Sen. Leo Jaramillo, far left, and Rep. Susan Herrera, sponsors of SB-141, celebrate its passage by the House and Senate along with Rep. Roger Montoya. Courtesy photo

BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com

Senate Bill 141, a bill providing an emergency exception for who may fill liquid propane gas containers during an emergency for the purpose of heating, cooling or refrigeration is on its way to the governor’s desk for signature.

Sponsored by Sen. Leo Jaramillo and Rep. Susan K. Herrera, the bill passed the House 62-1 and the Senate 32-5.

“The days of New Mexicans worrying about having reliable access to heat in winter months need to be behind us. With this bill, our state can be proactive in making sure not another New Mexican is left in the cold,” Senator Jaramillo said.

Jaramillo became concerned during a cold snap in December when some of his constituents only had 5 percent of their tanks filled. Currently, if a resident leases their tank from the gas provider, they are not allowed to have a competing propane company fill the tank, even if their regular provider can’t fill it. Hundreds of families were affected during the December emergency.

“When this bill is enacted, state officials will be able to directly coordinate with propane suppliers to make sure New Mexicans can have safe, reliable access to hear,” Jaramillo said.