Governor declares a fuel shortage emergency in Michigan

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has declared a state of emergency to address shortages of heating oil and propane brought on by severe winter conditions. "The extreme cold and hazardous winter weather of the past week continues to impact our communities," Snyder said in a statement. The declaration suspends normal restrictions on service hours for fuel carriers and drivers in the state, the Detroit News reported. Drivers who are running their rigs beyond standard limits must carry a copy of the governor's emergency declaration with them, the News said. "This executive order will ensure there is enough heating oil and propane in the coming days and weeks to protect the health, safety and welfare of Michigan residents and visitors," Snyder said. The Detroit Free Press reported Saturday that the fuel shortages are concentrated in Michigan's Upper Peninsula "It tends to happen every year. But it's never been to this point. The suppliers are saying it's the worse they've ever seen it and there's no end in sight," said Dan Harrington, owner of U.P. Propane in Iron Mountain, Mich. The declared state of emergency ends Jan. 31 or unless rescinded earlier by the governor, the News said.