Rep. Zorn offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 303.  

            A resolution to urge the United States Department of Energy to prohibit the export of domestic propane into the world market until inventories meeting national needs are secured.

            Whereas, In one of the coldest winters in recent times, many people who use propane as a heating fuel are shivering in their homes unable to locate a supply of propane. When propane supplies are available, the fuel's current exorbitant price prevents households from fully filling their tanks. Thirty-six percent of homes in the Midwest depend on propane for heating fuel. Many of these households are in rural areas and consist of elderly persons. They are being pushed to their limits, faced with subzero temperatures amidst a severe propane shortage; and

            Whereas, Data from the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) illustrate the dire situation confronting people who depend on propane. According to the EIA, national propane stocks were 45 percent lower and the average national retail price per gallon was 75 percent higher in January 2014 compared to January 2013. Meanwhile, according to the NWS's weather station in Marquette, Michigan, the average temperature in January 2014 was 5.8 degrees; almost three times lower than it was during January 2013; and

            Whereas, While Americans are struggling, domestically produced propane is being exported out of the country at an alarming rate. Domestic propane production has been steadily rising: production in 2013 was about 40 percent higher than in 2010. Meanwhile, exports of propane in 2013 were triple the amount from 2010. While there may be many reasons for the skyrocketing prices and the short propane supply, increased propane exports is unarguably a contributing factor; and

            Whereas, Government officials have recognized the crisis situation facing Americans who depend on propane for warmth. Michigan's Governor Snyder has declared a state of emergency for propane, as have Governors in Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and other states. The United States Department of Transportation has issued emergency orders that exempt propane transporters from a number of safety regulations. Clearly, the Department of Energy should act. Exports should be stopped until Americans have access to propane at reasonable rates; now therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the United States Department of Energy to prohibit the export of domestic propane into the world market until inventories meeting national needs are secured; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Office of the United States Secretary of Energy, the Office of the Governor of Michigan, and the Chairman of the Michigan Public Service Commission.