Public Policy

Editor's Note: On March 12, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched a series of deregulatory pledges. The press release from EPA is published below. The wording in this press release is EPA's own.

Editor's Note: A version of this news item originally appeared in the National Propane Gas Association's The Bobtail.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has been moving forward with a zero-emission (i.e., all-electric) space and water heating regulation that, if fully realized, would ban the sale of non-zero emission space and water heaters beginning in 2030. 

On Nov. 5, Washington state residents voted to pass Citizen Ballot Initiative No. 2066 by a roughly 100,000 vote margin. The initiative aims to protect energy choice across the state. 

The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) has been working with the Pacific Propane Gas Association, the Washington Building Industry Association, and a broad coalition to fight government efforts to ban and limit access to gas hookups and gas appliances through the State Building Codes Council (SBCC). 

October 18 is the start of Washington State’s official 18-day voting period. This year, voters will be presented with two ballot initiatives that have a direct and substantial impact on the state’s propane marketplace. The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) and Pacific Propane Gas Association (PPGA) have endorsed both initiatives and promoted a YES vote on I-2066 and I-2117. 

Richmond, VA — Oct. 2024 — The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) announced a new Double Propane Farm Incentive Program to assist farmers recovering from the devastating impact of the 2024 hurricane season. Available now through the end of the year, this program doubles the incentives available to qualifying producers for up to $10,000 off the purchase of propane-powered equipment. 

Jeff Landry (Louisiana) and Chris Sununu (New Hampshire) recently unveiled a new coalition to support smart state energy policies, including principally the policy of energy choice. According to the press release, “The Governors’ Coalition for Energy Choice will help state leaders formulate smart energy policies that will benefit working families, businesses, and our communities.” 

Last week, the Western Propane Gas Association (WPGA) filed a lawsuit in state court against the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in regards to the agency’s Zero-Emission Forklift Rulemaking, which was approved in June. This new CARB regulation will prohibit the production and sale of large, spark-ignited (LSI) forklifts for the California market, and require the early retirement of LSI forklifts currently in operation. Both the ban on new sales and the early retirement mandate will affect propane-powered forklifts and the businesses who rely on them.

On July 3, 2024, the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) joined a coalition including the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the National Apartment Association (NAA), the National Restaurant Association (NRA), the Colorado Association of Home Builders (CAHB), and the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) in challenging Denver’s electrification ordinance.

WASHINGTON — The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) hosted its annual Propane Days in Washington, D.C., from June 2-4. The Southeast Propane Alliance (SEPA) participated with over 30 members in attendance.

WASHINGTON, D.C.— In support of President Biden’s "Investing in America" agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced more than $26.9 million to nine states, 27 local governments and one tribe for the next round of formula grants through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and managed by DOE’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP). 

On May 1, the Department of Energy (DOE) published its final rule concerning new construction "Clean Energy for New Federal Buildings and Major Renovations of Federal Buildings." The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) has been engaged in this rule since DOE issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking in December 2022.