Whitmer Waives Taxes on Diesel for Michigan Farmers, Loggers with Emergency Declaration
The order gives farmers and loggers temporary relief as diesel prices stay high and state officials seek to keep agricultural work moving.
- On Monday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order declaring an energy emergency, temporarily suspending state penalties for using dyed diesel on public highways through December 31, 2026.
- Rising costs prompted the action, as Whitmer said farmers and loggers face "unprecedented financial strain from record-high diesel prices." The order follows a September 30 request from 20 industry organizations seeking temporary relief.
- Mirroring a federal move by President Donald Trump, the order allows highway-licensed farm vehicles to use dyed diesel, which is typically reserved for off-road agricultural machinery.
- Industry leaders offered mixed reactions, as Michigan Farm Bureau President Ben LaCross said "every bit of savings helps," while Michigan Association of Timbermen executive director Justin Knepper noted it is "not the long-lasting relief that we need."
- Mark Griffin, president of the Michigan Petroleum Association, noted the fuel is not widely available at gas stations, meaning the change will not significantly impact the general public through the end of 2026.
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Gretchen Whitmer blames 'DC Republicans' as she moves to ease diesel costs after Rogers' tax-relief call - The Midwesterner
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state energy emergency Monday and authorized certain farmers and loggers to use dyed diesel fuel on public roads, taking a targeted step to ease fuel costs after Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers called for a 70-cent-per-gallon diesel tax reprieve. Whitmer framed her move as a response to rising costs...
Gov. Whitmer signs order to ease restrictions of dyed diesel
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a statewide energy emergency to temporarily allow certain farm and logging vehicles in Michigan to use dyed diesel on public roads, citing record-high diesel prices and financial strain on agriculture and forestry operations through the fall…
Whitmer eases diesel rules for farmers, loggers as Iran war drives up fuel prices
Citing a spike in diesel prices tied to the war in Iran, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a statewide energy emergency Monday, temporarily allowing vehicles used for farming and wood harvesting to use dyed diesel on Michigan roads.
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