FMCSA extends emergency relief declaration for Gulf oil spill

To speed up emergency response efforts related to the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended the exemption period for certain motor carrier transportation regulations in the region, according to a notice (.pdf file) published May 11.

In the notice, Field Administrator Darrell L. Ruban states that the declaration of regional emergency has been extended for the southern region, including Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. Relief from certain motor carrier transportation regulations is "necessary to ensure timely delivery of essential equipment and supplies, including specialized oil well equipment to seal the ruptured well head, and booms, skimmers, chemical dispersants, flammable liquids and other oil containment equipment," Ruban said in the statement. The declaration, originally scheduled to expire at 11:59 p.m. EDT on May 14, has been extended to May 30.