WPGA Introduces Bill to Protect Propane Space & Water Heating Equipment

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. 

This regulation would effectively halt the installation of new or replacement gas-powered furnaces, boilers and water heaters within five years. Space and water heating are the two most energy-intensive applications in most buildings. In response, the Western Propane Gas Association (WPGA) has worked with lawmakers on the introduction of Assembly Bill 852, which would exempt propane-powered space and water heaters from this CARB zero-emission regulation. 

Colin Sueyres, president and CEO of WPGA, has been directly engaged and working to combat this regulation since it was first proposed. “WPGA is excited to work with our coalition partners and defend propane against regulatory overreach,” said Sueyres. “Unfortunately, we understand that California is the test bed for a number of onerous regulations. We have successfully exempted propane appliances from previous gas ban regulations and look forward to duplicating those efforts statewide.” 

Notably other states, such as Maryland, are seeking to copy California’s zero-emission space and water heating regelation. As of the 2023 industry sales report, California was the largest propane market in the country, with 535 million gallons of fuel sold.