Federal Guidance on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers

(March 19, 2020) — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in conjunction with other federal agencies, published guidance on “essential workers” for state and local authorities that have or are considering ‘shelter-in-place’ ordinances or similar restrictions on movement.
Guidance on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response

The intent of the guidance is to eliminate or minimize discrepancies in defining “essential workers” among state and local authorities so as to maintain operation of key industry sectors of the United States. NPGA communicated with the agencies to include propane employees among “essential workers” classifications. The guidance document identifies propane employees under the sectors for Energy as well as Transportation and Logistics, which are excerpted below:

ENERGY:

• Propane gas dispatch and control rooms and emergency response and customer emergencies, including propane leak calls

• Propane gas service maintenance and restoration, including call centers

• Processing, refining, and transporting natural liquids, including propane gas, for use as end-use fuels or feedstocks for chemical manufacturing

• Propane gas storage, transmission, and distribution centers

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

• Employees supporting or enabling transportation functions, including dispatchers, maintenance and repair technicians, warehouse workers, truck stop and rest area workers, and workers that maintain and inspect infrastructure (including those that require cross-border travel)

• Truck drivers who haul hazardous and waste materials to support critical infrastructure, capabilities, functions, and services

• Automotive repair and maintenance facilities

• Employees who repair and maintain vehicles, aircraft, rail equipment, marine vessels, and the equipment and infrastructure that enables operations that encompass movement of cargo and passengers

It is suggested that workers keep a copy of the Guidance when entering areas under restrictions. The guidance is also available under the COVID-19 section of the Membership Dashboard. Please direct any questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., NPGA Deputy Counsel, Regulatory Affairs.