Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller welcomed Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to waive certain restrictions on dyed diesel fuel and increase allowable truck weights, but said more relief is needed, according to a Sept. 28 news release from the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Miller called the governor’s action a positive first step and renewed his call for the state to suspend its motor fuels tax, the release said. The department said fuel prices continue to squeeze Texas farmers, ranchers, truckers and working families, and that Miller wants meaningful, immediate relief at the pump rather than temporary regulatory flexibility.
The governor’s office said in its own news release that Abbott’s disaster proclamation allows dyed diesel to be used on Texas roads and permits fuel, agricultural and timber loads at a gross weight of up to 95,000 pounds. That release said the proclamation does not waive the underlying fuel tax.
“I first called on Governor Abbott to temporarily suspend the motor fuels tax in April and renewed that call just last week. I’m glad the Governor is finally taking action; he must have gotten a new poll,” Miller said in the statement.
Miller said the waiver leaves out most drivers. “This relief only helps certain trucks running diesel. It does nothing for the millions of hardworking Texas families filling up their cars and pickups every week,” he said. “Every Texan is feeling the squeeze because high fuel prices drive up the cost of producing our food, hauling our goods, running our businesses, and getting to work.”
“So, for the third time, I’m calling on Governor Abbott to temporarily suspend the state motor fuels tax on both gasoline and diesel for everyone. Not just some trucks. Not just some industries. Everyone,” Miller said. He closed his statement with a direct appeal to the governor: “Governor, let’s finish the job. Suspend the motor fuels tax.”
The department’s release did not say whether the governor’s office has responded to the renewed request.