Update on the AGA, APGA and NPGA Petition of the U.S. Supreme Court to take on a Fuel Choice Case and Protect Access to Natural Gas Furnaces.

As a follow up to the Tuesday announcement that AGA, the American Public Gas Association (APGA) and the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) petition of the U.S. Supreme Court to take on a fuel choice case and protect access to natural gas furnaces has been docketed  and can be accessed here.  The Docket Number is 25-879. The Federal Government’s response is due February 23, 2026, and this is also the due date for amicus briefs in support of granting the petition. We will provide updates on its  status as it moves forward.

Energy Star Program Funded in Appropriations Legislation.

Over the past year, there were a number of questions as to whether funding of the EPA Energy Star program that provides incentives for highly efficient gas, electric and oil residential and commercial appliances, equipment and homes would continue or not.Earlier this month, draft language was released in the FY’26 appropriations bill or “Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026“. The draft legislation includes language that specifies that $33 million of the EPA appropriations funds must be used to “carry out” the ENERGY STAR program (see page 302). The bill has passed through both the House and Senate and is awaiting signature from the President. Once signed, the ENERGY STAR program will remain fully operational through September 2026.

State Codes Activity Update.

Attached is a weekly feature of the “Friday Update” covering state code calendar activities as presented by the online utility “Fiscal Note,” which is sponsored by APGA and AGA Code and Standards. Please review the update and determine if there are state code activities that impact your service territory or organization.

The American Gas Association represents more than 200 local energy companies committed to the safe and reliable delivery of clean natural gas to more than 73 million customers throughout the nation.

2026 – 2027 BECS Committee Meeting Schedule

May 13-14, 2026, Portland, Maine Hotel TBD
September 16 -17, 2026, Wilmington, NC Hotel TBD
January 15-16, 2027, Austin, Texas Hotel TBD