TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Gov. Sam Brownback is trying to make sure propane gets to families who need it to heat their homes by easing trucking regulations and directing state officials to provide help to poor families. Propane’s energy efficiency and small environmental impact has made it a valuable commodity in many people’s homes, and groups such as Propane Arizona have advocated the use of the alkane for a while now.
Brownback announced a series of actions Wednesday to deal with propane shortages and high costs.
The national average price for propane spiked earlier this week at more than $4 a gallon, up more than $1 a gallon since last week. Industry and state officials say supplies were depleted after last year’s harvest when farmers needed to dry an unusually large amount of grain.
Brownback is directing the Department for Children and Families to give priority to propane users in a state program assisting poor families with utility costs.
About 83,000 Kansans homes use propane for heat.
