Texas is responding to a propane emergency in 24 states where a cold snap has resulted in a shortage of propane.
Gov. Rick Perry's office on Thursday declared a liquefied petroleum gas emergency, which will temporarily waive Texas licensing, permitting and certification requirements for LPG trucks and operators.
In short, it'll allow out-of-state truck drivers to come to Texas to tap into our reserves and haul them to other states where they are needed.
"Texas is the leading producer of liquefied petroleum gas in the nation and it's not our nature to sit idly by when our neighbors are in trouble, " said Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst. "We'll do what it takes to relieve the shortages because it's the right thing to do and keep our neighbors to the north in our prayers as they battle the cold."
"This waiver applies only to liquefied petroleum gas trucks and operators meeting all certification, permitting, and licensing requirements of the federal government and another state whose governor has declared or declares a liquefied petroleum gas emergency," the governor's office said in a news release Thursday.
Winter storms and cold weather triggered the shortages when rail lines and pipelines were shut down due to weather.
Texas' propane emergency waiver will remain in effect for the next 14 days.
