What happened
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of emergency due to high diesel prices, which have reached a record average of $5.84 per gallon. In response, Abbott has loosened restrictions on fuel and commercial transportation to help bring down costs.
The 30-day disaster declaration allows farmers and truckers to use dyed diesel on public roads and increases the allowable weight for certain fuel, agricultural, and timber loads. Additionally, the Texas Low Emission Diesel rules have been suspended to the extent authorized by the federal government.
Abbott has also requested that the Environmental Protection Agency temporarily waive federal ultra-low sulfur diesel requirements, which could allow more fuel to reach Texas markets. The move is intended to cut costs for farmers, truckers, and families across the state.
The emergency order does not suspend the state's 20-cent-per-gallon motor fuel tax, despite calls from Democrats to do so. Other states, including Georgia and Louisiana, have also taken steps to address the high diesel prices, with Georgia suspending its fuel tax for 30 days and Louisiana allowing certain operators to use dyed diesel.
The White House is considering measures to increase diesel supplies and lower prices, including broader use of red-dyed diesel. President Trump has called for a ban on diesel exports, but Energy Secretary Chris Wright has warned that this could push prices higher.
