Texas is open for business to help relieve national propane shortage
As severe winter weather pummels much of the country, propane supplies across the United States are running low. However, Texas is in a unique position to help people across the country who rely on propane to heat their homes. States as far as away as Maine have requested help from the Lone Star State — which produces two thirds of the nation’s propane supply, and houses the world’s largest propane storage facility.
“Texas has the fuel, but motor carriers from other states could not get supplies from Texas, because they were not licensed and certified to enter our state,” said Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) Executive Director Bill Van Hoy.
To help alleviate this problem, Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst swiftly signed a declaration of emergency. The declaration of emergency lends a much needed hand to states affected by propane shortages by waiving the licensing and rules prohibiting other states from tapping into Texas’ abundant propane supply. Additionally, the Texas Department of Public Safety came to the affected states' aid by waiving limits on hours of service in Texas to fuel carriers aiding in emergency relief.
“With these Texas leaders’ help, Northeastern, Midwestern and Southern states to the North can rest at ease that relief is on the way,” said Van Hoy. Propane shortages caused by increased fuel usage have affected more than 33 states, from Oklahoma to Maine.
Propane is a clean burning, domestically produced fuel that heats more than 7 million homes across the United States. Propane heating systems generate fewer harmful emissions and greenhouse gases than electric heating systems, and propane is an approved alternative fuel recognized by the Clean Air Act of 1990.
About the Texas Propane Gas Association
Founded in 1944, the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) is an entity created to promote, protect and encourage the growth of the propane gas industry in the state of Texas. TPGA is comprised of retail marketers, distribution companies, producers, equipment suppliers, manufacturers and other leaders in the LP-Gas industry. For more information about TPGA, or the advantages of choosing propane, visit www.txpropane.com.
Bill Van Hoy | 512.431.9417 | bvanhoy@txpropane.com
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