H.R. 3949: Propane Accessibility and Regulatory Relief Act

The Propane Accessibility and Regulatory Relief Act aims to modify the regulatory framework surrounding propane tanks in the United States. Specifically, the bill directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to take necessary actions to exempt certain propane tanks from the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) regulations.

Key Provisions

• The legislation will apply to propane tanks that have a capacity of up to 126,000 pounds.
• By exempting these tanks from CFATS regulations, the bill is intended to ease regulatory burdens on propane storage facilities.

Background Information

The CFATS program was established to enhance security at chemical facilities, including those that store significant quantities of hazardous substances, such as propane. The current regulations apply to various facilities and storage types to mitigate the risk of potential terrorist attacks or accidents.

Impact of the Bill

If passed, the bill would potentially reduce the regulatory compliance requirements for facilities that store smaller propane tanks, which could lead to increased accessibility and possibly lower costs associated with propane distribution and storage.

Implementation

The Secretary of Homeland Security would be responsible for implementing the exemption, which may involve a review or modification of current policies regarding propane safety and regulation.

Goal of the Legislation

The primary objective of the Propane Accessibility and Regulatory Relief Act is to facilitate easier access to propane resources by reducing the regulatory footprint for facilities that handle propane, particularly for smaller entities that may face challenges complying with extensive security regulations.

Timeline

The bill was introduced to the House of Representatives on June 12, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Energy and Commerce for further consideration.

Relevant Companies

None found.