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Whitmer signs order to ensure adequate propane distribution

LANSING (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order Saturday declaring a Michigan state of energy emergency to ensure adequate propane distribution over the coming days.

The order temporarily suspends restrictions on commercial driver hours to allow the immediate delivery of energy to homes and businesses, Whitmer’s office said. It exempts motor carriers and drivers transporting propane and heating oil from compliance with maximum weekly driving and on-duty limits.

The order took effect immediately and will remain in effect through the end of the month.

“While I am confident that our state has the energy supply we need to get through these cold winter days, we aren’t taking any chances after what happened in Texas this week,” Whitmer said. “… With today’s order, Michigan will allow expanded flexibility for drivers to ensure the supply of home heating fuel can be delivered across the state without delay or interruption.”

Millions of Texans lost power and heat beginning Feb. 15 after historic snowfall and single-digit temperatures created a surge in demand for electricity, buckling the state’s power grid and causing widespread blackouts.

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