U.S. Representatives Jackie Walorski (IN-02) and Greg Pence (IN-06) Thursday led the Republican members of the Indiana House Delegation in urging the Biden Administration to take action to address rising propane prices and prevent an energy crisis for Hoosier families in the upcoming winter months.
“As winter fast approaches, projected price increases in critical fuels, such as propane, will make it more expensive to heat our homes and small businesses. Actions taken by this administration to curb domestic production of natural gas and oil are exacerbating already low propane fuel inventories while businesses and consumers are struggling to make ends meet under skyrocketing inflation,” the members wrote. “On behalf of our constituents across the state of Indiana, we request information from your departments on actions you are taking to address low propane fuel inventories.”
In a letter to Biden department heads, the members sounded the alarm on the impact of the projected propane shortages and skyrocketing costs for Hoosier families and small businesses. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects propane to be 54 percent higher this year, and that propane households in Midwest states could spend an average of $1,805 to heat their home during this winter, a 69 percent increase over the previous year.
“For working Americans, energy price hikes are a direct consequence of this Administration’s continued attacks on American energy production. Instead of relying on domestic energy production, President Biden has outsourced that responsibility to adversarial countries that do not maintain similar environmental standards, surrendering critical foundations underpinning America’s economic security,” they continued.
In addition to Congresswoman Walorski and Congressman Pence, signers include Reps. Jim Banks (IN-03), James Baird (IN-04), Victoria Spartz (IN-05), Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08), and Trey Hollingsworth (IN-09).
Read their full letter HERE or below.
November 4, 2021
The Honorable Jennifer Granholm The Honorable Pete Buttigieg
Secretary Secretary
U.S. Department of Energy U.S. Department Transportation
1000 Independence Ave, SW 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, D.C. 20585 Washington, D.C. 20590
The Honorable Tom Vilsack The Honorable Gina Raimondo
Secretary Secretary
U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Commerce
1400 Independence Avenue, SW 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20250 Washington, D.C. 20230
Dear Secretary Granholm, Secretary Buttigieg, Secretary Vilsack, and Secretary Raimondo:
We write to express serious concern regarding the impact that the ongoing energy crisis will have on hardworking Hoosier families. As winter fast approaches, projected price increases in critical fuels, such as propane, will make it more expensive to heat our homes and small businesses. Actions taken by this Administration to curb domestic production of natural gas and oil are exacerbating already low propane fuel inventories while businesses and consumers are struggling to make ends meet under skyrocketing inflation. On behalf of our constituents across the state of Indiana, we request information from your departments on actions you are taking to address low propane fuel inventories and curb the impact of expected price increases.
Retail energy prices for several fuels have already reached their highest point in several years, a trend that is projected to continue. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects propane to be 54 percent higher on average compared to the previous year. They are also forecasting propane households in Midwest states could spend an average of $1,805 to heat their home during this winter, a 69 percent increase over the previous year. These expenses will hit lower-income families the hardest, forcing hardworking Hoosier families to make difficult financial decisions on everyday household necessities.
For working Americans, energy price hikes are a direct consequence of this Administration’s continued attacks on American energy production. Instead of relying on domestic energy production, President Biden has outsourced that responsibility to adversarial countries that do not maintain similar environmental standards, surrendering critical foundations underpinning America’s economic security. Expanded opportunities for reliable fossil fuel production will provide needed relief to U.S. producers and consumers so Hoosiers and all Americans can access adequate supplies of propane during the winter months.
In light of this urgent issue, we request an update on your departments’ specific actions to prevent the worst impacts of a propane fuel shortage. American energy independence is critical to our competitiveness and access to abundant, affordable energy is key to our prosperity. We appreciate your prompt attention to this pressing issue and look forward to hearing how the Administration plans to ensure our constituents have access to affordable propane this winter.
