Oregon Public Broadcasting

Washington Governor Chris Gregoire has declared a state of emergency after the ice storm that followed heavy snow in western Washington.

The emergency declaration authorizes the use of the National Guard, if needed. Washington dairy farmers will see an immediate affect of the order.

Snow and ice have slowed down milk tanker trucks as they shuttle between dairy farms and processing plants.

That means some dairy truck drivers are hitting the limits on their work hours that are set in law.

Washington Governor Chris Gregoire declared she doesn't want perishable milk products to get stranded and go to waste. So she's using her emergency powers to waive the driver fatigue rules briefly.

The waiver lasts through this Sunday evening.

As temperatures warm up in the days ahead, the dairy industry won't be home free. The Washington Dairy Federation says farm pastures are often the first to flood when rivers rise.