In response to what the state of Michigan is calling an “energy emergency”, the governor has issued an executive order suspending hours of service regulations for transportation fuel truck drivers.
Energy Emergency Blamed On Pipeline And Refinery Shutdown
According to an executive order issued by Governor Rick Snyder, the energy emergency is the result of the West Shore petroleum pipeline shutdown. Prior to the shutdown, that pipeline supplied six Green Bay terminals, which in turn provided gas that was trucked to gas stations in the Upper Peninsula.
Governor Snyder also pointed to the temporary shutdown at the Marathon refinery in Detroit as cause for the emergency.
HOS Requirements Suspended To Provide Gas During Memorial Day Weekend
In order to ensure that there is enough gas in Michigan to fuel residents on one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, the governor’s executive order suspended hours of service requirements for truckers hauling fuel.
According to the executive order, “the shutdown of the pipeline has resulted in longer driving distances, wait times, and working hours for gasoline and other motor fuels transporters, causing drivers to reach maximum weekly driving and on-duty limits more quickly than normal.”
Order: Carriers Cannot Force Fatigued Driver Behind The Wheel
The executive order notes that the exemption does not excuse ill or fatigued driving: “No motor carrier or driver operating under the terms of this Order shall require or allow an ill or fatigued driver to operate a motor vehicle. Any driver who informs a carrier that he or she needs immediate rest shall be given at least ten consecutive off-duty hours before the driver is required to return to work.”
The executive order takes effect immediately and will remain in effect until June 6. At that time, Governor Snyder can choose to extend it.
You can take a look at the full text of the executive order in the document below.
[su_document url=”http://www.michigan.gov/documents/snyder/EO_2016-10_525181_7.pdf” width=”700″]
Sources:
CBS Detroit
WNDU
The Detroit Free Press