99 -- SBA proposes to increase size standards for Heating Oil Dealers and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Bottled Gas) Dealers industries.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has proposed revising the size standards for two specific industries: Heating Oil Dealers (NAICS code 454311) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Bottled Gas) Dealers (NAICS code 454312). Currently, the size standards are based on average annual receipts—$11.5 million for Heating Oil Dealers and $6.5 million for Bottled Gas Dealers. The SBA's proposal would change these standards to a size limit of 50 employees for both industries. This adjustment comes in response to significant and unpredictable fluctuations in heating oil and propane prices, which have made revenue-based standards less reliable for assessing business size. By shifting to an employee-based measure, the SBA aims to establish a more stable and consistent criterion for defining small businesses in these sectors. The proposed changes are open for public comment until November 30, 2007, with feedback being submitted through regulations.gov, using specific document and docket identification numbers provided by the SBA. The proposal is intended to improve accuracy in determining small business eligibility for SBA programs within these energy-related dealer industries. Carl G Jordan, a Program Analyst with the SBA's Office of Size Standards, is listed as the point of contact for this rulemaking effort. This move highlights the agency’s responsiveness to market dynamics and its commitment to refining standards that reflect current industry conditions.