Secretary Naig Thanks Gov. Reynolds for Signing Emergency Proclamation to Alleviate Propane Delivery Issues

Executive order extends propane delivery hours through Nov. 30, 2019

DES MOINES, Iowa (Oct. 31, 2019) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig thanked Gov. Reynolds today for signing an Emergency Executive Order which will help resolve delivery challenges resulting from increased seasonal propane demands. The proclamation exempts drivers of commercial motor vehicles delivering propane from the hours of service requirements outlined in Iowa Code, beginning on Nov. 1 and running through 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 30.

“I want to thank Gov. Reynolds for issuing this proclamation, which helps address propane delivery challenges that are affecting our farmers in rural communities during an already challenging harvest season,” said Secretary Naig. “An unusually late harvest coupled with wet weather conditions has left farmers with higher-than-normal moisture levels in their corn. The early onset of cold weather means the corn is not drying in the field, which is increasing the need for propane to run grain dryers.”

Industry states there is propane available in the Midwest but there are transportation and pipeline capacity limitations that are creating logistical challenges. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is working with Iowa Propane Gas Association to monitor the situation and explore options to expedite the delivery of propane to homes, farms and businesses. The industry is tracking potential interruptions to rail or pipeline distribution lines and working with those industries to help facilitate the movement of propane during peak demand periods.