WHEREAS, the State has suffered an extended period of extreme cold weather which has resulted in depleted heating fuel oil supplies posing risks to the life and safety of Vermonters, particularly our most vulnerable residents; and

WHEREAS, in consultation with the Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources (Secretary) and the Commissioner of Public Service (Commissioner), I have determined that meeting the sulphur content limitations set forth in 10 V.S.A. § 585(b) is not feasible due to an inadequate supply of heating oil available to Essex, Caledonia, Orange, Windsor and Windham Counties; and

WHEREAS, a temporary suspension of State heating oil sulphur content limitations would provide additional flexibility for companies that deliver heating oil in both New Hampshire and Vermont to purchase fuel from either Maine or New Hampshire.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Philip B. Scott, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Vermont pursuant to 10 V.S.A. § 585(e), hereby suspend the implementation and enforcement of the sulphur content limitations for heating oil sold within the State for residential, commercial or industrial uses, including space and water heating, effective immediately and to extend no further than January 24, 2018 or such earlier date as I may determine, in consultation with the Secretary and the Commissioner, that Vermonters are no longer at risk from inadequate supply.

This Order shall take effect upon signing.

Dated January 10, 2018.