Baldwin calls for moderating propane exports in light of shortage

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin today called on President Obama to curb propane exports in response to a shortage of the fuel affecting Midwestern states.

In a letter to the president, Baldwin, D-Madison, writes that regional shortages have reached critical levels and that prices have skyrocketed over the last month, putting "terrible pressure on families and businesses alike."

"While many factors have contributed to the severity of this shortage, the rate of propane exports more than doubled over the past year," Baldwin wrote. "In the past two months alone, exports have increased by more than 120,000 barrels per day."

She urged the president to use his authority under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 to "take action immediately to moderate exports to ensure American consumers have the fuel they need to keep warm through this winter."