Smith and Peterson Call for Action on Propane Shortages

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Congressman Collin Peterson (D-MN) today sent a letter to President Obama asking for immediate action to address the national propane shortage. More than 70 Members of Congress joined the Smith-Peterson effort by cosigning the bipartisan letter.

“Any further reduction in supply threatens to leave many Americans without the fuel necessary to heat homes, businesses, and livestock and poultry operations,” Smith and Peterson wrote. “We ask that you take immediate action to help improve this dire situation and are prepared to help find responsible solutions.”

“We commend Congressmen Peterson and Smith for leading this crucial effort. It is clear the quick action of our representatives played a key role in emergency federal orders for priority propane shipments. Pipeline regulators signaled their response to significant concerns from House and Senate pressure. Congress stepped up and extended a lifeline of support to secure propane for barns to keep animals warm and family homes safe in isolated farmland areas – for that we are grateful,” said National Turkey Federation president Joel Brandenberger.

The shortage of propane has resulted in price spikes across the country including Nebraska. Click here to view a PDF copy of the letter, the complete text is available below.

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President Barack Obama

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

We understand the current propane market supply issue causing shortages in many regions of the country is a complex situation with a number of contributing factors which cannot be ignored. Now, with more than twenty states making disaster declarations, we write to express our sincere interest in seeking solutions to the predicament.

Several factors are contributing to the current price increases and supply shortages, including a large, wet harvest, unseasonably cold weather, and transport disruptions. With extremely cold weather conditions likely to persist, many of our constituents are on the verge of a potentially dangerous situation with few options. Any further reduction in supply threatens to leave many Americans without the fuel necessary to heat homes, businesses, and livestock and poultry operations. Given the importance of this situation to consumers, we urge you to do everything in your power to address this problem without delay.

We ask that you take immediate action to help improve this dire situation and are prepared to help find responsible solutions. Thank you for your consideration, and we look forward to hearing from you regarding options to alleviate the propane fuel supply shortage and assisting in any way possible.

Sincerely,

Adrian Smith

Member of Congress

Collin Peterson

Member of Congress