Walker: Fuel shortages real issue during brutal winter

HURLEY - Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said Thursday he's working on making sure propane heating fuel gets to state residents.

Walker said at a press conference in Hurley that he has been in contact with Texas Gov. Rick Perry's office about obtaining propane. Walker also said he has issued executive orders waiving weight limits so large amounts of propane can be brought into Wisconsin.

With the temperature about minus-9 degrees in Hurley on what was a typical night for this winter, Walker said, "It's been an extremely cold winter, following a wet fall."

He said he realizes having adequate supplies of fuel is a "real issue" for many Wisconsin residents.

He urged state homeowners to check on their elderly neighbors to make sure that they're not short of fuel.

Earlier on Thursday, Walker said he will gather stakeholders on Monday to discuss the shortage of propane.

He said there is no quick fix to the shortage hitting many regions nationwide and sending prices for propane and natural gas to record highs.

Republican state Sen. Dale Schultz on Wednesday asked Walker to use some of the state's surplus revenues to address the problem, but Walker said more money will not have an impact.

According to the Energy Department, 5.5 million U.S. households heat with propane, mostly in the Midwest and South, The Associated Press reported.