Whitmer suspends penalties for dyed diesel use on highways

On Monday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order that temporarily suspends restrictions preventing vehicles with farm or wood harvester plates from using dyed diesel on Michigan highways until Dec. 31. The order follows similar moves by other states and a federal executive order issued on Oct. 5, which also lifted penalties for dyed diesel use. The temporary relief will allow farm and logging vehicles to use dyed diesel on highways without penalty, easing financial strain on the state's ag economy.

The average diesel price in Michigan was $6.49 per gallon on Monday, up from $3.66 a year earlier. By allowing dyed diesel use on highways, the order will save farmers and loggers upwards of 50 cents per gallon over the next three months. Whitmer said the order will provide immediate relief and keep work moving for Michigan's ag economy.

The order was requested by the Michigan Association of Timbermen, the Michigan Farm Bureau, and other agriculture and forestry associations, who urged for 90 days of temporary relief from penalties on dyed diesel. The executive order addresses the financial strain from record-high diesel prices, tight margins, and market volatility. The relief will help those who do not have trucks on the road and support the state's ag economy.

Read the full story at michiganadvance.com.