I want to personally thank Rep. Peggy Bennett for her hard work and strong support for improving propane affordability and accessibility in Greater Minnesota.

It appears we will avoid the propane crunches of previous years this harvest season, but changes are needed to ensure a stable supply for the long haul.

The House passed legislation this year expanding access and increasing the affordability of propane, which is especially helpful in Greater Minnesota. One provision provided tax credits to people who pre-purchase their propane supplies in bulk during warmer months, instead of in winter when supplies get tighter and prices can increase dramatically. Another measure exempted propane storage tanks larger than 100 gallons and their accompanying equipment from sales tax.

Unfortunately, the insistence of some to raise the gasoline tax ultimately stalled the House proposals that would have provided significant propane relief for Minnesotans. While these proposals did not ultimately pass, I’m glad we are able to continue providing pre-purchase help for some propane customers through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program.

It is good this growing season has been conducive to early maturity of crops and cooperative weather likely will lessen the stress placed on our propane supply. But that is not always the case and we need to do even more to level out the supply and protect consumers. Rep. Bennett and I both look forward to continuing this discussion as we revisit this subject during the 2016 legislative session.

 

Rep. Paul Anderson

Chairman

House Agriculture Policy Committee