Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley and Georgia’s Gov. Nathan Deal both issued executive orders declaring states of emergency over the apparent “leak” of more than 250,000 gallons of gasoline somewhere south of Birmingham.
A leak in a major gasoline pipeline running from Houston to New York was discovered late last week in rural Shelby County, about 30 miles south of Birmingham. The operator, Colonial Pipeline, announced yesterday that the total volume spilled was approximately 250,000 gallons.
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Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley and Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal each issued executive orders Thursday to declare states of emergency over concerns about gasoline shortages in areas served by the pipeline.
The orders will allow fuel delivery truck drivers in each state to exceed maximum hours limits established by the U.S. Department of Transportation and prevent gasoline outages. The orders apply only to trucks that are transporting fuel.
Gov. Bentley warned against price gouging, but who cares what he says, he spent $4,000 of citizens’ money to have a wallet delivered, via helicopter, to his beach house. The pipeline is operated by Colonial Pipeline, who had this to say yesterday:
"Based on current projections and consultations with industry partners, parts of Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina will be the first markets to be impacted by any potential disruption in supply."
"Colonial has briefed officials in these states and will continue to provide timely information to the public so that they can plan accordingly."
According to the EPA at the spill site, residents have nothing to fear, the spilled gasoline is contained. We will take a grain of salt for now.