Missouri Propane Gas Association endorses congressman’s push to ease storage regulations

The Missouri Propane Gas Association (MPGA) is supporting Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., in reintroducing the Propane Accessibility and Regulatory Relief Act, a bill aimed at relieving propane retailers and users from outdated federal regulations that drive up operating costs and hinder supply efficiency.

The bill, which was filed in Washington, D.C., on June 13, would amend current guidelines under the Department of Homeland Security’s Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) by raising the reporting threshold for propane storage from 60,000 pounds to 126,000 pounds. The existing threshold, set arbitrarily in 2006, has forced small and mid-sized propane businesses to invest in costly compliance measures that do not correlate with actual risk.

“This is a classic case of Washington overreach,” says Burlison. “Small propane businesses in southwest Missouri and across the country are forced to pass those costs on to American families. These regulations are wasteful, time-consuming and costly. My bill puts policy back in line with reality.”

According to the organization, MPGA fully supports the legislation that reflects the propane industry’s strong safety record and commitment to energy security.

“The Missouri Propane Gas Association is grateful for Congressman Eric Burlison’s Propane Accessibility and Regulatory Relief Act,” says Luke Fitzpatrick, MPGA president and CEO. “Our industry’s safety record for more than a century underscores a commitment to ensuring product security and compliance with national standards. However, the former CFATS guidelines have arbitrarily designated threshold amounts of reportable propane that do not reflect an accurate risk environment, yet require onerous and expensive investments to comply. H.R. 6022 adjusts that threshold to maintain an appropriate level of oversight without adding unnecessary compliance costs that are ultimately passed on to customers.”

The National Propane Gas Association also praised the bill, citing a 2021 Government Accountability Office study that found the CFATS program duplicative and burdensome. Higher compliance costs not only affect retailers but also result in elevated prices for consumers, particularly those in underserved rural areas.

By reducing these barriers, the Propane Accessibility and Regulatory Relief Act helps ensure propane remains an affordable, reliable and accessible energy source for Missouri homes, farms and businesses, according to the organization.

---

Related Articles

Propane storage strategies sought in federal legislation

Storage opportunities sought through farm bill, CFATS program