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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah. Gov Spencer Cox issued an emergency executive order late last week that temporarily suspends federal regulations related to liquid petroleum gas deliveries, citing high demand and long lines at loading facilities during cold weather conditions.
"We're seeing long lines at loading facilities," he said, in a statement. "This order will give drivers the flexibility they need to deliver propane safely and give consumers propane when they need it most."
The order temporarily lifts federal restrictions under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, specifically limits on the hours drivers may be on the road every day. The federal limit is 11 hours per day, or up to 14 hours if there are adverse conditions.
The document notes that Cox has the power to temporarily do this in the case of emergency relief, which the governor argues is the case right now.
It states that Utah plays "an important role" in delivering propane supplies not just to residents in the state but to neighboring states, as well. However, "freezing temperatures and extreme weather conditions" across the region this month have hindered propane deliveries. There's a drop in propane production to boot, the document adds.
This, Cox says, is leading to "long lines" at loading facilities and is causing drivers to "travel hundreds of miles out of route" to deliver propane to Utahns and residents of neighboring states during the cold stretch.
The measure only applies to propane deliveries and expires within 30 days, unless the Utah Legislature extends the state of emergency.
