Propane Shortage Prompts Gov. To Declare State of Emergency

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has declared a state of emergency because of a severe shortage of propane and other home heating fuels statewide.

Dayton issued the emergency order Monday. The order calls on the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to activate the Minnesota Emergency Operations Plan.

State agencies also will be directed to help local governments respond to and recover from the emergency.

Minnesota's adjutant general also will be able to order any military forces to active duty to provide emergency relief.

Dayton also instructed Minnesota's commerce commissioner to use his consumer protection authority to help guard Minnesotans from price gouging.

The governor plans to meet with propane industry suppliers Tuesday to discuss the shortage and how to improve Minnesota's propane supply.