Commission grants temporary waiver of hours-of-service rules for propane deliveries after governor’s emergency proclamation

The Kansas Corporation Commission on Dec. 18 granted a temporary waiver of federal hours-of-service regulations to motor carriers delivering propane for residential heating after the governor declared a statewide disaster emergency.

Brian Bridal, the presenter for the item, told commissioners that "Yesterday, governor Kelly issued a state of disaster emergency to waive regulations limiting hours of service for motor carriers delivering propane for residential heating." Bridal said the regional declaration covers all Kansas counties and runs from Dec. 17 through Dec. 31, and that the Commission's order provides a 14-day waiver of the cited hours-of-service provisions to motor carriers delivering residential propane during the emergency. He also stated that all other applicable state and federal motor-carrier regulations remain in effect.

Commissioners thanked transportation staff and moved to approve the order to align the Commission’s action with the governor’s emergency declaration. Mike Haney, transportation director, was identified as available for additional detail if needed. The motion to approve passed unanimously among the commissioners present.

The waiver is intended to expedite propane deliveries during a period of elevated winter demand and potential supply strain. The Commission recorded no further limitations in the meeting on other safety or regulatory requirements; staff retain enforcement authority for matters not covered by the temporary waiver.