Due to anticipated fuel shortages caused by refinery and pipeline damage from Tropical Storm Harvey, the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued and expanded its emergency declaration that has been in effect since Aug. 31. 

This declaration allows drivers hauling emergency relief supplies, including fuel products, into the affected states to bypass hours-of-service regulations.

The emergency declaration covers the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and West Virginia. 

For more information on how carriers can apply for temporary operating authority visit the FMCSA FAQ page. 

The "duration of the emergency" will last until Sept. 30.