of keeping their homegrown, people-first company culture alive and well. Much like Wile E. Coyote, propane providers are often the underdog. For larger propane companies, legal cases establish important lessons to inform company practice and regulations going forward.

In the first feature article of the section, Dan Cramer of First West Insurance explores the importance of being protected by pollution insurance, dispelling common myths surrounding this specific type of coverage among propane marketers. Flip over to the second feature article for a special edition of Propane & the Law, where legal expert David Schlee lays out an ongoing case against a propane heater manufacturer.

In our Public Policy article, the National Propane Gas Association’s Nicholas Edward explores the recent extension of a group of clean transportation grants and the impact of similar government funding on propane autogas — both in the short and long term.

For safety and financial resources that overlap with legal considerations, take a look at the Beyond the Mains column from Grammer Logistics regarding the appropriate handling of propane transportation emergencies. In this month's Equipment article, training expert Carl Weeks shares insights into the precautions that must be taken when preparing to install an underground propane tank — key considerations to avoid endangering your propane technicians and customers alike. And for guidance on navigating finances during times of economic uncertainty from Scooter Thomas, click over to our Finance section.

Reading through these informative contributions from our October contributors, I am struck by a common takeaway: The best legal defense is a proactive dedication to putting people first.

Here’s to the underdogs.

Sincerely,