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

The Situation

Lawmakers in NY, CA, and IL introduced nearly identical bills tripling propane tank setbacks near schools from 25 to 75 feet. The identical language points to a coordinated national campaign — and zero incident data supports the change.

The Facts

Coordinated Attack

NY S.4891, CA AB-2217, and IL HB-3304 use near-identical language — a clear sign of model legislation, likely from environmental group Clean Air Future. All three would require 75-foot setbacks for tanks within 500 feet of schools or daycare facilities.

The Data Argument

PERC and NPGA's incident database shows zero school-proximity propane incidents in 20 years under the current 25-foot NFPA 58 standard. Committee hearings: NY May 14, IL May 28, CA June 2. Approximately 2,400 commercial accounts sit in the 25-75 foot zone — restaurants, laundromats, churches, retail shops sharing blocks with schools.

Business Impact

NPGA estimates $180M-$240M in annual revenue at risk across three states. For individual marketers with downtown/suburban territories, losing 15-30 commercial accounts means $45K-$240K in revenue per company — with zero transition period in current bill language. If one state passes, expect 5-10 copycat bills within a year.

Key Takeaways

• Identical language = coordinated national campaign — this will spread
• Zero incidents in 20 years is the industry's strongest argument
• If one passes, 5-10 copycats follow within 12 months
• Legislative testimony and direct rep contact are highest-impact now

Competitive Advantage

Companies that lead the legislative fight build community trust and government relationships that pay off long after this specific bill. When you tell a customer you fought for their service, that's retention no discount can buy.