Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott declared a statewide disaster Monday to bring down record diesel prices, loosening restrictions on fuel and commercial transportation as high energy costs become a major issue ahead of the November midterm elections.
The 30-day disaster declaration allows Texas farmers and truckers to use dyed diesel on public roads, increases the allowable weight for certain fuel, agricultural, and timber loads, and suspends Texas Low Emission Diesel rules to the extent the federal government authorizes.
Abbott also asked the Environmental Protection Agency to temporarily waive federal ultra-low sulfur diesel requirements, which could allow additional fuel to reach Texas markets.
“Texas agriculture and freight run on diesel,” Abbott said. “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.”
Texas diesel was averaging $5.84 per gallon Tuesday, according to AAA, compared with $3.16 a year ago.
The emergency order does not eliminate Texas’ 20-cent-per-gallon motor fuel tax, according to the Washington Post. Democrats have called on Abbott to suspend the tax, but the governor’s office has argued that he does not have the unilateral authority to do so.
Dyed diesel, sometimes called red diesel, is the same as conventional diesel but is normally reserved for off-road uses such as agriculture and construction. It is generally exempt from motor-fuel taxes, which ordinarily means it cannot be used on public roads. Abbott’s proclamation temporarily removes those state restrictions.
The order also permits certain fuel, agricultural, and timber loads to travel at a gross weight of up to 95,000 pounds and suspends associated permitting requirements.
The moves come as fuel prices have become a defining economic issue ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Abbott, currently seeking reelection, is facing Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa. Hinojosa has called on Abbott to suspend the state gas tax.
The Texas Democratic Party also criticized the governor’s response Monday, arguing that he should suspend the fuel tax and blaming President Donald Trump’s foreign policy for higher costs.
The price spike has been driven in part by disruptions to global energy supplies. The Texas Tribune reported that diesel in the state was selling for about $3.30 per gallon in early February, before the current surge.
Texas is not the only state responding. Georgia GOP Governor Brian Kemp also declared an emergency Monday and suspended that state’s fuel tax for 30 days. Meanwhile, Louisiana Republican Governor Jeff Landry announced last week that certain agricultural and timber operators could use dyed diesel.
The White House is separately considering measures to increase diesel supplies and lower prices, including broader use of red-dyed diesel, Reuters reported. President Trump has also called for a ban on diesel exports, though Energy Secretary Chris Wright has warned that an export ban could push prices higher.
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