(Newser)
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Facing political peril and a humanitarian crisis, the White House today approved the Defense Department to deliver 24 million gallons of fuel to the region pummeled by Superstorm Sandy, the New York Times reports. The Defense Department plans to coordinate with FEMA to resupply gas stations where lines seem endless and tempers are flaring. Their fuel delivery should be enough for 1.6 million vehicles with 15-gallon tanks.
More good news: Emergency responders are tapping an emergency diesel-fuel oil reserve, a northeast fuel line is running at full capacity, and officials are lifting restrictions on foreign ships so they can deliver more fuel. But on the ground, areas of New Jersey won't have power for 7 to 10 days and more than half of gas stations in New Jersey and New York remain closed, according to AAA. Still, Gov. Andrew Cuomo insists "there is no reason to panic; there is no reason for anxiety. It’s going to be better, and it’s going to be better in the near future."
