WHEREAS, the State of Maine has experienced a severe spring storm with wet snow, heavy rains and high winds causing extensive tree damage and power outages; and

WHEREAS, fuel delivery crews will need to work continuously to ensure continuity of supply, particularly for generator customers during the storm recovery effort; and

WHEREAS, the widespread loss of power in York, Cumberland, and Androscoggin counties, combined with road closures, and winter weather conditions present a direct and immediate threat to the public health, safety, and welfare; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to 49 CFR § 395, federal regulations limit the number of hours that certain drivers of vehicles may operate unless, as contemplated by 49 CFR§ 390.23(b), an Energy Emergency is declared pursuant to 37-B M.R.S. § 742(2); and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, pursuant to Me. Const. Art V, Pt 1, §§ 1 and 12, do hereby find that these conditions constitute an Energy Emergency under 37-B M.R.S. § 742(2)(A), and therefore by this Proclamation declare an Energy Emergency. This Proclamation shall constitute the exemption recognized by federal law that will enable intrastate deliveries of heating to customers in Androscoggin, Cumberland, and York counties free from otherwise applicable hours of service limitations, provided that no motor carrier operating under this proclamation shall require or allow an ill or fatigued driver to operate a motor vehicle. A driver who notifies a motor carrier that such driver needs immediate rest shall be given at least ten (10) consecutive hours off-duty before returning to service. Drivers operating under this Proclamation shall carry a copy as evidence of their direct emergency service to the people of Maine. This Proclamation shall expire 5 days from its signature, unless otherwise terminated or extended. Dated this 5th day of April, 2024.