EXTREME CLIMATIC EVENTS
ENERGY EMERGENCY
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“polar vortex has increased the number of deaths throughout the nation” —Alabama Gov
Gov. Bentley has declared a State of Emergency for all Alabama counties due to the threat of a propane shortage amid extreme winter weather in the southern U.S.
State of Emergency
Part of Bentley’s State of Emergency Declaration read:
The current prediction of the national Weather Service demonstrate the potential for the entire State of Alabama to be severely affected by extreme and prolonged subfreezing temperatures, with the chance of ice and snow beginning on January 23, 2014. This emergency declaration is in response to the extreme cold experienced by throughout Alabama from the polar vortex and the possible continuing effects of the arctic cold on people and property, including an immediate threat to human life or public welfare in the State of Alabama … an emergency exemption is issued as a result of extreme arctic cold weather conditions causing shortages and interruptions in the availability and/or delivery of propane and other home heating fuels throughout the State of Alabama … the polar vortex has increased the number of deaths throughout the nation, and may result in abnormally high demand and potential supply shortages for conventional heating fuels and threaten the safety and well-being of citizens, agribusiness and business property located throughout the State of Alabama
“With life threatening cold temperatures expected once again, it is important for Alabamians to have the necessary heating resources available for survival,” said Bentley.
“This State of Emergency will help Alabamians have an uninterrupted supply of propane gas and other home heating fuels during this period of winter weather.”
The State of Emergency will wave the federal transportation motor carrier laws, allowing flexibility in the delivery of the vital heating fuel to homes, schools and businesses.
The frigid condition threaten Alabama’s $15 billion poultry industry. The state is the third largest in the country for broiler and 14th in egg production, according to the Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Current – Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions & Permits
In addition to the State of Alabama, States of Emergencies and/or executive orders, wavers and exemptions have been issued for 33 other states and District of Columbia, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The following Emergencies are currently in effect:
Regional Emergency Declaration Issued by Southern Service Center
Affected States: Louisiana, Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Oklahoma. (Effective Date: 1/21/2014 – In effect for the duration of the emergency or until 2/11/2014, whichever is less).
Regional Emergency Declaration Issued by Eastern Service Center
Affected States: Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont and West Virginia. (Effective from 1/19/2014 In effect for the duration of the emergency or until 2/11/2014, whichever is less).
Regional Emergency Declaration Issued by Midwestern Service Center
Affected States: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin. (Effective from 1/19/2014 In effect for the duration of the emergency or until 2/11/2014, whichever is less).
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