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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe move comes after the operator of a major pipeline that transports fuel across the East Coast was victimized by a ransomware attack and halted operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The governor, in an executive order, said “the disruption of Colonial Pipeline operations poses a significant and immediate threat to the continued delivery of such fuel products to the State of Florida.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Florida\u2019s gasoline supplies are largely unaffected by the outage, but a rash of panic buying starting Monday \u2014 especially across north Florida \u2014 has caused local shortages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That came at the same time that Pensacola area gas stations are experiencing a critical shortage caused by a cluster of issues, including an Environmental Protection Agency shutdown of a distribution site in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DeSantis, at a bill signing in Jacksonville for a new school choice law earlier in the day, said the state would “relax restrictions” to allow trucks to more speedily refuel affected parts of the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I think this is something that demands serious federal attention,” he said. “You can’t just say it’s a private pipeline … The U.S. government needs to be involved. We need the federal government to step up and help.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The executive order is in effect for 30 days. Among other provisions, it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Directs “all state, regional and local governmental agencies, including law enforcement agencies, to identify personnel needed … to assist in meeting the response, recovery, and mitigation needs created by this emergency.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Orders “the Adjutant General to activate the Florida National Guard, as needed, to deal with this emergency.” Major General James O. Eifert oversees approximately 12,000 soldiers and airmen, according to a state website.<\/li>
- Says the Governor “may suspend all statutes and rules affecting budgeting to the extent necessary to provide budget authority for state agencies to cope with this emergency.”<\/li>
- Authorizes the Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation to “suspend enforcement of registration requirements … for commercial motor vehicles that enter the State of Florida to provide fuel, emergency services, or supplies.”<\/li>
- Waives “size and weight restrictions … on vehicles supporting emergency relief efforts by transporting gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, and other refined petroleum products in Florida.” <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Makes it “unlawful … for a person to … sell at an unconscionable price … any essential commodity,” or in other words, outlaws price gouging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n