Emergency HOS waiver extended for third time in 10 states over fuel pipeline & freezing weather issues

An emergency declaration has been extended in 10 states for the third time due to fuel pipeline issues and excessively cold weather. 

The initial emergency declaration was issued on December 12th, 2025 as a result of winter storms, resulting cold weather, and a power outage at the Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, refinery. The declaration was extended on December 23rd, again on January 15th, and most recently on February 13th. The current declaration extends through February 28th. 

In addition to the extension on December 23rd, a secondary emergency declaration was announced in the wake of a pipeline break, operations issues associated with the Mid-American Pipeline System, and an unexpected shutdown of the Robinson Refinery. 

Drivers included in the Hours of Service waiver are those hauling heating fuel such as propane, natural gas, and general heating oil to affected states. The states included in the extension for the third time are Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.