Here is the most important thing to know about the availability of propane in New Jersey: There is not a shortage of propane.
Here is why Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency regarding propane distribution: To mitigate the distribution issue caused by a service disruption at a major propane distribution plant in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania — which is located in Delaware County.
Here’s a simple sentence on the situation: After an incident at the Marcus Hook plant Nov. 21 resulted in extended delays and created longer distribution times, Murphy declared a state of emergency extending maximum driving time for propane truck operators from 11 to 14 hours.
The state of emergency went into effect Friday at 9 a.m.
Eric DeGesero, a spokesperson for the N.J. Propane Gas Association, praised Murphy, saying the organization was “grateful for his attentiveness and action.”
“It’s important for New Jersey consumers to know there is no shortage of propane fuel,” he said. “Rather, the current state of emergency is due to a week-long closure of a major propane distribution facility which has resulted in dramatically longer wait times and traveling further distances to access supply.
“U.S. Department of Transportation regulations limit how many hours drivers are allowed to work per day and per week; Gov. Murphy’s targeted action is providing the necessary flexibility to help address this supply chain disruption.”
The Marcus Hook facility is a major component of the East Coast propane supply chain. The Nov. 21 incident caused the facility to be closed for a number of days. Although it has since re-opened, the facility is not operating at normal capacity.
Murphy said Executive Order No. 408, which allows for a statewide exemption on hours of service, will ensure New Jersey residents will be better served as the weather gets colder.
“As temperatures continue to drop, ensuring that every person has access to a safe, warm environment is essential,” he said. “I am declaring a State of Emergency to ensure that the approximately 186,000 New Jerseyans who rely on propane for home heating purposes can receive it without interruption. This executive order expands delivery capabilities to keep homes heated and families secure.”
The EO will remain in effect until it is determined that an emergency no longer exists.
