Western Propane Gas Association Sponsors Legislation to Promote Renewable Propane Energy for California Buildings

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 13, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Western Propane Gas Association today announced it is sponsoring legislation that would establish a program to provide financial incentives for the production of renewable propane ? a critical energy source to help California reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from commercial and residential buildings.

Assembly Bill 1559 (O'Donnell) ? the Innovative Renewable Energy for Buildings Act of 2021?
would require the California Energy Commission to establish and implement a program to provide financial incentives for the production of renewable propane, including blends with renewable hydrogen or renewable dimethyl ether, that is used as an energy source for buildings in California.

While California is moving toward a renewable energy future, much of the state's investment for renewable energy generation is focused on its public utilities' electrical grid. WPGA estimates there are currently about 600,000 households who are off-grid and rely on propane.

"AB 1559 addresses this problem by fixing a number of blind spots in the state's energy policy," said Joy Alafia, WPGA's president. "By incentivizing production of renewable propane, California will be able to ensure these primarily rural communities have access to renewable energy and are able to participate in the state's GHG reduction initiatives."

Not only is renewable propane derived from such sustainable energy sources as animal fat and vegetable oils, but if offers a convenient, affordable and effective way for many communities to achieve carbon neutrality for energy used to heat homes, heat water, and generate electricity. Renewable propane also offers the added benefit of providing clean energy during emergencies, blackouts and when solar energy runs out. The bill will also net new jobs for California. It's estimated producers of renewable propane would also create 100+ new career paying jobs in the state.

WPGA has set an ambitious goal to provide California with a 100-percent renewable propane by 2030 to support the state's climate change goals.

"California's residential propane energy needs could be satisfied with 100% renewable propane as early as 2025, providing 1.42 million tonnes of GHG emission reductions annually, the equivalent of taking 338,700 cars off the road every year," Alafia said. "This bill would be instrumental in transforming building energy and provide one of the fastest paths for decarbonization."

Alafia commended Assemblyman Patrick O'Donnell (D-Long Beach) for authoring AB 1559, which recognizes that California requires a diverse package of renewable energy sources to achieve its GHG reduction goals.

"I introduced AB 1559 because I am committed to doing everything possible to start addressing climate change now," O'Donnell said. "Embracing alternative renewable energy sources such as next-generation propane is essential if we are truly serious about reducing greenhouse gas emissions."

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About the Western Propane Gas Association (WPGA)
The Western Propane Gas Association is a trade and membership service organization that represents propane marketers throughout California. Founded in 1949, the association has grown in its influence while maintaining its core principles of education and safety. The association's primary purpose is to maintain high standards of practice within the industry, and in so doing, protect and expand the ability of its members to compete in the marketplace. http://www.westernpga.org

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SOURCE Western Propane Gas Association (WPGA)