With U.S. propane stocks reaching critical lows, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) joined a bipartisan group of 29 Senators calling on President Obama to use executive authorities, provided by law, to help mitigate the impact of the national propane shortage.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Association (EIA), U.S. propane reserves are nearing their lowest point in more than five years, with the latest EIA report indicating a 43.8 percent decrease in the amount of available propane from the same point in 2013.
“As temperatures continue to drop well below freezing, the stock of available propane and other heating sources has become dangerously low. This means limited availability and higher prices for many Ohio families and small businesses,” Brown said. “The president should take additional action to help provide relief during this shortage by enabling the transportation of propane to areas throughout the country experiencing shortages. This relief would help lower costs and increase supply to help Ohioans weather the remaining weeks of winter.”
In response to Ohio’s severe winter weather and shortage of propane, a statewide energy emergency declaration is in effect through Feb. 16, 2014. Commercial drivers hauling heating oil and propane are now able to remain on the road longer in order to accelerate the delivery to all Ohioans.
Brown’s request to the president would build upon the state declaration by freeing up all available means of propane distribution through the use of interstate pipelines, as well as increased access to rail, water, and road transportation.
In January, Brown joined U.S. Sens. Jack Reed (D-RI) and Susan Collins (R-ME) in urging the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to release all remaining funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in response to increased home heating prices caused, in part, by the national propane shortage. Following their letter, HHS announced that all additional LIHEAP funding would be distributed to States to help families meet their winter heating bills.