BISMARCK, N.D. — Governor Kelly Armstrong, representing North Dakota's Republican Party, formally issued an executive order on Tuesday that declares a diesel fuel emergency across the state. This significant action by the governor addresses the ongoing and persistent price increases for diesel fuel, which have been a burden on local operations and residents. The emergency declaration is specifically designed to alleviate some of the financial pressure faced by North Dakota's agricultural sector.
The executive order's central aim is to provide temporary financial relief for farmers. It achieves this by strategically expanding the permitted applications and uses of red-dyed diesel fuel. Historically, the use of dyed diesel has been subject to strict regulations, primarily limited to off-road machinery. However, this new declaration now permits its use for on-highway purposes when connected to agricultural activities. This change directly targets the high costs at the pump currently impacting the region.
Under the terms of the governor's order, the expanded use of dyed diesel fuel is now permissible for licensed motor vehicles. Crucially, these vehicles must be directly associated with, and used in connection with, agricultural operations. This expansion serves the overarching goal of making more affordable fuel options readily available for farmers. This is intended to assist them with both their extensive in-field work, which relies heavily on diesel-powered equipment, and their necessary on-highway transportation. Farmers frequently transport crops, livestock, and equipment across roads, and access to more economical fuel during these crucial movements is vital. This relief comes at a critical time, as the state is presently in the heart of its annual harvest season, a period when fuel consumption by agricultural businesses peaks.
The declaration from Governor Armstrong took immediate effect as of its issuance on Tuesday. It is established to remain in full force and effect for a defined period, specifically running through the conclusion of November. This provides a temporary window for farmers to utilize the expanded fuel options. It is important for residents and agricultural operators to understand that this executive order, while significant for state-level fuel usage, does not introduce any changes to the federal government’s existing excise tax. That federal levy, amounting to 24.4-cents-per-gallon on diesel fuel, remains unaffected by the state's emergency declaration.
