HOUSTON — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) declared a statewide disaster Monday to address high fuel prices, allowing expanded use of dyed diesel, raising the allowable weight for certain truck loads, and suspending some federal diesel emission rules.
Dyed diesel is normally restricted to off-road farm and construction equipment and is exempt from federal and state taxes.
AAA reports an average diesel price of $5.86 per gallon in Texas.
“Texas agriculture and freight run on diesel. Record prices put both industries at risk and raise costs for every Texas family,” Abbott said. “… These steps cut costs on the farm, on the road, and at the store.”
Abbott’s order does not waive the underlying fuel tax of 20 cents per gallon, which Democrats have called on him to suspend.
Abbott is locked in a tight reelection race against Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa.
This past weekend, Democratic state Rep. James Talarico urged his Republican opponent for the U.S. Senate, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, to support suspending federal gas taxes. Paxton responded with a statement saying he wants to eliminate federal gas taxes.
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