Republican Governor Declares Statewide Disaster Amid Skyrocketing Diesel Costs– wltreport.com

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statewide disaster proclamation to “help lower costs for Texas farmers, truckers, & families by expanding access to dyed diesel and increasing allowable weights for fuel, agricultural, & timber loads.”

“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,” he continued.

“Dyed diesel is off-road fuel marked red, typically used in agricultural operations, and sold without a motor-fuels tax. Because it is untaxed, state law ordinarily bars its use on public roadways. The Governor’s proclamation suspends state restrictions and associated penalties so operators can use such fuel on Texas roads. It does not waive the underlying fuel tax,” a press release from Abbott’s office read.

“The proclamation also suspends state oversize and overweight permitting requirements for vehicles loaded with fuel, agricultural, or timber products and allows those loads at a gross weight of up to 95,000 pounds. Governor Abbott asked EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for a temporary Clean Air Act waiver of federal ultra-low sulfur diesel rules and the TxLED rules that apply in 110 Texas counties. Those standards limit which diesel can be sold, and a waiver would allow more fuel to reach Texas pumps,” it continued.

Gov. Abbott issued a statewide disaster proclamation to help lower costs for Texas farmers, truckers, & families by expanding access to dyed diesel and increasing allowable weights for fuel, agricultural, & timber loads.

Texas is taking action to keep goods moving & costs down. pic.twitter.com/7oq5KYVzIR

— Governor Abbott Press Office (@GovAbbottPress) September 28, 2026