Evers Declares Energy State Of Emergency

MADISON, WI—Gov. Tony Evers has declared an energy state of emergency for Wisconsin, due to the state’s dwindling supplies of petroleum. In a document describing the executive order, Evers cited “extreme winter weather in February 2021” as being at the root of the shortage. “Approximately 250,000 Wisconsinites depend on propane for home heating,” the executive order reads.

This winter has been a cold one for Badger State residents. Recent days have seen temperatures drop to below zero. The drops followed heavy blizzards that buried Wisconsin cities in thick blankets of snow. In Milwaukee, residents complained of poorly plowed and salted roads across the city.

According to the executive order, this new state of emergency declaration will remain in effect for up to 30 days. In particular, the state’s deliveries of petroleum products via rail lines have slowed, the order notes. “Drivers transporting propane and petroleum are experiencing long wait times at terminals and challenging driving conditions with ice and snow-covered roads.”

Drivers of commercial motor vehicles and carriers transporting petroleum products are also exempt from federal weekly service restrictions in Wisconsin until the order is lifted. The order, however, does not suspend other federal or state laws such as restrictions on vehicle weight, length, etc. “Carriers must satisfy all ordinarily acceptable federal and state requirements concerning vehicle equipment, vehicle operations and driver qualifications and conduct,” states the release.