STATE OF LOUISIANA

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

PROCLAMATION NUMBER JBE 2021- 84
STATE OF EMERGENCY- COLONIAL PIPELINE SYSTEM

WHEREAS,   when the Governor determines that an emergency has occurred, or the threat thereof is imminent, La. R.S. 29:724(8)(1) empowers the Governor to declare a state of emergency by executive order or proclamation, or both;

WHEREAS, the Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Assistance and Disaster Act, La.
R.S. 29:721, et seq., confers upon the Governor of the State of Louisiana emergency powers to deal with emergencies, including those caused by breach of cybersecurity, in order to ensure that preparations and response of this state will be adequate to deal with such emergencies or disasters and to preserve the lives and property of the people of the State of Louisiana, including the authority to suspend the provisions of any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business, or the orders, rules, or regulations of any state agency, if strict compliance with the provisions of any statute, order, rule, or regulation would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency;

WHEREAS, the Colonial Pipeline system, a primary fuel pipeline for the East Coast of the United States, reported a ransomware cyberattack on May 7, 2021, which has resulted in a temporary shutdown of that line and may cause a disruption in the delivery of refined petroleum products including but not limited to fuel oil, jet fuel, and gasoline;

WHEREAS, on May 9, 2021, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ("FMCSA") issued Regional Emergency Declaration 2021-02 in response to this emergency;

WHEREAS, the cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline system and its consequent disruption and shutdown have necessitated an increased need for supply chain movement of commerce that extends beyond the normal call for demand; and

WHEREAS, the uninterrupted supply of refined petroleum products, including but not limited to fuel oil, diesel, jet fuel, and gasoline, is essential for the health, safety, and economic well-being of persons or property in Louisiana and throughout the nation, and any interruption in the delivery of those products threatens the public welfare.

NOW THEREFORE, I, JOHN BEL EDWARDS, Governor of the State of Louisiana, by virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Louisiana, do hereby order and direct as follows:

SECTION 1: There shall be an exemption to the regulations found in La. R.S. 32:386 and related orders, rules, and regulations, regarding total gross weight of vehicles, as determined by the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development, in order to ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential goods and commodities.

SECTION 2: All departments, commissions, boards, agencies and officers of the State, or any political subdivision thereof, are authorized and directed to cooperate in actions the State may take in response to the effects of this event.
 
SECTION 3: This proclamation is effective upon signature and shall remain in effect from Wednesday, May 12, 2021 to Wednesday, May 26, 2021, unless terminated sooner.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand officially and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of Louisiana in the City of Washington, D.C., on this 12th day of May, 2021.

John Bel Edwards
GOVERNOR OF LOUISIANA

ATTEST BY THE
SECRETARY OF STATE