HARRISBURG – Gov. Edward G. Rendell signed an emergency declaration on Thursday to ease deliveries of propane and heating fuels during the current cold snap.
The governor’s declaration waives the normal federal hours of service requirements for drivers of trucks carrying propane gas and heating fuel. Drivers usually must take a mandatory rest period after 11 hours behind the wheel. Under the declaration, the limit is extended to 14 hours.
The propone and heating fuel industries sought relief from the limits to help ease the logistical challenges posed by severe weather conditions across much of the northeastern United States.
The declaration is in force until Jan. 21.