Utah's emergency order to help propane shortage amid harsh winter conditions
In an executive order signed Tuesday, the governor said the sudden spike in demand has depleted supplies in Utah and neighboring states
Liquid propane drips from the end of a filler hose after Nick Dykstra, a liquid fuels technician with Michlig Energy Ltd., topped off his delivery truck from a 30,000 gallon propane storage tank in Manlius, Illinois, U.S., on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014.
(Daniel Acker / Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Governor Spencer Cox has declared liquid petroleum gas emergency and signed an order to help speed up the distribution of propane amid freezing temperatures and road closures due to weather conditions.
In an executive order signed Tuesday, Cox said the sudden spike in demand has depleted supplies in Utah and neighboring states. Supply points are also experiencing power outages creating long wait times for truck loading.
Federal regulations limit the number of hours drivers can work to deliver liquid petroleum gas. Cox's order will suspend those rules to allow more propane to be delivered in the state while continuing to protect driver safety.
"We can’t afford the kinds of delivery delays we’re seeing and we need to allow private sector solutions to occur," said Cox in a written statement. "This limited emergency declaration will help us get through this crisis."
Carrier companies under Executive Order 2022-001 are not allowed to "require or allow an ill or fatigued driver to operate a motor vehicle." A driver who notifies the carrier that they need immediate rest shall be given at least ten consecutive hours off-duty before required to return to service in accordance with federal law.
The order is effective for the next 30 days.