Ethanol Blog

STREATOR, Ill. (DTN) -- Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton signed an emergency order Oct. 24 waiving the federal motor carriers hours of service rule for motor carriers and drivers transporting propane to ensure deliveries of the heating fuel this winter.

"Due to the late planting and maturing of corn crops in Minnesota, the propane industry is experiencing a distribution network shortage across the state, causing propane marketers to curtail deliveries to farmers due to transportation limitations," the Governor's order read.

Per the order, localized terminal shortages are causing drivers to travel further to acquire product for marketers and farmers. Also exacerbating the situation, the pipeline system that provides propane to Minnesota also services Iowa, Nebraska and Wisconsin where corn harvest is underway.

"Long lines at terminals in southern Minnesota and drivers traveling longer distances to acquire product has depleted the available duty hours in accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations," the governor's order stated.

Dayton signed Emergency Executive Order 14-17, delivering emergency relief from regulations incorporated in Minnesota Statutes, section 221.0314, subdivision 9, pertaining to hours of service for motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance in emergency relief efforts.

"The Emergency Executive Order will help increase propane supplies across Minnesota, improving access for farmers during the autumn harvest and enhancing the state's preparedness for the winter heating season," a news release from the governor's office said.

Myke Feinman can be reached at myke.feinman@dtn.com

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