Alabama Governor Kay Ivey directed the state's law enforcement agency to halt enforcement on dyed diesel fuel for 120 days to aid agricultural and timber industries hit by rising fuel prices.
Dyed diesel fuel is tax-exempt fuel normally reserved for off-road equipment and machinery. Ivey said the increase in diesel prices "has been particularly sharp relative to other fuel prices" and directly affected these industries.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's enforcement changes took effect immediately and will extend through the state's harvest season, which runs through November 15. According to Ivey, this is "a measured, doable and commonsense action to help out Alabama's agricultural and timber communities."
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said the directive provides "a practical and timely measure to support Alabama's farmers and timber operators as they navigate the impact of increased fuel costs," while emphasizing the agency remains committed to maintaining road safety.
The governor also directed the Alabama Department of Revenue to request penalty relief from the Internal Revenue Service for affected taxpayers.