The fate of Congressional legislation extending emergency hours of service waivers for propane haulers rests with President Obama.

Late last week the Senate unanimously approved H.R. 4076, extending FMCSA waivers issued earlier through the end of May, following propane shorates earlier this year.

First introduced on Feb. 25 by Congressman Bill Shuster, R-Penn., the Home Heating Emergency Assistance Through Transportation Act of 2014, or HHEATT Act, passed unanimously the House a week earlier.  

H.R. 4076 extends any Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s hours of service exemption issued after Feb. 5, related to the delivery of propane for home heating due to a colder than normal Winter. It also could allow U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx to end the waivers sooner if the situation is resolved before May 31.

There is no indication if the president will sign or veto the legislation nor how soon either may happen.

Gary France, chairman of the National Propane Gas Association said “While it may feel like spring in some parts of the country, there are still regions with colder-than-normal temperatures and where demand for propane is high. This bill makes it easier for companies to get propane to the customers who need it most.”

Waivers issued earlier by the FMCSA for propane haulers in a number states expired earlier this month.