The US propane industry's engine fuel efforts have been taken over by the Engine Fuel Coordinating Committee (EFCC), formed by the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) at its October meeting.

The PERC approved a plan on October 7 that created the EFCC. On October 29, the Propane Vehicle Council (PVC) was dissolved, moving its non-lobbying activities into the EFCC.

Former PVC executive director Brian Feehan was named EFCC's managing director, and has been charged with creating the EFCC's structure, with the goal of having committee members working together by the council's December meeting.

The plan was recommended by PERC's Engine Fuel Task Force, which recommended the industry streamline its resources and focus on engine fuel programs through the new committee. The EFCC replaces the two engine fuel-based subcommittees from PERC's Consumer Education and Research & Development advisory committees.

"This is a smart move," said PERC president Roy Willis. "A rapidly changing marketplace requires the propane industry to adopt a new plan to recapture, retain, and expand propane's presence in the engine fuel market."

The EFCC will undertake a comprehensive approach to the market through projects that encourage the development, commercialisation and marketing of propane-related technologies and vehicles.

"The environmental, economic, and regulatory climate is ready for market development," Feehan said. "Now is the time for the engine fuel segment of propane to further evolve to truly grow the market."