Path to Zero Emissions and Propane’s Role with Tucker Perkins

Tucker Perkins is the president and chief executive officer of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), an organization authorized by the U.S. Congress with passage of the Propane Education and Research Act (PERA), Public Law 104-284, signed into law on October 11, 1996.   Tucker assumed the role of PERC president and CEO when Roy Willis retired July 31, 2017, having previously served as PERC’s chief business development officer since 2012 and then as chief operating officer since December 2016.   He has worked in the propane industry for 26 years, having served as the director of business development for Inergy, chief executive officer of Premier Propane, and the chief operating officer of Columbia Propane, a unit of the Columbia Energy Group. Tucker is also the former chairman of a PERC advisory committee on engine fuel matters and is active with the National Propane Gas Association and the Virginia Propane Gas Association.    Show Highlights The most important topic in green buildings. Understanding how propane is such a different fuel and can support the demands of the industry as a fuel of the future. PERC in the Propane Education and Research Council and there are three roles they play in the industry. Solutions to address where the power gaps are and how to begin to fill them with a changing and fragile electric grid. Tucker shares innovations that will minimize our environmental footprint. Not all fossil fuels are equal. The high level difference between natural gas and propane and what is the best fuel for the environment, our health, and economy. Addressing the energy needs of a building and how to pivot to provide the best efficiency.  Where is propane needed most in infrastructure?   “We're really looking for the recipe that is the most efficient initial cost, the most efficient operating cost. But at the end of the day, it's still about minimizing our environmental footprint. It's a responsibility of all energy providers to rethink that equation. We've moved from wood to coal and coal to oil, and I would say oil to natural gas. And we're really moving from natural gas to renewable electricity, particularly in the built environment as fast as we can. And there isn't one solution. There's not one silver bullet. Renewable electricity is not the silver bullet because it'll take 40 years to build it out. And if we're not careful, we won't be able to afford the solutions nor will all the solutions be reliable. So propane [and renewable propane] will be part of the recipe.”  -Tucker Perkins  “I don't think all fossil fuels are equal. Certainly coal and oil and wood, I'd argue they're all fossil fuels. They're not nearly the same as natural gas and propane. I think those are low carbon fossil fuels and with this great combustion property. I think the last, particularly five years now have been really engaging in this conversation about what are the fuels of the future and what is good for the environment, what's good for our health, and frankly, what can we afford at the same time brings us warmth, hot food, hot showers bringing, bringing that whole conversation together.” -Tucker Perkins      Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES   GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community!   If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on .  We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the !   Copyright © 2023 GBES