RELEASE: MBEF Applauds Bipartisan Focus on Propane Shortage
Gov, AG, and State Legislators Continue to Express Commitment to Solution
Jefferson City, MO – Today, Governor Jay Nixon announced $15 million in assistance for low-income residents struggling to afford steep propane prices. Combined with previous efforts from Attorney General Chris Koster, MO House Speaker Tim Jones (R – Eureka) and Sen. Mike Parson (R – Bolivar) to address potential price gouging, Missourians for a Balanced Energy Future expressed encouragement from the bipartisan attention to the critical issue.
“It’s not often we see so much consensus from Democrats and Republicans, but as Missourians face yet another round of harsh winter weather, it’s encouraging that both sides are coming together from different levels of government to address this propane crisis,” MBEF Executive Director Irl Scissors said.
Scissors went on to say, “Particularly, today’s announcement of energy assistance from Governor Nixon is surely welcome news for families currently struggling to heat their homes and put food on the table. “
For several weeks Missouri newspapers have been peppered with headlines about the current propane shortage that faces the entire country and the impact its had on local communities and families.
In that time, Sen. Parson called for action early on at the state and federal level to prevent price gouging as propane prices began to skyrocket. Attorney General Koster has moved forward with a full investigation of the situation as well.
Today’s announcement from Governor Nixon is the latest action around the propane crisis and first to address financial assistance for low-income families. House Speaker Tim Jones pledges additional action in the coming weeks.
The propane crisis does share some similarities to warnings offered by MBEF and others to repair Missouri’s aging energy grid before other utility sectors face challenges in delivering energy supplies to consumers.
“It’s a hopeful sign that elected officials are coming together to protect consumers in the face of the propane crisis, but it serves consumers even better to head off the signs of impending crisis before it occurs. We have an impending crisis with the aging electric grid in Missouri and I’m hopeful that utilities and legislators can work together this year to find a solution before it comes to a crisis situation like this,” Scissors said.
Contact: Adrianne Marsh (314) 827-6141
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Missourians For A Balanced Energy Future | moenergyfuture.org |
