Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statewide disaster proclamation allowing the use of dyed diesel on public roads and raising weight limits for commercial loads carrying fuel, agricultural, or timber products. "Record prices put both industries at risk and raise costs for every Texas family," Abbott said.
The proclamation suspends state restrictions that normally prohibit dyed diesel—an untaxed off-road fuel typically used in agricultural operations—on Texas highways. It does not waive the underlying fuel tax. The order also eliminates state oversize and overweight permitting requirements, allowing vehicles loaded with fuel, agricultural, or timber products to reach a gross weight of up to 95,000 pounds.
Dyed diesel is off-road fuel marked red and ordinarily sold without a motor-fuels tax. State law has historically barred its use on public roadways because it is untaxed.
Abbott also requested that the EPA waive federal ultra-low sulfur diesel requirements and suspend Texas Low Emission Diesel (TxLED) rules, which apply in 110 Texas counties. The governor said the waiver would allow more fuel to reach Texas pumps.