OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Commonwealth Of Massachusetts
State house Boston, MA 02133

Declaration Of Emergency Notice (Title 49 CFR 390.23)

Pursuant to Title 49 CFR Section 390.23, I, Governor Charles D. Baker, declare that an emergency exists pertaining to the delivery of essential supplies, more specifically propane gas, liquefied natural gas and heating oil to customers in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
This emergency exemption is issued because of below average cold temperatures that have caused an increased demand for fuel throughout the Commonwealth. These extremely cold temperatures are forecast to continue for at least the next week. This emergency declaration provides regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicles operation while providing direct assistance supporting the delivery of propane gas, liquefied natural gas and heating oil into the affected areas and to consumers during the emergency.

This emergency exemption is effective immediately and will remain in effect until 11:59 P.M., EST, January 9, 2018, unless rescinded sooner by appropriate order.

The following is ordered:

1. An emergency exists that requires relief from regulations adopted in Massachusetts and Federal Statutes and Regulations pertaining to hours of service of motor carriers and drivers of commercial motor vehicles, while transporting and delivering fuels necessary for the continued heating of homes, businesses and other structure and the continued delivery of liquefied natural gas to electrical generation facilities and energy customers. (49 CFR Pan 395).
2. Nothing contained in this declaration shall be construed as an exemption from the Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing requirements (49 CFR Part 382), the Commercial Driver’s License requirements (49 CFR Part 3 83), the Financial Responsibility requirements (49 CFR Part 387), applicable Size and Weight requirements, or any other portion of the regulation not specifically authorized pursuant to Title 49 CFR Section 390. 23.
3. No motor carrier operating under the terms of this exemption shall require or allow a fatigued or ill driver to operate a motor vehicle. A driver who informs a carrier that he or she needs immediate rest shall be given at least ten consecutive hours off-duty before the driver can return to service.
4. Motor carriers or drivers that have an Out of Service Order in effect may not take advantage of the relief from regulations that this declaration provides under Title 49 CFR 390.23.
5. Drivers of motor carriers that operate under this Declaration of Emergency Notice must have a copy of it in their possession.
6. Consistent with Title 49 CFR Section 390.23, this emergency notice will remain in effect through January 9, 2018, 11:59 p.m. EST or sooner if terminated by the Governor.

 
Charles D. Baker
GOVERNOR
KARYN E. POLITO
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR