The House Energy and Commerce Committee today expanded its record of success with the House of Representatives’ approval of H.R. 5705, the Propane Education and Research Enhancement Act of 2014. Committee member Bob Latta (R-OH) and Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN) authored the bipartisan legislation, which directs the U.S. Department of Commerce to more accurately calculate consumer propane costs to help prevent future price spikes.
Millions of Americans were forced to pay extreme heating prices last winter due to propane shortages. This bill helps provide relief to families across the country by allowing the propane industry to adequately address supply and pricing issues.
“Last winter, a combination of weather conditions, high demand and infrastructure challenges led to propane shortages in Ohio and throughout the Midwest,” said Latta.“Reduced capacity and the resulting high prices of propane were especially harmful for homeowners, businesses and farmers – placing many of their lives and livelihoods at risk. The Propane Education Research Enhancement Act is one of the many ways we’re working with all parties involved to ensure hardworking American families do not face the same heating challenges in the future, and I thank Chairman Upton and Congressman Walz for their assistance on this bipartisan effort.”
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) added, “Last year’s harsh winter was compounded by propane shortages, driving up heating costs and threatening the livelihoods of families in Michigan and across the Midwest. To prevent a repeat of this disaster, we have been working with states and industry to address the underlying issues to ensure families have access to the affordable energy they need to heat their homes. This bipartisan bill offers a commonsense solution to help mitigate future disruptions, and I thank Rep. Latta and Rep. Walz for their leadership on this important issue.”
The Propane Education and Research Enhancement Act of 2014 clarifies Congress’ intent in the Propane Education and Research Act (PERA), requiring the Department of Commerce to use proper data to calculate consumer prices. It would also allow the Propane Education and Research Council to improve training for distributors and consumers to help mitigate the negative effects of propane prices spikes.
