Governor Greg Abbott issued a statewide disaster proclamation Monday aimed at high diesel prices, temporarily allowing cheaper dyed diesel on Texas highways.
The governor’s office said the order suspends state restrictions and penalties that normally keep dyed diesel off public roads. That fuel is typically reserved for farms, construction sites and other off-road engines and is sold without the usual highway fuel tax. The proclamation does not waive the underlying fuel tax. Abbott also raised the allowable weight for trucks hauling fuel, farm products or timber to 95,000 pounds and asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to waive some clean-diesel rules that limit what can be sold in Texas.
“Texas agriculture and freight run on diesel,” Abbott said. “Record prices put both industries at risk and raise costs for every Texas family. Farmers and truckers can now use dyed diesel on Texas roads, and fuel, crop, and timber loads can move at a higher weight. These steps cut costs on the farm, on the road, and at the store.”
Houston Public Media reports diesel recently hit record averages in Texas after months of pressure on global oil markets. AAA has put the statewide diesel average near $5.86 a gallon, with some reports of even higher peaks this month. Regular gasoline has also climbed, though not as sharply as diesel. Trucking, grocery delivery and harvest work all run on diesel, so higher pump prices tend to show up in freight and food costs.
Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening said farmers and ranchers welcome any step that eases fuel costs used to grow food, fiber and fuel. Dyed diesel is already common on ranches and job sites. The change is meant to let that supply move on the highway while prices stay high.
Abbott separately asked EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for a temporary waiver of federal ultra-low sulfur diesel standards and Texas Low Emission Diesel rules that apply in 110 counties. Those limits restrict which blends can be sold. A federal waiver would be needed before those rules fully come off.
State officials framed the order as a short-term supply move, not a tax cut. How much pump prices fall, and how long the waiver lasts, will depend on inventories and any EPA response.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
