(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today applauded Texas officials, including Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, for waiving Texas licensing, permitting and certification requirements regarding liquefied petroleum gas trucks and operators. The action by Perry and Dewhurst will help expedite the transport of propane to Midwest states during the frigid winter months.
"After asking Texas officials yesterday for the waiver, I was pleased to learn of their quick action to assist Iowans and Midwest states with the shortage of propane," said Branstad.
Branstad and Reynolds spoke to Gov. Perry and Lt. Gov. Dewhurst's staff yesterday by phone and asked that Texas consider waiving the requirements. Lt. Gov. Dewhurst signed the proclamation as Gov. Perry is out of the country.
"Governor Perry and Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst's willingness to help Iowans is tremendous and the impact is very helpful," said Reynolds. "This action will help propane suppliers keep up with the demand."
In addition, the governor and lt. governor were pleased to learn the U.S. Department of Transportation established a regional emergency declaration suspending the regulatory provisions pertaining to hours of service for drivers of commercial motor vehicles transporting propane to affected Midwest states, including Iowa, through 11:59 P.M. on February 11, 2014. The federal emergency proclamation may be found here.
The language of the Texas proclamation may be found here and below:
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:
WHEREAS, extreme winter weather and cold temperatures throughout much of the United States have created a large demand for liquefied petroleum gas, and such conditions have resulted in a corresponding strain on liquefied petroleum gas resources outside the State of Texas;
WHEREAS, the United States Department of Transportation has declared emergencies in Eastern, Midwestern, and Southern states due to shortages and interruptions in the availability or delivery of propane and other home heating fuels;
WHEREAS, the following states have declared liquefied petroleum gas emergencies: Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wisconsin;
WHEREAS, the States of Iowa and Maine have requested that the State of Texas join them in declaring a liquefied petroleum gas emergency; and
WHEREAS, the State of Texas is the leading producer of liquefied petroleum gas in the nation, and Texas' liquefied petroleum gas resources and infrastructure allow the state to temporarily assist in alleviating the liquefied petroleum gas shortages in other states.
THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 113.083 of the Texas Natural Resources Code, I have determined the existence of a temporary shortage of liquefied petroleum gas in the above states, and I join the governors of those states in declaring a liquefied petroleum gas emergency.
Pursuant to this proclamation and Section 113.083(a) of the Texas Natural Resources Code, the State of Texas waives Texas licensing, permitting, and certification requirements regarding liquefied petroleum gas trucks and operators. This waiver applies only to liquefied petroleum gas trucks and operators meeting all certification, permitting, and licensing requirements of the federal government and another state whose governor has declared or declares a liquefied petroleum gas emergency.
All other legal requirements, including licensing, registration, insurance, and safety, remain in place.
This emergency declaration shall continue for 14 days from the date this proclamation is signed, unless renewed.
In accordance with the statutory requirements, copies of this proclamation shall be filed with the applicable authorities.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and have officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my office in the City of Austin, Texas, this the 22nd day of January, 2014.
DAVID DEWHURST
Lieutenant Governor
Acting as Governor of Texas
