Gov. Robert Bentley on Thursday declared a State of Emergency for all Alabama counties due to the threat of propane gas shortage because of the extreme winter weather in Alabama.

“With life threatening cold temperatures expected once again, it is important for Alabamians to have the necessary heating resources available for survival,” Bentley said. “This State of Emergency will help Alabamians have an uninterrupted supply of propane gas and other home heating fuels during this period of winter weather.”

The emergency declaration enables Bentley to invoke various emergency preparedness measures, including Alabama’s price gouging law. It will also suspend the rules and regulations regarding the purchase and sale of propane gas directed by the propane gas industry, and allow propane tank owners to purchase propane from any company that sells it. To help with the supply and demand of propane gas, the State of Emergency will lift the federal transportation motor carrier laws and allow greater flexibility in the delivery to homes, schools and businesses.