Governors Write To Obama Over Propane Shortage

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and six other governors are writing to President Obama asking for help in addressing the propane shortage and price increases.

They are asking for the administration to help increase propane supplies through "every means of transport."

They encouraged Obama to consider regulatory waivers aimed at increasing supplies and hoped the Small Business Administration would ease loan requirements to help communities respond to the shortage.

The letter also said they wanted to explore actions to improve supply stability in future years.

The letter dated Tuesday was sent through the Midwest Governor's Association, of which Dayton is chair. The other governors are Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton, Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

Snyder, in December, declared a State of Energy Emergency in Michigan's Upper Peninsula due to the shortage.  That order allows drivers to exceed the number of hours and consecutive days they can transport propane in Michigan due to a temporary shortage of the fuel in some parts of the UP.

Propane is commonly used for heating homes in rural areas not served by natural gas.

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