SAINT PAUL, MN—The Rural Propane Relief Act, a bill chief-authored by Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Dave Baker, R-Willmar, passed Wednesday as a part of the
omnibus House Job Growth and Energy Affordability bill. Baker serves as the Vice Chair of the Job Growth and Energy Affordability Committee. The bill passed with bipartisan support 73-56.
Baker's bill is aimed at expanding access and increasing the affordability of propane in Greater Minnesota. The bill will provide incentives to companies who expand natural gas infrastructure in rural areas, allocates $300,000 to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and helps the state purchase propane supply during the summer, instead of winter when prices tend to rise dramatically.
"As we've seen in the past, a propane shortage can have a dramatic effect on the pocketbooks of families in Greater Minnesota," Baker said. "This bill will help drive down the cost of propane and help prevent future shortages by letting families plan ahead so they can save money on propane during the cold winter months. I'm proud of this bill, and of the work done on the Job Growth & Energy Affordability committee to help grow jobs, train our workforce, and make energy cleaner & cheaper for families."
The bill also includes incentives for propane vehicles, which produce even less pollution that gas-powered vehicles.
"Representative Baker has been a leader as the Vice Chair of the Job Growth and Energy Affordability Committee, fighting for the priorities and energy policies that will help families in Greater Minnesota," added Rep. Pat Garofalo, Chair of the Job Growth and Energy Affordability Committee. "His propane provisions will go a long way toward preventing a future propane crisis for families who rely on propane to heat their homes."
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