What is Propane?

Propane — sometimes known as liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG — is a gas normally compressed and stored as a liquid. It is nontoxic, colorless, and virtually odorless; an identifying odor is added so it can be detected. When used as vehicle fuel, propane is known as propane autogas. Propane is most commonly used for home and water heating, for cooking, and as fuel for engine applications such as forklifts, mowers, generators, and irrigation engines. However, its applications are rapidly growing due to new technology developments.

Is Propane Dangerous to the Environment?

No. Propane is an approved, clean fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act of 1992 and is one of the cleanest burning of all fossil fuels. Tests conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency show that propane-fueled vehicles produce 30 percent to 90 percent less carbon monoxide and about 50 percent fewer toxins and other smog-producing emissions than gasoline engines. Propane also is nontoxic, so it’s not harmful to soil or water.

Who Uses Propane?

  • Propane is used by millions of Americans each day.
  • People use propane in and around their homes for furnaces, water heaters, air conditioners, outdoor grills, fireplaces, and appliances.
  • On farms, propane-fueled equipment and technologies control pests, dry crops, and power irrigation pumps. Industrial uses include propane-driven forklifts and fleet vehicles.
  • Millions of commercial establishments, including restaurants and hotels, depend on propane for heating, cooking, and other uses.

Is Propane Convenient to Use?

Yes. Up to 56,000 miles of pipeline and more than 6,000 retail dealer locations make propane readily available throughout the United States. Because propane is stored in portable tanks, it can also be used in areas beyond gas mains.

To fuel homes, large tanks can be buried underground because propane is a nontoxic, nonpoisonous fuel that doesn’t contaminate aquifers or soil. Refueling a propane vehicle takes about the same time as refueling a gasoline vehicle. And propane is the only alternative fuel with fueling stations located in every state.

Propane is a safe and environmentally friendly fuel that is available now and widely used throughout the United States in homes, on farms, on the road, and in industrial and commercial operations.