CHAPTER 469
STATE OF DELAWARE
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
PROCLAMATION: STATE OF EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, there exists a widespread gasoline shortage in this country which has not been resolved on a national level; and
WHEREAS, there exists a gasoline shortage in this State despite the fact that Delaware motorists have admirably conserved fuel and retailers have made valiant efforts to stretch the short supplies; and
WHEREAS, the truckers strike has prevented deliveries of gasoline thereby making the situation worse; and
WHEREAS, surrounding states have instituted an odd-even rationing system which might tempt out-of-state motorists to buy gasoline in Delaware thereby draining Delaware's already low supply o f gasoline; and
WHEREAS, the long lines which currently form at open as stations create a hazard to other motorists, tax the resources of law enforcement agencies, and disturb surrounding retailers and property owners; and
WHEREAS, the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of this State are threatened by reason of the acute shortage of useable energy resources and the disruption in fuel supplies.
NOW, THEREFORE, I PIERRE S. du PONT, IV, by the authority vested in me as the Governor of the State of Delaware under the Delaware Constitution and the provisions of Chapter 31, Title 20, Delaware Code, do hereby proclaim that an Energy Crisis Emergency exists throughout the State of Delaware. By virtue of this proclamation, I do hereby further authorize and direct as follows:
Gasoline may be purchased or sold only in accordance with the following at all stations not on the Turnpike:
All gasoline purchases made for vehicles having 4 cylinders shall be in an amount not less than $5.00;
Al] gasoline purchases made for vehicles having 6 cylinders or more shall be in an amount not less than $7.00;
Motorcycles and mopeds ar exempt from the minimum purchase requirement.
Not more than two gallons of gasoline may at any time be sold or purchased for delivery into a container, other than the fuel tank of a vehicle, to be transported away from the premises of the retail seller. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to authorize the sale of gasoline in any container not satisfying applicable safety requirements.
Gasoline may be purchased or sold at Turnpike stations in accordance with following:
On even-numbered days of the month, gasoline may be sold to and purchased by the operator or occupant of a vehicle having a number (license) plate the last numeral of which is even. For purposes hereof, the numeral zero (0) shall be deemed even;
On odd-numbered days of the month, gasoline may be sold to and purchased by the operator or occupant of a vehicle having a number (license) plate the last numeral of which is odd;
A vehicle having a number (license) plate with no numerals shall be deemed to have a number (license) plate the last numeral of which is odd;
A "free day" is a day when odd and even sales and purchases are permissible. The 31st day of January, March, May, July, August, October, December and the 19th day of February (leap year) are designated as "fee days."
The foregoing shall commence at 12:01 A.M. June 21, 1979.
The Energy Crisis Emergency herein proclaimed shall remain in effect until terminated by further proclamation of the Governor.
(GREAT SEAL)
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this 20th day of June, 1979 at 4:40 p.m..
PIERRE S. du PONT, IV Governor
Attest:
GLENN C. KENTON Secretary of State