Texas has temporarily eased diesel and freight regulations to lower costs for farmers and truckers. Governor Greg Abbott authorized on-road use of dyed diesel, suspended related penalties (while leaving the fuel tax intact), allowed gross vehicle weights up to 95,000 pounds, and asked the EPA for waivers to federal ultra-low sulfur diesel and TxLED requirements in 110 counties. The measures aim to get more fuel to pumps and reduce shipping costs, though critics warn of environmental consequences.
Texas Eases Diesel Rules: Dyed Diesel Allowed On Roads, 95,000-lb Loads, EPA Waiver Sought
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Texas has temporarily relaxed several diesel and freight rules to lower costs for farmers and truckers as higher fuel prices ripple through the state economy. Governor Greg Abbott used a statewide disaster proclamation to authorize on-road use of dyed diesel — a fuel normally restricted to off-road agricultural and industrial use — and to ease weight and permitting limits for certain hauls.
What the Governor Ordered
Under the proclamation, Abbott suspended penalties for on-road use of dyed diesel but did not eliminate the motor fuels tax that typically applies to highway fuel sales. The governor also temporarily waived standard oversize and overweight permit requirements for trucks hauling fuel, agricultural products, or timber, allowing gross vehicle weights up to 95,000 pounds in affected operations.
Requests to the Federal Government
The governor’s office said Abbott asked the Environmental Protection Agency for temporary relief from federal ultra-low sulfur diesel standards and for suspension of Texas Low Emission Diesel (TxLED) requirements across 110 Texas counties, arguing that the relief would help move more fuel to retail pumps.
"Texas agriculture and freight run on diesel," the governor's office quoted Abbott as saying. "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."
Advocates for the move say the changes will reduce transportation and shipping costs and help ease price pressure for consumers. Environmental groups and some public-health advocates warn the relaxations could increase emissions and undermine air quality gains achieved under low-sulfur and clean-fuel rules.
Context and Comparisons
Similar debates over seasonal fuel rules and clean-fuel policies have taken place elsewhere in the United States. For example, lawmakers in Washington have pushed for year-round sales of E15 to smooth seasonal supply issues, while New Mexico has advanced a clean fuel program intended to reduce transportation costs through regulatory reform.
Bottom line: Texas is prioritizing immediate cost relief for agriculture and freight by temporarily loosening diesel and weight restrictions, while the state and federal agencies weigh environmental trade-offs and supply benefits.
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