Strategic Propane Reserve

On February 16, 2023, Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced legislation that directs the Department of Energy and Energy Information Administration (EIA) to study the feasibility and effectiveness of establishing a national strategic propane reserve. This legislation would not create a specific propane reserve. Instead, it requires research into the possible benefits and concerns of establishing a propane reserve. Congressional interest in a potential propane reserve is not new, as Senator Al Franken (D-MN) introduced similar legislation following the 2013/2014 winter that would have required DOE to conduct a study to “mitigate future [propane] supply shocks.”

The National Propane Gas Association secured key changes in this legislation to include: having EIA involved with the study so it would be data-focused and not political, considerations of alternatives to a national reserve, and ensuring the propane industry is engaged in the development of the study.

This legislation was referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, which has yet to indicate when or if this legislation will be considered. A copy of this legislation can be viewed HERE.

If you have any questions, please reach out to NPGA’s Legislative Affairs Manager, Andrew Healey, at [email protected].