Saint Paul, MN— Rep. Dan Fabian, R-Roseau, and Rep. Deb Kiel, R-Crookston, are among the House Republicans leading an effort to keep propane supplies moving to the point of demand for home heating and grain drying this harvest season.
Members of the GOP Rural Caucus on Wednesday co-signed a letter to Gov. Mark Dayton, requesting that he issue an executive order temporarily waiving hours of service regulations for transporters of propane and anhydrous ammonia. The governor issued a similar order in 2013, when late-maturing crops and other factors teamed to choke the propane supply chain that fall.
“The availability of propane is important for heating our homes and the agriculture industry,” said Rep. Fabian. “That’s why we are urging Governor Dayton to issue an executive order similar to 2013, helping get propane to the folks who need it.”
“Four years ago, Governor Dayton saw the need for an executive order to help ease a propane supply emergency, and we hope he will take similar action once again,” added Rep. Kiel. “This could help stave off a crisis, ensuring folks can heat their homes and farmers can dry their grain.”
This year’s situation does not appear as dire, but several constituents reported that shortages in surrounding states are causing dealers to turn to Minnesota for supplies, straining our state’s resources. Haulers have had to wait in line for up to six hours to load their trucks, time which cuts into their allotted hours of service behind the wheel.
Industry representatives requested an hours of service waiver from Dayton’s administration last week, but were denied, with the rationale that it is not yet an emergency situation. House Republicans say they would rather act now and not wait for this year’s cold, wet conditions to breed another crisis.
House Republicans are asking for the executive order to be effective this week and extend through the Thanksgiving weekend.