Minnesota’s governor has signed an emergency order waiving hours of service regulations for truck drivers for the third time this year in response to the ongoing drought.
Executive Order 21-32 was signed by Governor Tim Walz on Monday, October 4th and will remain in effect for 30 days to allow for the more efficient transportation of livestock, feed, and water supplies during this extended period of drought.
The previous two waivers were signed on July 28th and August 27th, respectively and waived HOS regulations for the movement of hay and other forage, as well as water supplies, commodities used in livestock feed, and the livestock themselves.
In addition, Walz has announced a $10 million drought relief package to support Minnesota farmers and livestock producers, but this package must still be approved by the Minnesota Legislature. They are not scheduled to meet again until January.