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US state emergency declarations over diesel fuel costs

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2026-10-12 01:58 UTC → 2026-10-21 18:26 UTC · added removed

In late September 2026, governors in Arkansas and Texas declared states of emergency to address rising diesel fuel costs and shortages impacting the agricultural, ranching, and transportation sectors. In Arkansas, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued an executive order allowing farmers and timber operators to use dyed diesel on public highways without state taxes or penalties to support the fall harvest. penalties. Similarly, Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared an emergency to waive restrictions on dyed diesel, commercial shipping weight limits, and certain emission standards to mitigate supply chain expenses. standards. By mid-October, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear also declared a state of emergency, permitting the use of untaxed or dyed diesel on public roads. This measure, which follows a federal executive order, aims to provide relief from rising fuel costs attributed to the ongoing war in Iran. The Kentucky order is intended to assist farmers transporting products during the fall harvest and will remain in effect until the conflict in Iran ends or the federal order expires on December 31, 2026. On October 21, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a 60-day state of emergency across all 55 counties to combat soaring diesel prices. The order temporarily suspends state penalties for commercial vehicles using red-dyed diesel on public highways, a move estimated to save drivers approximately 20.5 cents per gallon. This follows a federal executive order signed on October 5 directing the Treasury Department to examine deferring federal excise taxes. West Virginia officials noted that diesel prices had risen to approximately $6.34 per gallon, up from $3.57 per gallon the previous year, posing risks to the coal, forestry, and natural gas industries.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-21 18:26 UTC US state emergency declarations over diesel fuel costs
  2. 2026-10-12 01:58 UTC US state emergency declarations over diesel fuel costs

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