DES MOINES – Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today applauded Texas officials, including Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, for waiving Texas licensing, permitting and certification requirements regarding liquefied petroleum gas trucks and operators. The action by Perry and Dewhurst will help expedite the transport of propane to Midwest states during the frigid winter months.
“After asking Texas officials yesterday for the waiver, I was pleased to learn of their quick action to assist Iowans and Midwest states with the shortage of propane,” said Branstad.
Branstad and Reynolds spoke to Gov. Perry and Lt. Gov. Dewhurst’s staff yesterday by phone and asked that Texas consider waiving the requirements. Lt. Gov. Dewhurst signed the proclamation as Gov. Perry is out of the country.
“Governor Perry and Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst’s willingness to help Iowans is tremendous and the impact is very helpful,” said Reynolds. “This action will help propane suppliers keep up with the demand.”
In addition, the governor and lt. governor were pleased to learn the U.S. Department of Transportation established a regional emergency declaration suspending the regulatory provisions pertaining to hours of service for drivers of commercial motor vehicles transporting propane to affected Midwest states, including Iowa, through 11:59 P.M. onFebruary 11, 2014. The federal emergency proclamation may be found here