The extreme cold weather that has plagued much of the nation recently is causing shortages and interruptions in the availability and delivery of propane as well as other home heating fuels throughout the United States.  The shortages are particularly being felt in the southern states of Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Oklahoma.

In response to the extreme arctic cold weather in those southern states from the polar vortex and the possible continuing effect of the cold on people and property, including an immediate threat to human life or public welfare, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued on Tuesday an Emergency Declaration.  The declaration provides for the regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations while providing direct assistance supporting the delivery of propane and home heating fuels to consumers in the affected areas during the emergency.  Direct assistance terminates when a driver or commercial motor vehicle is used in interstate commerce to transport cargo or provide services not directly supporting the emergency relief effort.

The Emergency Declaration from the U.S. Department of transportation is available by clicking here.