Gov. Bev Perdue has temporarily suspended federal rules that limit how long truck drivers can be behind the wheel.
Perdue signed an executive order declaring an emergency and suspending certain rules to ensure that drivers can deliver essential fuels and oils used for heating. Federal regulations limit how long commercial drivers can drive without rest.
"I want to ensure that adequate supplies of home heating and vehicle fuels are available to our citizens during this extended cold snap," Perdue said in a news release. "Some areas of our mountains got more than 20 inches of snow recently and extremely cold temperatures have persisted statewide."
The order only applies to drivers transporting essential fuels. The Highway Patrol will enforce the order and drivers must produce documentation proving they are delivering the fuels.
Update: Perdue spokesman Tim Crowley said companies that deliver heating fuels are behind on their shipments because of prolonged icy conditions in the western part of the state. The executive order is intended to ensure residents and businesses have enough fuel to deal with the cold temperatures, he said.
Document(s):
executive order 43.pdf
Comments
Re: Perdue declares emergency over cold
January 11, 2010 - 7:58am — BitterEXdemocratwow..the beautiful Governess is really on the ball...why didnt she call for NC to get out of the LIQUOR business, abolish the ABC system, and PRIVITIZE LIQUOR SALES in NC?
Re: Perdue declares emergency over cold
January 8, 2010 - 11:53pm — flatlanderThe STATE Gov. has the authority to suspend FEDERAL law's When did the Federal Gov't give up the authority of their Law's to the individual state Gov's?
Re: Perdue declares emergency over cold
January 8, 2010 - 4:56pm — SGK1212Come on guys; everyone knows this prolonged cold spell -- all over the U.S. and Europe too -- is the result of global warming. Oh wait! Maybe it's just a vast right wing conspiracy!
Re: Perdue declares emergency over cold
January 8, 2010 - 3:49pm — bniolet (author)Hey guys. Please tone down the rhetoric a bit. We want a healthy debate, so keep it about the issues and not other commenters. Thanks. BN
Re: Perdue declares emergency over cold
January 8, 2010 - 1:51pm — PaynefullibertyClimate: the composite or generally prevailing weather conditions of a region, as temperature, air pressure, humidity, precipitation, sunshine, cloudiness, and winds, throughout the year, averaged over a series of years.
Weather: the state of the atmosphere with respect to wind, temperature, cloudiness, moisture, pressure, etc.
Jackass: a contemptibly foolish or stupid person; dolt; blockhead; ass
Big words may not lead to socialism, but apparently lacking a sense of humor might.
I understand that those who support the global warming theory take unwanted jabs everytime it snows or the temperature gets colder than normal. However, that does not give you reason to attack someone needlessly over something that was meant as a joke. It makes you look petty and diminishes your cause.
Re: Perdue declares emergency over cold
January 8, 2010 - 1:20pm — DocTeeBeeebetz, look up the definition of "climate" and "weather" in a dictionary. A dictionary is that big book with all the words in it. Ask a grown up to read it to you if you have trouble with that. When you've recovered from this intellectually taxing feat, tell me how meteorology and climate science are somehow "socialist."
Oh, I said the words "taxing" and "intellectually." Big words lead to socialism, I guess.
Re: Perdue declares emergency over cold
January 8, 2010 - 12:49pm — ebetzWhat is she worried about? this is a symptom of global warming!! No? Just ask any liberal/socialist!