Governor Rick Snyder and other Midwestern governors have asked for federal assistance to help ease a shortage of propane gas.
As we hear from The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Rick Pluta, the governor has also extended Michigan's heating fuel emergency for another week.
The statewide propane emergency is now extended until February 11th. Lower-than-average winter temperatures and winter storms have led to higher demand for propane and spike in the cost of gas.
Michigan is not alone in facing winter fuel shortages. Snyder and six other governors have asked President Obama to lift interstate highway weight restrictions on trucks that carry propane. They also want the Small Business Administration to help out with emergency loans.
Snyder has already lifted many trucking restrictions on state roads to make it easier for trucks to deliver propane. He’s also ordered state agencies to coordinate efforts to help people who need home heating assistance during the cold snap.