Gov. Cox issues executive order suspending propane delivery rules

Utah Governor Cox speaking at the State of the State on January 20. Photo: Utah State Office of the Governor

SALT LAKE CITY – Governor Spencer Cox issued an emergency order on December 16 to suspend federal regulations limiting the hours drivers can work to deliver liquid petroleum gas for the next 30 days.

Cox cited the high demand for propane in Utah and neighboring states created by freezing temperatures for the executive order, also stating that a drop in propane supply has caused long lines at loading facilities.

“We’re seeing long lines at loading facilities,” Cox said in a press release. “This order will give drivers the flexibility they need to deliver propane safely and give consumers propane when they need it most.”

This is the second time Cox has issued an emergency order suspending propane delivery rules this year. He declared a petroleum gas emergency on January 4, again citing high demand and freezing temperatures as the cause.

“We can’t afford the kinds of delivery delays we’re seeing, and we need to allow private sector solutions to occur,” Cox said in a press release. “This limited emergency declaration will help us get through this crisis.”

View the full executive order here.