Gov. Greg Abbott declares statewide emergency over soaring diesel prices in Texas
The emergency move is aimed at easing record diesel prices and supply shortages that threaten Texas agriculture, ranching and freight, officials said.
- On Monday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statewide disaster proclamation for all 254 counties, temporarily suspending restrictions on dyed-diesel use on public roads and raising allowable gross weights to 95,000 pounds for fuel, agricultural, and timber loads.
- The 30-day declaration responds to record-high diesel prices of $5.97 per gallon and a worsening fuel shortage driven by global market disruptions and escalating conflicts abroad that have strained supply chains.
- While state rules barring untaxed dyed diesel on public highways are suspended, the 20-cent fuel tax remains in effect; Abbott also requested that EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin waive federal ultra-low sulfur diesel requirements across 110 counties.
- These measures aim to provide immediate relief for the state's agricultural, ranching, and freight industries, though Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa challenged the Governor to waive the state gas tax, a move his office claims exceeds his authority.
- Affordability has become a central campaign issue ahead of the November 3 midterm elections; Abbott previously invoked similar emergency powers in 2024 to suspend dyed-diesel restrictions during wildfires in The Panhandle.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Texas Governor Declares Disaster Over Soaring Diesel Prices
Texas ranchers and truckers could start seeing some relief at the fuel pump starting this week after Gov. Greg Abbott proclaimed a statewide disaster on Sept. 28 to ease diesel shortages. “Texas agriculture and freight run on diesel,” Abbott said in a statement. “Record prices put both industries at risk and raise costs for every Texas family.” Record-high diesel prices in the Lone Star State have increased in the past few weeks, hovering at an …
Gov. Abbott Waives Dyed-Diesel Restrictions
AUSTIN, TX — Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statewide disaster proclamation Monday that allows expanded use of dyed diesel on Texas roads and increases allowable weights for certain fuel, agricultural, and timber loads amid high diesel prices.The proclamation also suspends Texas Low Emission Diesel rules to the extent authorized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Abbott separately asked EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for a temporary waiver of…
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