U.P. lawmakers release statement on ongoing propane crisis

There’s no end in sight for Michigan’s propane shortage, and as a result Upper Peninsula lawmakers released a public service announcement Friday regarding the crisis.

“According to the Michigan Public Service Commission, propane inventories in the U.P. are 43 percent below last year’s level, and this is causing major problems for our districts,” State Representative John Kivela (D-Marquette) said in a press release. “My fellow U.P. legislators and I are doing all we can to make sure residents are informed of the issue and taking the necessary actions to stay warm.”

In a video released to the public, the legislators–Kivela, fellow State Representatives Scott Dianda (D-Calumet) and Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan), State Senator Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba), and Governor Rick Snyder’s northern Michigan district director Dave Nyberg–voice their awareness of the issue.

They suggest ways of dealing with the propane crisis:  calling 211 for heating assistance, checking on neighbors, and donating to local food banks.

“The U.P. is someplace special because of its sense of community,” Kivela said. “And as a community, we need to do everything we can do to ensure one another’s safety.”

They are unsure of how long the propane crisis will continue, and are asking U.P. residents to conserve as much fuel as possible during the propane crisis.

To watch the public service announcement, click here.