Governor Walz Provides Flexibility for Minnesotans Experiencing Fuel Shortages

Press Release

Governor Tim Walz today took action to allow flexibility for Minnesotans experiencing fuel shortages, including farmers suffering from the deepening drought. Today he issued an executive order lifting hours of service regulations for motor carriers and drivers transporting fuel in Minnesota, helping to ensure the efficient transport of fuel to small businesses and drought-stressed farmers.

"This step will help ensure Minnesotans get the fuel they need at a busy time this summer," said Governor Walz. "Whether you're making plans for harvest in the middle of a drought or running a gas station that's depended on by motorists heading Up North and locals alike, we need to make sure Minnesotans have the fuel necessary to get where they're going and keep our local economies running."

Fuel terminals across the state, including those at Mankato, Marshall, Sauk Center, Alexandria, St. Paul Park, Wrenshall, and East Grand Forks, have experienced shortages or outages of gasolines, diesel, fuel oil, ethanol and biodiesel. Local businesses such as gas stations and convenience stores have been impacted by the shortage. Mining operations in northern Minnesota have also been impacted, and reliable access to fuel is critical for farming communities as they prepare for the upcoming harvest season.

"I was at Farmfest yesterday and heard from Minnesotans who have enough on their plate as it is," Governor Walz continued. "Let's do what we can to make life a little easier and keep our economy going -- especially during the summer tourism months and right before harvest."

Executive Order 21-27 will ease hours of service regulations and allow for the continued movement of these commodities, as carriers and drivers provide necessary and time sensitive assistance to our state. It is effective immediately and will remain in effect for 30 days.

Over the past month, Governor Walz has been meeting with farmers and ranchers to see the impact of the drought firsthand. Last week, the Governor waived hours of service trucking regulations for the transportation of forage for livestock. The Rural Finance Authority Board has made zero-interest loans available immediately for Minnesota farmers whose operations are suffering from the drought, and the Department of Natural Resources has convened the State Drought Task Force. The Governor continues to work with federal partners to create flexibility to expand access to forage for livestock.

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