Governor Phil Murphy has declared that New Jersey would enter a state of emergency, which began at 9:00 a.m. on Dec. 12, due to anticipated impacts on the delivery of propane for home and commercial heating purposes caused by a service disruption at a major propane distribution plant in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania.
Executive Order No. 408 allows for a statewide exemption on hours-of-service regulations concerning the transportation of residential heating fuel.
“As temperatures continue to drop, ensuring that every person has access to a safe, warm environment is essential,” said Gov. Murphy. “I am declaring a state of emergency to ensure that the approximately 186,000 New Jerseyans who rely on propane for home heating purposes can receive it without interruption. This executive order expands delivery capabilities to keep homes heated and families secure.”
“It’s important for New Jersey consumers to know there is no shortage of propane fuel. Rather, the current state of emergency is due to a week-long closure of a major propane distribution facility which has resulted in dramatically longer wait times and traveling further distances to access supply,” the New Jersey Propane Gas Association said in a statement regarding current marketplace conditions.
“U.S. Department of Transportation regulations limit how many hours drivers are allowed to work per day and per week. Governor Murphy’s targeted action is providing the necessary flexibility to help address this supply chain disruption.”
Under a federal waiver available during a declared state of emergency, the maximum driving time for operators of commercial motor carriers transporting propane is extended from 11 hours to 14 hours, with 10 consecutive hours of off-duty time required between driving time.
The executive order will be in effect until it is determined that an emergency no longer exists.
Gov. Murphy encourages New Jerseyans who may be impacted to visit ready.nj.gov for important updates and safety information, and NJ211 for information on resources and warming centers.
