Senate passes aiding transport of home heating fuels

The Senate passed a bill Wednesday that would help states with home heating fuel shortages by relaxing transportation regulations.

{mosads}Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) introduced S. 2086, the Reliable Home Heating Act, which would direct the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to extend emergency rules allowing the increased transportation of heating oil, natural gas and propane until May 31.

Congress has allowed more fuels to be transported this year because several states ran low on home heating fuels after extremely cold weather this winter.

The bill also would require the Energy Information Administration (EIA) to notify states if certain petroleum reserves fall below historical averages.

The Senate passed the bill through a unanimous consent agreement, sending it to the House for further action.