500 E. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, S.D.57501
(605) 773-3212
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009
CONTACT: Terry Woster, (605) 773-3178
EXECUTIVE ORDER ISSUED TO DEAL WITH PROPANE SHORTAGE
PIERRE, S.D. – Due to extremely low inventories and widespread outages of propane in South Dakota, Gov. Mike Rounds has issued an executive order to continue expedited commercial agricultural propane deliveries for the next several days.
“Propane demand for agricultural purposes is strong this fall because of the wet weather, and it’s imperative that supplies keep up with demand,” Gov. Rounds said. “Farmers have bumper crops this year, and we must make sure they have all the propane they need to dry those crops and adequately preserve the harvest.”
The Governor’s executive order declares a state of emergency and exempts agricultural propane deliveries from federal motor carrier regulations on drivers’ hours of service. The order expires at midnight, Dec. 5, 2009.
Although hours of service have been temporarily suspended for commercial propane deliveries, propane transport companies may not require or allow fatigued drivers to make deliveries, Gov. Rounds said.
The executive order, issued Tuesday, extends an earlier order that was due to expire Nov. 29.
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