Governor Greg Abbott issued a statewide disaster proclamation Sept. 28 allowing expanded use of dyed diesel on Texas roads and increasing allowable weights for vehicles transporting fuel, agricultural and timber products.

The measures are intended to ease high fuel costs for farmers, ranchers and freight operators. Texas Farm Bureau welcomed the announcement, saying it will help agricultural producers facing high production costs.

“Texas agriculture and freight run on diesel,” Abbott said. “Record prices put both industries at risk and raise costs for every Texas family.”

Dyed diesel is fuel marked red that is typically used in off-road equipment, including agricultural machinery, and sold without a motor-fuels tax. State law ordinarily prohibits its use on public roadways.

The proclamation suspends state restrictions and associated penalties to allow dyed diesel to be used on Texas roads. However, it does not waive the underlying fuel tax.

The proclamation also suspends state oversize and overweight permitting requirements for vehicles carrying fuel, agricultural or timber products, allowing gross weights of up to 95,000 pounds.

Abbott also requested that the Environmental Protection Agency temporarily waive federal ultra-low sulfur diesel requirements and Texas Low Emission Diesel rules, which apply in 110 Texas counties. The proclamation suspends the Texas rules to the extent authorized by the EPA. The requested federal relief would allow additional fuel supplies to reach Texas pumps.

Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening expressed support for the governor’s actions.

“Texas farmers and ranchers appreciate any effort to help relieve the high cost of fuel being used to produce food, fiber and fuel,” Boening said.

Boening said the expanded use of dyed diesel and increased load weights would help reduce costs for farmers and ranchers.

“Texas Farm Bureau appreciates Governor Abbott addressing these needs via a statewide disaster declaration,” he said. “Texas farmers and ranchers are struggling with very high costs of production, and Governor Abbott’s efforts will help reduce those costs.”

Check out the governor’s disaster proclamation and letter requesting EPA waivers.