November 25, 2009 - Due to extremely low inventories and widespread outages of propane in South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds issued an executive order to continue expedited commercial agricultural propane deliveries until Dec 5, according to a news release from the Governor's office."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.
Although hours of service are 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 is an extension of a previous order that expired on Nov. 29.
