DENVER — Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper declared a disaster emergency in the state Monday morning due to a propane supply shortage.
Around 33,000 propane customers who rely on the gas for heat could be impacted by the shortage, according to a statement from the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
Propane production issues, anticipated severe weather conditions and an ongoing propane supply shortage prompted the governor to issue a verbal executive order, the statement read.
The agency said ongoing production issues at Colorado propane facilities during December caused the propane industry to seek supplies outside of the state, significantly increasing the amount of time needed to transport propane used for winter heating fuel.
The executive order suspends the hours-of-service regulations that normally prevent in-state drivers from transporting propane winter heating fuel until Jan. 8.
