On December 20, 2022, Governor Cooper issued EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 274, for the State of North Carolina due to the forecasted threat of a prolonged period of cold weather in the State of North Carolina has increased the demand for drivers of propane and other heating fuels. Due to a shortage of licensed commercial drivers, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and seasonal flu, this state of emergency is essential to enable drivers transporting propane and other heating fuels across the state to do so quickly and efficiently.