Governor Phil Murphy announced Thursday that New Jersey will enter a State of Emergency at 9 a.m. on Friday, December 12, in response to expected disruptions in propane deliveries caused by a service interruption at a major distribution facility in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania.
The declaration temporarily suspends certain hours-of-service limits for commercial drivers transporting residential heating fuel. The exemption is intended to ensure uninterrupted delivery of propane to the roughly 186,000 New Jersey households that rely on it as their primary heat source.
“As temperatures continue to drop, ensuring that every person has access to a safe, warm environment is essential,” Murphy said in a statement. “This Executive Order expands delivery capabilities to keep homes heated and families secure.”
Federal rules normally limit propane haulers to a maximum of 11 hours of driving time per shift. Under the emergency waiver, drivers may operate up to 14 hours, with 10 consecutive hours of off-duty time required between shifts. State officials said the extended hours allow fuel distributors to meet increased demand while the Marcus Hook facility works to resolve its operational issues.
Executive Order No. 40X will remain in effect until the state determines the emergency conditions have ended.
Residents who may be affected are encouraged to visit ready.nj.gov for updates and safety guidance, and NJ211 for information on resources and local warming centers.