NY, CA, IL Push Identical Bills to Triple Propane Tank Setback Distances

The Situation

Lawmakers in New York, California, and Illinois have introduced nearly identical bills that would triple propane tank setbacks near schools from 25 to 75 feet. The identical language suggests a coordinated national campaign, despite zero incident data supporting the change.

The Facts

### Coordinated Attack New York's S.4891, California's AB-2217, and Illinois' HB-3304 use nearly identical language. This is a clear sign of model legislation, likely originating from an environmental group such as Clean Air Future. All three bills would require a 75-foot setback for propane tanks located within 500 feet of schools or daycare facilities.

### The Data Argument The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) and the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) maintain an incident database that shows zero school-proximity propane incidents in the last 20 years under the current 25-foot NFPA 58 standard. Committee hearings are scheduled for May 14 in New York, May 28 in Illinois, and June 2 in California. Approximately 2,400 commercial accounts — including restaurants, laundromats, churches, and retail shops — currently operate within the 25-75 foot zone, often sharing blocks with schools.

Business Impact

The NPGA estimates a potential annual revenue loss of $180 million to $240 million across these three states. For individual marketers operating in downtown or suburban territories, losing 15-30 commercial accounts could mean $45,000 to $240,000 in lost revenue per company. Current bill language offers no transition period. If even one state passes this legislation, expect 5-10 copycat bills to emerge in other states within a year.

Key Takeaways

• Identical language signals a coordinated national campaign — this issue will spread.
• Zero incidents in 20 years is the industry's strongest argument.
• If one bill passes, 5-10 copycats will likely follow within 12 months.
• Legislative testimony and direct constituent contact with representatives are currently the highest-impact actions.

Competitive Advantage

Companies that actively engage in the legislative fight build community trust and government relationships that offer long-term benefits. When you demonstrate to a customer that you fought to preserve their service, that creates loyalty no discount can buy.