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Governor Abbott Declares Texas Disaster Allows "Red Diesel". Will It Help?
What Is Dyed Diesel?
Dyed diesel is chemically the same as regular diesel available at gas stations, but it is tinted the color red and used in off-road farm and construction equipment.
Because it's exempt from federal and state motor fuel road taxes, typically its use on public roads is prohibited and violators are subject to fines for tax evasion.
Abbott Declares Disaster in Texas Over Diesel Prices
On Monday, September 28, the Texas Tribune reported Abbott Declares Disaster in Texas Over Diesel Prices, Waives Restrictions on Commercial Shipping.
Gov. Greg Abbott declared a statewide disaster on Monday over soaring diesel prices and a worsening fuel shortage created by wars abroad.
The 30-day disaster declaration, which can be extended indefinitely, allowed Abbott to lift some restrictions on commercial transportation, which he said will alleviate some of the elevated costs.
The declaration expands the use of dyed diesel on Texas roads, suspends Texas Low Emission Diesel rules to the limit the federal government authorizes and raises the allowable weight for fuel, agricultural and timber loads. The governor also requested the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to waive federal ultra-low sulfur diesel requirements to boost supply.
"Texas agriculture and freight run on diesel," Abbott wrote in a statement. "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."
The governor's disaster declaration and order comes as AAA reports an average diesel price of $5.86 per gallon in Texas. Diesel was $3.30 per gallon in Texas in early February.
Abbott's opponent, Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, called on the governor to waive the state gas tax. Abbott's office has argued he does not have the ability to unilaterally waive taxes.
The Texas Democratic Party reiterated that position in a statement on Monday, calling on Abbott to suspend the gas tax altogether and blaming President Donald Trump's foreign policy for the high prices.