Guarnteed Emergency Extension Will Provide Propane Shortage Relief

Press Release

Legislation to relieve the national propane shortage has passed the House of Representatives. The Home Heating Emergency Assistance Through Transportation (HHEATT) Act of 2014, cosponsored by Congressman Kevin Cramer, guarantees an extension of the U.S. Department of Transportation emergency declarations to speed deliveries through May 31, 2014.

"The shortage is affecting many households and businesses in North Dakota. This legislation will build upon the emergency actions already being taken by individual states to ensure families, farms, and other businesses have access to more propane for the rest of the winter," said Cramer.

The U.S. Department of Transportation and many states have issued temporary emergency declarations to waive hours of service requirements for truck drivers hauling propane and other home heating fuels. However, such emergency declarations only last 30 days. The HHEATT Act goes a step further by guaranteeing a longer term extension of the U.S. DOT emergency declarations on the national level to expedite delivery to affected states, including North Dakota.

Last month, Cramer joined a bipartisan coalition of more than 70 lawmakers including Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Kristi Noem (R-SD) in calling on President Obama to address the national propane shortage. Cramer has also requested the House Energy and Commerce Committee hold a hearing on the shortage, potential solutions, and the long term supply outlook in the Midwest.

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