With diesel prices soaring and the global fuel supply facing disruptions, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday declared a statewide disaster. The Republican's move allows temporarily expanding the use of tax-exempt dyed diesel beyond farms and construction sites, loosening weight limits on some truck loads, and pausing certain federal diesel emissions rules, the Washington Post reports. AAA pegs the state's average diesel price at $5.86 a gallon. "Texas agriculture and freight run on diesel," Abbott said, adding that the move will trim expenses "on the farm, on the road, and at the store." The 30-day declaration can be extended.
Abbott stopped short of suspending the state's 20-cent-per-gallon fuel tax; a step Democrats have been demanding. Texas is a midterm hotspot, with voters deciding races that include governor and US Senate; Abbott is running for reelection against Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, and Democratic state Rep. James Talarico is up against GOP Attorney General Ken Paxton for Senate. The Texas Democratic Party brought up President Trump in its statement Monday on fuel prices, per the Texas Tribune. "Abbott must also demand that Donald Trump lift his absurd tariffs and halt the unnecessary war that are driving up costs for Texans," the party said. "Abbott cannot keep asking working families to shoulder the burden of his political loyalty to Trump while Texans pay the price."
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