Gov. Haslam declares state of emergency to ensure fuel supply after Colonial Pipeline leak

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam declared a state of emergency late Friday to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply in the state after the Colonial Pipeline leak.

An executive order issued by the governor allows drivers to work longer hours to deliver fuel to gas stations. The move follows decisions already reached by the governors of Alabama and Georgia.

"The temporary shutdown of this pipeline and disruption in supply has created the potential for a shortage of fuel in Tennessee because the pipeline typically delivers a significant amount of the fuel sold in Tennessee," the order reads.

The order notes drivers who are tired or ill should not be allowed to drive.

The leak was first found in the pipeline on Sept. 9 in Alabama and has spilled more than 250,000 gallons near Birmingham. The pipeline runs from Texas to New Jersey.

Colonial officials said supply disruptions will first be felt in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina,.

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