New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has declared a statewide State of Emergency in response to a major propane supply disruption that threatens to leave thousands of residents without adequate home heating during a period of sustained sub-freezing temperatures. The emergency declaration, which took effect at 9 a.m. Friday, is aimed at stabilizing fuel deliveries and protecting public safety as winter conditions intensify.
The emergency stems from a power outage at the Marcus Hook propane distribution facility in Pennsylvania, a critical hub in the Northeast’s fuel supply chain. The outage, which began on Nov. 21, has significantly disrupted propane distribution across multiple states, including New Jersey. State officials estimate that approximately 186,000 New Jersey residents rely on propane as their primary source of home heating, placing many households at risk as temperatures continue to drop.
“As temperatures continue to fall, ensuring that every person has access to a safe, warm environment is essential,” Murphy said in a statement announcing the emergency order. “This declaration expands delivery capabilities to help ensure that New Jerseyans who depend on propane can receive it without interruption.”
Supply Chain Disruptions Ripple Across the Region
The Marcus Hook facility, which normally operates as a central distribution point for propane throughout the Northeast, remains largely closed, operating only intermittently. According to the governor’s office, the shutdown has created cascading logistical problems. Propane delivery trucks are experiencing extended wait times at the Pennsylvania terminal, which in turn has caused congestion and bottlenecks at major distribution facilities in New Jersey and neighboring states.
These delays have strained an already tight winter fuel supply, increasing the risk that deliveries will not reach homes quickly enough to meet demand. Officials warn that without intervention, prolonged wait times and limited trucking capacity could leave some residents without heat during dangerously cold conditions.
Emergency Measures Expand Delivery Capacity
To address these challenges, the governor’s executive order activates a federal emergency waiver that temporarily relaxes hours-of-service regulations for commercial drivers transporting propane. Under normal federal rules, drivers are limited to a maximum of 11 hours of driving time followed by at least 10 consecutive hours off duty.
Under the emergency waiver, propane truck drivers may now operate for up to 14 hours while still observing the same 10-hour rest period. State officials say the change is necessary to allow drivers to make additional deliveries despite delays at terminals and longer travel times.
The administration emphasized that the waiver is limited in scope and designed solely to ensure fuel reaches homes during a critical period. Overnight temperatures are expected to remain well below freezing for weeks, increasing the urgency of maintaining reliable heating supplies.
Consumer Protections Against Price Gouging
The executive order also invokes New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act, which prohibits excessive price increases for essential goods during a declared state of emergency and for 30 days after it ends. This provision applies to propane and other heating fuels, aiming to protect residents from price gouging at a time when demand is high and supply is constrained.
State officials encouraged residents to report suspected violations, stressing that emergency conditions should not be exploited for financial gain.
Safety Warnings for Generator Use
As some households turn to generators or alternative heating methods, state authorities are urging caution. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that portable generators pose serious risks if used improperly, particularly the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
“Never use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar enclosed or partially enclosed spaces,” the CPSC advises. Even with doors or windows open, deadly levels of carbon monoxide can accumulate quickly and linger long after a generator is turned off.
Officials also cautioned about electrocution hazards in wet conditions and fire risks associated with improper fuel storage. Generators should always be turned off and allowed to cool before refueling, as spilled gasoline on hot engine components can ignite.
Residents are advised to place generators outdoors, far from windows and doors, ideally under an open canopy on dry ground. State officials also warned against “backfeeding,” the dangerous practice of plugging a generator directly into a home outlet, which can send electricity back into the power grid and endanger utility workers.
Coordinated Emergency Response
Governor Murphy has directed the State Director of Emergency Management to activate county and municipal emergency operations plans as needed. State agencies are coordinating closely with local governments, volunteer organizations, and private-sector partners to monitor conditions, support fuel distribution, and respond to emerging needs.
The administration emphasized that the situation remains fluid and that additional measures could be taken if conditions worsen. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official state channels and to plan ahead for potential disruptions.
Ongoing Monitoring
The State of Emergency will remain in effect until the governor determines that conditions no longer warrant extraordinary measures. New Jersey residents seeking updates, safety guidance, and emergency resources are encouraged to visit the state’s preparedness website at ready.nj.gov.
State officials stressed that while the disruption poses serious challenges, the emergency declaration is intended to prevent worst-case outcomes by ensuring fuel continues to reach those who need it most during a critical winter period.
Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
