x
Breaking News
More () »

Gov. Deal issues executive order on Colonial Pipeline explosion

Gov. Nathan Deal is allowing truck drivers to work longer hours after a gas pipeline explosion.

Gov. Nathan Deal

ATLANTA, Ga -- Gov. Nathan Deal issued an executive order on Tuesday, allowing truck drivers to work longer hours in the wake of Monday's Colonial Pipeline explosion.

The order is effective Nov. 2 through midnight Nov. 15.

"This measure is intended to help ensure uninterrupted fuel supply in Georgia as we await more information from Alabama officials," said Deal. "Until normal pipeline production resumes, I urge the public to maintain regular consumption levels and travel schedules."

Alpharetta-based Colonial Pipeline has reopened one of the two gas pipelines that were closed after a deadly explosion on Monday.

The company said line 2, which carries diesel and jet fuel, reopened around noon EST on Tuesday.

RELATED | Colonial: Gasoline pipeline won't reopen til weekend

Line 1 will remain closed through the end of this week, according to the company, a shutdown that is fueling worries about gas price increases in Georgia and the southeast.

“Because of the barrels per day capacity on line 1, a full shutdown of that line will have a significant effect on the Southeast and eastern seaboard,” said Garrett Townsend, Georgia public affairs director for AAA. “The longer that line is down, the more stress it will put on Colonial’s system and the greater the impact.”

The company also shut down those lines during the leak in September. That series of events led to gas shortages and Deal issued an executive order to allow truckers carrying gasoline to travel longer periods of time without rest. It also prohibited gasoline price gouging in the state.

Townsend said it is “reasonable” to expect some similar measures from the governor, but it is still too early to tell.

RELATED | AAA: Pipeline explosion will likely raise gas prices in Georgia

During the leak, 7,370 barrels of gasoline spilled from the line, according to Colonial Pipeline. The company said the gasoline was contained in "a man-made mine water retention pond adjacent to the release site."

PHOTOS: Explosion near Alabama gas line

Before You Leave, Check This Out