PHMSA ruling protects single-use propane cylinders in California

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) ruled that California’s ban on single-use propane cylinders, slated to take effect at the start of 2028, is unlawful.

PHMSA says it deemed the ban unlawful because it creates design and manufacturing rules that conflict with federal standards.

The ban would have increased costs for California campers by eliminating the use of single-use cylinders, relied on heavily in the state for camping needs as well as heating and cooking necessities, according to PHMSA.

PHMSA’s ruling comes in response to an August 2025 application filed by Worthington Enterprises, asking the agency to issue an administrative preemption determination on California’s reusability mandate for propane cylinders. Worthington designs and manufactures certain non-reusable and non-refillable propane cylinders that are subject to the mandate.

“Worthington Enterprises appreciates PHMSA’s determination that California’s propane cylinder reusability mandate is preempted by federal hazardous materials transportation law,” the company says. “The decision reinforces the importance of a consistent national framework for the safe design, manufacture and transportation of propane cylinders and preserves access to federally regulated products that consumers rely on every day. Worthington Enterprises remains committed to working constructively with retailers, regulators, industry partners and waste management stakeholders on practical solutions to improve collection, recycling and responsible end-of-life management of consumer gas cylinders.”

The Western Propane Gas Association (WPGA) says it acknowledges PHMSA’s determination regarding federal standards governing propane-cylinder design and manufacturing, and it appreciates Worthington Enterprises’ efforts to seek clarity on the issue, as doing so provides greater certainty for manufacturers, distributors and consumers in the state.

“Throughout California’s legislative and regulatory processes, WPGA and its members have complied with applicable requirements and worked constructively with state officials to ensure the propane industry’s operational and safety perspectives were well represented,” the association says. “Our goal has always been to protect the propane industry and the customers who rely on our fuel. We will continue to monitor developments and engage with federal and state regulators as the implications of the determination are evaluated.”

The National Propane Gas Association states in public comments that the California reusability mandate would disrupt national uniformity and undermine safety. PHMSA received 17 comments on the issue – nine supporting Worthington’s application and eight in opposition.

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