NASHVILLE — Help is on the way for the Tennesseans who feed and fuel America. Gov. Bill Lee has directed Tennessee state departments to suspend enforcement of dyed diesel restrictions through the end of October, giving farmers and foresters room to breathe during harvest season.
“On Friday, I directed TN state departments to suspend enforcement of dyed diesel restrictions through the end of October to provide relief for farmers & foresters during harvest season,” Gov. Lee posted October 6. “Thank you, @RealDonaldTrump, for standing with the Tennesseans who feed & fuel our country.”
The move works hand in hand with Washington. On October 5, President Trump signed an executive order to cut diesel costs by temporarily allowing highway use of tax-free dyed diesel and deferring the federal diesel tax on that fuel through the end of the year — no interest, no penalties, as Rapid Response 47 announced that night.
Dyed diesel is normally limited to off-road equipment, and it runs about 51 cents a gallon cheaper than regular diesel in Tennessee, according to the Tennessee Lookout. With the state pausing enforcement, Tennessee farmers and loggers can put that cheaper fuel to work on public roads while they bring in the crop.
That is America First federalism: a President who moves fast for working families and a Republican governor who matches him at the state line. Watch Rapid Response 47’s video of President Trump’s dyed diesel executive order.
