On November 1, 1973, a mandatory fuel allocation program was initiated by the federal government, the purpose of which is to provide a means of equitably and effectively distributing fuel oil available to the states.

The formula of dis tribution calls for each state to receive, if oil is available, 100% of the oil usage during calendar year 1972. In light of our state's annual anticipated increase in oil usage and consumption it is clear that the anticipated demand for oil will exceed the supply available under the mandatory allocation program unless our citizens are able to reduce oil consumption to an extent proportionate to the unavailable supply.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Daniel J. Evans, Governor of the State of Washington, do by rtue of the power vested in me, designate and direct the State Department of Eergency Services as the state office to administer the state reserve program and mither priorities of the mandatory middle distillate fuel allocation program under Section 203 (a)(3) of the Economic Stahilization Act, as amended by PL-93-28, 42 USC � 1904.

The department shall be responsible for working with the Federal Department of Interior, all agencies of state government, local governmental units, public and private organizations, citizens, and the oil distribution industry to offset to the extent possible the detrimental effects resulting from oil shortages that may be experienced in this state. The department shall also assist our citizens in alleviating problems encountered by the shortage of heating oil or diesel fuel in the months ahead.

I also call on all oil users in this state to reduce their usage so that the total consumption in this state will not exceed the level of consumption during calendar year 1972. A concerted effort by all home owners, businesses, commercial establishments, and industrial plants, in addition to state and local government agencies to reduce oil consumption will avoid a crisis situation of oil shortage which could lead to great hardship for many of our citizens.

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