Texas governor declares statewide emergency to tackle high fuel prices

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a statewide disaster aimed at reducing high fuel prices by easing restrictions on diesel use and transportation.

According to The Washington Post, Abbott’s order allows expanded use of dyed diesel, increases allowable truck-load weights and suspends some diesel emissions rules.

Dyed diesel is generally restricted to off-road agricultural and construction equipment and is exempt from state and federal taxes. Diesel prices are averaging $5.86 per gallon, according to AAA.

“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.”

However, the emergency declaration does not waive Texas’ underlying fuel tax of 20 cents per gallon, which Democrats have urged Abbott to suspend.

The measures come as Abbott, a Republican, faces Democratic state Representative Gina Hinojosa in the November gubernatorial election, with fuel costs emerging as an issue.