Georgia, Alabama Declare State Of Emergency After Massive Gasoline Spill

The governors of Alabama and Georgia have declared a state of emergency in theor respective states after a leak in a gasoline pipeline released more than 225,000 gallons.

The leak was discovered on Sep. 9 south of Birmingham, AL, in a major pipeline that connects refineries in Houston with the rest of the country, according to the statement of Republican Gov. Robert Bentley of Alabama. More than 500 workers are cleaning up the mess for several days, but the project is taking longer than expected and could lead to severe gasoline shortages in the states close to the spill, especially Alabama and Georgia, reported AL.com.

In their statements, Bentley and Republican Gov. Nathan Deal of Georgia said that fuel delivery truck drivers in their states will be able to exceed hour limits set by the U.S. Department of Transportation to help prevent fuel shortages.

Bentley also reminded his state’s residents not to price gouge each other because of the gasoline shortage.

“I hereby place all persons on notice that it is unlawful for any person within the State of Alabama to impose unconscionable prices for the sale of any commodity during the period of a declared State of Emergency,” he said in his statement.

Colonial Pipeline, the company that operates the broken pipeline, said in a statement to AL.com that Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina “will be the first markets to be impacted by any potential disruption in supply.”

“Colonial has briefed officials in these states and will continue to provide timely information to the public so that they can plan accordingly,” the company added.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Colonial Pipeline leak could impact gas prices in a wider area because part of the company’s main gasoline-shipping route is closed, which interrupts shipment lanes between refineries on the Gulf Coast and the large numbers of drivers on the U.S.’s heavily-populated East Coast. 

Sources: AL.com (2), Gov. Robert Bentley, Gov. Nathan Deal, Wall Street Journal/ Photo Credit: Colonial Pipeline